Key Facts
Provincial overview
How NBPNP Operates in 2026
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is the most active provincial nominee program in the Atlantic region, issuing 2,352 invitations in the first half of 2026. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick actively seeks both English- and French-speaking newcomers.
The province manages pathways including the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream (supporting candidates with job offers from designated NB employers), and the Strategic Initiative for Francophone immigrants.
Pathways breakdown
Active Nomination Streams
Detailed overview of base and enhanced provincial streams, job offer rules, and target candidates.
| Stream Name | Type | Job Offer | Target Profile & Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick Express Entry Stream | Enhanced (+600) | Varies | Connected to federal Express Entry; invites candidates living/working in NB or matching target occupational needs. Ideal for: Express Entry candidates with ties to New Brunswick or priority skills. |
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream | Base | Required | For workers who have received a genuine, permanent, full-time job offer from a licensed New Brunswick employer. Ideal for: Foreign workers with local employment contracts across TEER 0–5. |
| Strategic Initiative (Francophone) | Base | Not Required | For French-speaking workers with the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to New Brunswick's economy. Ideal for: Francophone professionals targeting life in New Brunswick. |
| Critical Worker Pilot (Employer-Led) | Base | Required | Working with designated major employers in aquaculture, manufacturing, and transport. Ideal for: Workers recruited directly by participating New Brunswick employers. |
Core Eligibility Requirements for NBPNP
- Genuine full-time permanent job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer (Skilled Worker stream).
- For Express Entry: active profile in the federal pool, meeting 67 points on the NB selection grid.
- For Francophone Strategic Initiative: minimum NCLC 5 in French, exploratory visit or valid connection, and required settlement funds.
- Work experience: minimum 1 year of continuous related skilled work experience.
- Language proficiency: minimum CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 roles; CLB 7 for Express Entry streams.
- Proof of required settlement funds unless currently living and working in New Brunswick.
Roadmap to nomination
Step-by-Step NBPNP Application Process
From initial Expression of Interest registration to provincial nomination and federal landing.
Create Profile in INB
Submit an Expression of Interest via the Immigration New Brunswick portal.
Receive Invitation to Apply
New Brunswick conducts regular invitation rounds based on labour demands.
Submit Full Dossier & $250 Fee
Submit complete application and pay the $250 CAD provincial fee within 45 days.
Obtain Nomination
Receive your provincial nomination certificate (+600 CRS on Express Entry or base nomination).
Apply to IRCC
Submit final PR application.
Candidate profile
Is this province right for you?
Who This Pathway Suits
- Workers with an eligible, permanent job offer from an established New Brunswick employer.
- French-speaking skilled workers qualifying under the Francophone Strategic Initiative.
- International graduates from University of New Brunswick, Université de Moncton, or NBCC.
Who Should Explore Other Routes
- Overseas applicants without French skills and without a verified New Brunswick job offer.
- Candidates who cannot demonstrate genuine intent to reside permanently in New Brunswick.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions: NBPNP
The provincial application fee for the Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams is $250 CAD. The Entrepreneurial stream application fee is $2,000 CAD.
In the first half of 2026, New Brunswick issued 2,352 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), making it the most active provincial nominee program in Atlantic Canada.
No. French is not mandatory for the Skilled Worker or Express Entry streams. However, French proficiency opens the dedicated Strategic Initiative stream and significantly increases invitation opportunities.
Compare other provinces
Explore Other Provincial Nominee Programs
Discover admission allocations, application fees, and unique streams across Canada's other 10 provinces and territories.
Ontario
Canada's largest province: complete breakdown of the restructured Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
British Columbia
Targeted selection steered by the Care, Build, and Innovate economic priorities.
Alberta
Alberta's points-based EOI system with dedicated pathways for tech, healthcare, and rural renewal.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's points-based nomination system: employment offers vs no-job-offer realities.
Manitoba
Community connections and strategic recruitment driving Manitoba's 6,239 nomination spaces.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's streamlined four-stream framework prioritizing healthcare, construction, and graduates.
Important Regulatory Notice
MovesEdu Immigration Pvt. Ltd. is a private educational and migration advisory consultancy, not a government body. Program rules, nomination allocations, settlement fees and intake windows change frequently — always verify current criteria on the official government portals linked on this page. All nomination, endorsement and permanent residency decisions rest exclusively with provincial/territorial authorities, participating communities, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). MovesEdu does not provide job placements, recruitment services, or arrange employment contracts.