Getting New Brunswick Pr: How Long?

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is a Canadian PNP that offers unique pathways for permanent residency. The program was designed to make the permanent residence application process easy for skilled workers by introducing the New Brunswick skilled worker stream. The program also targets business enthusiasts and their families who want to settle in the province permanently. The NBPNP has five immigration streams: the Express Entry Stream, the Skilled Worker Stream, the Business Immigration Stream, the Strategic Initiative Stream, and the Critical Worker Pilot. Each stream has specific eligibility requirements, and candidates must meet the minimum requirements and selection factors to qualify. The processing time for eligible applications can be up to three months or more, and applicants are required to apply for a permanent resident visa within six months of receiving a nomination certificate.

Language proficiency requirements

To obtain permanent residency in New Brunswick, Canada, applicants must meet the language proficiency requirements set by the province and the federal government. The ability to communicate in English or French is essential for successful immigration and integration into Canadian society. Here is an overview of the language proficiency requirements:

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

The NBPNP has different streams, such as the Express Entry Labour Market Stream, Skilled Worker with Family Support, and Skilled Worker with Employer Support. Regardless of the stream, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French. The minimum requirement is often set at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher in all four language abilities: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Language test results must be obtained from designated agencies, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, and TEF for French. These results must be no older than two years.

Education Requirements

For educational credentials obtained outside of Canada, applicants may need to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. This report verifies the authenticity and equivalence of their foreign degree, diploma, or certificate to Canadian standards. The report is issued by an organization designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Federal Skilled Worker Program

For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must prove their English or French language ability through an approved language test. The minimum results required are determined by the specific program. The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are used to measure English proficiency, while the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) are used for French.

Validity of Language Test Results

It is important to note that language test results have an expiration date. When submitting an application for permanent residence, the test results must be less than two years old. Applicants should ensure their results are valid when applying or consider applying before their results expire.

Language Proficiency Levels

In New Brunswick, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour (PETL) evaluates the language proficiency of government employees and applicants for government positions. They use a scale with several levels to assess oral proficiency in English or French. The levels range from Basic (simple directives and instructions) to Intermediate (simple explanations and discussions about events), Advanced (detailed explanations and defending opinions), and Superior (persuasion, negotiation, and subtle use of language).

Language Proficiency for Students

For international students applying to educational institutions in New Brunswick, such as the University of New Brunswick, there are specific English language requirements. These institutions often require applicants to provide evidence of English proficiency through recognized linguistic tests or completion of pathway programs offered by their English language training partners. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), and others. The minimum scores required vary for each test.

Education requirements

All of New Brunswick's immigration programs require a minimum education level that is equivalent to a Canadian High School diploma. If you do not have Canadian education credentials, you will need to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) that confirms the Canadian equivalency of your education.

To apply for a Canadian study permit, prospective international students must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). As each institution may have different admission requirements and application processes, interested applicants may contact the desired institution(s) individually.

If you are applying for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), you must have either a post-secondary academic degree requiring a minimum of three years of full-time study, or a diploma in a specific trade requiring at least two years of full-time study.

For the NBPNP's Skilled Worker with Family Support stream, applicants must have the education, qualifications, and/or licence/certification needed to perform the job duties in their intended occupation.

For the NBPNP's Skilled Worker with Employer Support stream, applicants must have the education, qualifications, and/or licences and certification needed to perform the job in New Brunswick. Applicants must have at least a high school level of education.

For the NBPNP's Business stream, applicants must have at least a high school diploma.

For the Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP), candidates must have completed their education at a school in New Brunswick.

Work experience requirements

The work experience requirements for permanent residency in New Brunswick, Canada, depend on the stream through which candidates apply. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers several streams, each with its own unique work experience criteria. Here is an overview of the work experience requirements for some of the common streams:

Express Entry Labour Market Stream

The Express Entry Labour Market Stream (EELMS) is aimed at highly skilled overseas workers who can contribute to the economy of New Brunswick. To be eligible, candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid skilled work experience in the province in the three years before applying. This work experience must be in NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream is for candidates who have received a full-time, permanent job offer from a New Brunswick employer. For this stream, work experience is not a mandatory requirement. However, candidates must demonstrate that they are qualified for the position being offered.

Skilled Worker with Family Support

The Skilled Worker with Family Support stream is for individuals with close family ties to the province who have worked in New Brunswick. Candidates must have at least two years of continuous, full-time work experience in their intended occupation in New Brunswick within the last five years.

Skilled Worker with Employer Support

The Skilled Worker with Employer Support stream is for workers who have received a full-time, permanent offer of employment from a New Brunswick employer. Work experience is not listed as a mandatory requirement for this stream. However, candidates must demonstrate that they are qualified for the job being offered.

Entrepreneurial Stream

The Entrepreneurial Stream is aimed at senior business managers or experienced business owners who intend to reside in New Brunswick. This stream does not have specific work experience requirements. However, candidates must demonstrate business experience, either through three years of business ownership or five years of senior management experience in the last five years.

Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

The Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream is for overseas citizens who have graduated from a post-secondary school in New Brunswick and have set up a thriving business in the province. Candidates must have owned and operated a business in the province for at least one year.

Skilled Worker Stream for Truck Drivers

The Skilled Worker Stream for Truck Drivers specifically targets candidates under NOC 7511 for Transport Truck Drivers. Candidates must have two years of work experience in the last five, including nine months in New Brunswick on a Labour Market Impact Assessment-supported work permit or a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Selection factors

The selection factors for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) vary depending on the stream. The streams are:

• New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
• New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
• New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
• New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

New Brunswick Express Entry Stream

To be eligible for this stream, candidates must meet the following selection factors:

• Have an active profile in Express Entry
• Be residing and working in New Brunswick
• Provide a letter of employment offered by the employer
• Be employed in a NOC Code B, A, or 0 position
• Have a lawful Canadian Work Permit
• Have authentic test scores in English or French corresponding to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7
• Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report demonstrating an education level on par with a Canadian High School Diploma

New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream

The selection factors for this stream are:

• Have a genuine job offer for permanent, full-time employment in an eligible occupation
• Be offered a competitive wage that meets or exceeds the median wage level for the occupation in the specific region of New Brunswick
• Intend to reside in New Brunswick
• Have the required certificate or license if the job offer is for a regulated occupation

New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream

The selection factors for this stream include:

• Have an eligible connection to New Brunswick
• Be aged between 22 and 55
• Have a minimum of two years of post-secondary education
• Score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark exam for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French
• Have legally acquired a personal net worth of at least $600,000, with at least $300,000 available in unencumbered liquidity
• Invest at least $250,000 in a New Brunswick business, taking ownership of at least 33%
• Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the New Brunswick provincial government and pay a deposit of $100,000
• The business must create significant economic benefits for New Brunswick
• Show business experience – either three years of ownership or five years of senior management experience in the last five years
• Submit a business concept of 1,000 to 1,500 words
• Conduct an exploratory visit to New Brunswick or participate in an information session offered by the New Brunswick provincial government
• Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick

New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream

The selection factors for this stream are:

• Be aged between 22 and 40
• Score at least level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French
• Have completed at least two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized New Brunswick university or community college
• Have lived in New Brunswick for the duration of the course
• Have 100% owned and operated a business for one full year
• Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit
• Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick

Application processing times

The application processing time for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) can vary depending on the stream chosen and other factors. Here is an overview of the application process and the associated timelines:

Step 1: Submitting Your Application

To initiate the process, candidates must submit a complete application along with all the required supporting documentation. This typically includes creating a Federal Express Entry profile, registering with the New Brunswick INB system, and submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province. The EOI intake period can vary, and New Brunswick does not always announce when it is open to receiving new EOIs.

Step 2: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once the application and EOI are submitted, candidates wait to receive an ITA from New Brunswick. The selection of candidates is based on immigration allocations, application volumes, and the province's labour market needs.

Step 3: Application Submission and Processing

Upon receiving an ITA, candidates have 45 calendar days to submit their complete electronic application, along with the required processing fee. The government of New Brunswick then assesses the application according to eligibility requirements and selection factors. The processing time for eligible applications can be up to three months or more.

Step 4: Nomination and Permanent Residency Application

If the application is successful, the candidate receives a nomination certificate from the Government of New Brunswick. Within six months of receiving this nomination, applicants must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a permanent resident visa. IRCC aims to process complete applications within six months of submission.

Therefore, the overall application processing time for the NBPNP can range from six months to a year or more, depending on various factors such as the stream chosen, the volume of applications, and the province's labour market needs.

Frequently asked questions