New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program

Skilled Worker Applicants

... about the Provincial Nominee Program

What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Worker Applicants?

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is a provincial immigration program made possible through an agreement between the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada. The Program allows New Brunswick to play an active role in selecting skilled immigrants to meet specific economic and labour market needs.

What is a provincial nominee?

A provincial nominee is an individual whose application for permanent residence has been approved by the Government of New Brunswick. A Nominee receives a confirmation letter when his/her file is sent to the visa post.

Who is eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program as a Skilled Worker?

To be considered under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, a skilled worker must have a guaranteed offer of employment from a New Brunswick employer or have family members who are citizens and permanent residents of New Brunswick, who have been living and working in the province for a minimum of one year, and who have made a commitment to assist you to settle in New Brunswick.

How do I know if I qualify for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program?

Call 03-6361761.As a skilled worker with employer support, you will meet eligibility criteria and be assessed according to selection criteria for six factors: age, education, work experience, language ability, adaptability and funds. As a skilled worker with family support you will be assessed on an offer of full time employment or employment skills based on education and training, language skills, work experience, age and ability to adapt to New Brunswick, surrounded by a supportive family.

I have recently submitted an application to the Provincial Nominee Program. What happens next?

If your file is well prepared, you will receive an e-mail notice confirming your application has been received along with a request for additional information within 30 business days of your application being received. If your file is incomplete your application will be returned to you along with a checklist of missing or incomplete information and documents.

How long will it take to receive a final decision on my application for permanent residence?

Processing times vary, however, successful provincial nominee applicants typically receive permanent resident status considerably faster than individuals applying through other immigration programs.

If my application is declined, can I appeal the decision, or if not, can I apply again?

New Brunswick will select applicants who best meet the qualifications and objectives of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. Decisions on applications are final. There is no appeal process; however, applicants can apply again two (2) years from the date of their first application if their situation changes substantively or if they have new information to submit. Applicants also have the option to apply to federal programs with New Brunswick as their destination.

Can I apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program if I have been refused under another provincial or federal immigration program?

Yes you can still apply. You must advise the Provincial Nominee Program of the refusal and provide copies of all correspondence related to the refusal. The correspondence must include sufficient information to allow the Immigration Program officer to evaluate the reasons for your refusal.

If I have dependants, relatives or friends living somewhere else in Canada will that cause my application to be automatically refused?

In the Declaration of Commitment to New Brunswick (NBPNP-003) Applicants declare that they understand that the Government of New Brunswick only nominates individuals who intend to live in New Brunswick along with their dependent family members. The Provincial Nominee Program requires applicants to demonstrate a strong commitment to meet the residency requirement whether the applicant has or does not have dependents, relatives or friends in another province. Having friends or relatives in another province does not automatically cause an application to be refused. However, the program must be convinced that the applicant will not come to Canada and reside in the province where those friends or relatives currently live. It is up to the Applicant to convince the program of his/her sincerity to settle in New Brunswick.

... about the Application Process

Should I include all family members in my application?

Yes, you should include all family members in your application, whether or not they will accompany you to Canada. The following family members may be included in your application for permanent residence under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: (a) Your spouse or common-law partner; (b) Your dependent child or dependent child of your spouse or common-law partner; and (c) A dependent child of your dependent child.

What fees will I have to pay?

Will I require a medical examination?

You and your family members, whether they will be accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical examination. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide instructions.

Business Applicants

... about the Provincial Nominee Program

Who is eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program as a Business Applicant?

To be considered under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, a business applicant must have a business plan or business proposal approved by a New Brunswick official that is deemed to be of economic benefit to the Province. Call 03-6361761 for more information.

How do I know if I qualify for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program?

When eligibility criteria have been met and the business plan or business proposal has been approved, then you will be assessed according to selection criteria for five (5) factors: age, language skills, education, adaptability and business experience. Refer to the section titled Selection Factors for more information.

... about the Exploratory Visit to New Brunswick

Must I make an exploratory visit before submitting my application for permanent residence?

Yes. As a first step toward nomination, principal applicants are required to make at least one (1) exploratory visit to New Brunswick prior to submitting a formal application to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. The visit must be for a minimum of five (5) business days, or longer. Travel to and from New Brunswick and statutory holidays should not be included in the five (5) days.

Will I be interviewed by an Immigration Program Officer with the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program?

Yes, you will participate in an interview with an official from the Government of New Brunswick. Interviews are all held in Fredericton, New Brunswick and are conducted at the end of the exploratory visit. The interview will not be conducted on or before day five (5) of your visit.

... about the Business Applicant Program

Is there a deadline to apply for permanent residence?

Business applicants must apply for permanent residence within one (1) year of the interview held in New Brunswick.

I have never owned a business. Does this affect my chances of qualifying?

Applicants must have at least two (2) years minimum experience as a senior manager, with proven decision making responsibilities in a successful business.

How do I apply as a business applicant?

Business applicants must submit a Business Plan or Business Proposal that is deemed to be of economic benefit to New Brunswick. A Business Plan describes how a specific business will be developed and operated in New Brunswick. A Business Proposal may be submitted as an alternative to a formal business plan in cases where applicants require more time to explore business opportunities before choosing a specific business.

What kind of business will be considered?

The Provincial Nominee Program offers flexibility in the types of businesses being considered. It is essential that the approved business provides the applicant with a day-to-day management role in the company.

How much personal net worth must I have to qualify as a business applicant?

You will provide a verified personal net worth of at least CDN $300,000.00. The actual amount of the funds required will depend upon the planned business venture in New Brunswick. This amount includes the minimum required investment of CDN $125,000.00 to start the business and settle your family members for up to two (2) years without third party assistance. Personal net worth is defined as the value of your total assets, less the value of total liabilities.

How much does the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program require me to invest in my business?

The amount of investment you make will be determined by the type of business you establish, its size, whether it will be a new business or an existing business or an existing business in which you become an active partner. However, the investment amount must not be lower than CDN $125,000.00.

What is a Deposit Agreement?

The Deposit Agreement specifies the terms and conditions of your agreement to make a financial investment in a business in New Brunswick. It is intended to ensure that your commitment to live in New Brunswick and manage the day-to-day operations of the business is respected. Any changes to the Deposit Agreement must be discussed and approved in writing by a representative from the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program before proceeding.

When do I deposit the CDN $75,000.00?

The deposit is made to the Government of New Brunswick after a business application is approved and prior to nomination. A Deposit Agreement contract and details for making the payment are included when a letter of approval is sent to the applicant by the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program.

May I change my plans for my business venture after I arrive in New Brunswick?

You may do so only with written approval of an Immigration Program Officer with the Population Growth Secretariat. Contact the Population Growth Secretariat as soon as you think you may have difficulty fulfilling the terms and conditions of your Deposit Agreement.

What if I need more than two (2) years after landing to establish my business?

Extensions beyond two (2) years may be granted depending on your circumstances and the kinds of activities you undertook within the two (2) year period. Extensions are not automatically granted and require a reasonable explanation as to why the request should be granted.