New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — pathways to permanent residence for workers, Francophone professionals, and entrepreneurs
The NBPNP offers four main streams and two pilot programs for skilled workers, Express Entry candidates, French-speaking workers, entrepreneurs, and recent graduates. Two of the streams use a points grid with minimum thresholds — making NBPNP one of the more structured Atlantic PNPs.
2026 intake restriction: Effective February 3, 2026, the NB Express Entry stream is not accepting candidates working in Accommodation & Food Services (NAICS 72) or as butchers (NOC 63201).
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Overview
What is the NBPNP — and how does it compare to other Atlantic PNPs?
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is one of the most distinctive Atlantic PNPs — unlike Nova Scotia, which uses purely pass/fail eligibility criteria, two of New Brunswick's main streams use a points-based assessment grid with minimum thresholds. This means your profile is scored, ranked, and compared against other candidates before an invitation is issued.
The program is managed by Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) and run in collaboration with IRCC. It offers four main streams covering skilled workers with NB connections, Express Entry candidates living in NB, French-speaking workers and graduates (Strategic Initiative), and entrepreneurs — plus two pilot programs for specific employer-driven and graduate pathways.
One important rule to note before applying: you cannot withdraw a NB nomination certificate to reapply under a different stream. If you receive a nomination, you are expected to use it to apply for permanent residence before it expires.
Critical rule: Once you receive a NBPNP nomination certificate, withdrawing it to reapply under a different stream or program is not permitted. Make sure you are applying under the right stream before you receive a nomination — this is one of the most important reasons to work with an RCIC before submitting your EOI.
Stream 1
New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream
For skilled foreign nationals currently employed in New Brunswick or who have a qualifying NB job offer. There are three pathways, each targeting a different NB connection. All require full-time, non-seasonal employment with an eligible NB employer who supports the application.
For workers already living and working in NB
Working full-time in a non-seasonal position for an eligible NB employer willing to support your application
At least 6 months of full-time work experience with the supporting employer
Been living in New Brunswick for the past 6 months before submitting EOI
For recent graduates of NB designated learning institutions
Successfully completed a program eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at a designated learning institution (DLI) in New Brunswick
Working full-time in a non-seasonal position for an eligible NB employer, or have accepted such an offer
Language: CLB 4 minimum in reading, writing, listening, and speaking (unless NB study program was conducted in English or French)
For workers recruited through Government of NB missions
This pathway is only available to workers who received a job offer as a direct result of a recruitment mission led by the Government of New Brunswick. The NOC must be in the priority codes specified in the stream guide. Requires at least 1 year of paid work experience related to the position.
This pathway is not open to general applicants — you must have been recruited directly through an official GNB recruitment event or mission abroad.
Employer requirement applies to all pathways: Your NB employer must demonstrate they were unable to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident already living in the province. Employer documentation is required — incomplete employer forms are one of the most common reasons Skilled Worker applications are delayed or rejected.
Stream 2
New Brunswick Express Entry stream
This stream uses a points grid with a minimum score of 67 out of 100 to assess candidates. It is linked to the federal Express Entry pool — a nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Two pathways exist depending on how you are connected to NB.
Important restriction (Feb 2026): NB is not accepting candidates in Accommodation & Food Services (NAICS 72) or as butchers (NOC 63201). Candidates in these sectors can still submit an EOI only if their employer is not directly in the food service sector.
For workers living and working in NB for 12+ months
Working full-time in a non-seasonal NB position under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
Worked full-time for the past 12 consecutive months under TEER 0–3 for the same or a different NB employer while authorized to work in Canada
Been living in New Brunswick for the past 12 months
Active Express Entry profile
Language: CLB 7 minimum in all four language skills
For Express Entry candidates invited by NB directly
This pathway is for candidates who have received a Letter of Interest directly in their federal Express Entry profile from Immigration New Brunswick. NB scans the Express Entry pool and issues letters to candidates who match provincial priorities. You cannot proactively apply — you must wait to be selected. Having strong NB ties (work, study, family) increases your chances of receiving a letter.
NB Express Entry points grid — minimum 67/100 to submit EOI:
Age
Max 12 pts — 22–35 scores highest
Language
Max 28 pts — CLB 7 minimum required
Education
Max 25 pts — ECA required for foreign credentials
Work experience
Max 20 pts — last 5 years
Employment in NB
Max 10 pts — current NB job offer
Adaptability
Max 10 pts — NB connections
Stream 3
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
New Brunswick's dedicated Francophone pathway. This stream is for French-speaking workers and graduates who want to live and work permanently in New Brunswick. It uses a points grid with a minimum of 65 out of 100, and French language proficiency is the highest-weighted factor (max 28 points). Three distinct pathways based on your NB connection:
Pathway 1
Francophone workers in New Brunswick
You are working in a permanent, full-time, non-seasonal position for an eligible NB employer, or have accepted such an offer, AND either you have been living in NB for at least 6 months, or you received the job offer through a GNB-led recruitment mission.
Pathway 2
New Brunswick Francophone priorities
You completed at least a 1-year program at the Université de Moncton or Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) while physically present in NB for the full duration of the program; or you received a Letter of Interest from Immigration New Brunswick.
Pathway 3
Francophones working remotely in New Brunswick
A unique pathway with no NB employer requirement. You must have been living in NB for 12 months and working remotely for a Canadian employer located outside Quebec during that entire period. This is one of the very few NBPNP pathways that does not require a NB-based employer.
Strategic Initiative points grid — minimum 65/100:
Age
Max 12 pts — 19+ required
French language
Max 28 pts — CLB 5 minimum
Education
Max 25 pts — high school min
Work experience
Max 15 pts — 1 yr min in last 10 yrs
Adaptability
Max 20 pts — NB connections
A settlement plan — demonstrating your knowledge of NB's labour market, employment pathways, and the community you plan to settle in — is also required for this stream.
Stream 4
New Brunswick Business Immigration stream
For experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish, operate, and actively manage a business in New Brunswick. Uses a points grid with a minimum of 65 out of 100. Nomination is only confirmed after the business has been operating for 6 consecutive months and the business performance agreement requirements are met.
Minimum eligibility requirements (ALL must be met)
Age: 19 to 59 years old
Language: CLB 4 minimum in all four skills
Education: High school diploma minimum
Net worth: CAD $500,000 minimum ($300,000 for farming applicants)
Investment: Minimum CAD $150,000 of own funds in qualifying NB business
Experience: 2 years as business owner (51% minimum ownership) OR senior manager supervising 2+ employees, in last 5 years
Job creation: Business plan must create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR in NB
Score: Minimum 65 out of 100 on the Business Immigration selection grid
Points grid factors (max 65+ needed)
Adaptability points include: exploratory visit to NB (5 days minimum), NB education, NB work experience, NB family connection (parent, sibling, child — not cousins), and agriculture sector letter of support.
Process note: As of the latest guide update, applicants can now request nomination after the business has been operating for just 6 consecutive months (previously 1 year). Application fee is CAD $2,000 (non-refundable, payable at application stage). EOI is reviewed within approximately 7 days and invitations are issued based on first-come, first-served among eligible applicants.
Pilot Programs
Critical Worker Pilot and Private Career College Graduate Pilot
Two targeted pilot programs address specific gaps in New Brunswick's labour market. Both are highly restricted in scope — the Critical Worker Pilot is employer-driven and closed to general applications, while the Private Career College Graduate Pilot is only for graduates of specific private career colleges.
Critical Worker Pilot
A five-year pilot addressing critical labour shortages across NB sectors. Applications can only be made through a participating employer — you cannot apply directly. The pilot is limited to six approved employers with demonstrated track records in immigration and newcomer settlement:
Cooke Aquaculture · J.D. Irving Ltd. · Groupe Savoie · Groupe Westco · Imperial Manufacturing Group · McCain Foods Ltd.
If you are not employed by one of these employers, this pilot is not currently available to you. Check nbjobs.ca for relevant job opportunities.
Private Career College Graduate Pilot
For international graduates of specific NB private career colleges who are not eligible for the federal PGWP. Must have graduated from a 1-year or 2-year program in a priority occupation within Education & Social Development, Health, IT & Cybersecurity, Business Administration, or Supply Chain & Logistics.
Timeline: 90 days from graduation to secure full-time NB employment in a priority occupation related to your field
Employer: Must be willing to support your NBPNP application
Not eligible? Consider the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) as an alternative
Points Estimator
New Brunswick PNP Score Calculator
Two NBPNP streams use a points grid — the Express Entry stream (min 67/100) and the Strategic Initiative stream (min 65/100). Select your stream and fill in your details to see your estimated score and whether you meet the minimum threshold.
The Skilled Worker stream does not use a published points grid. If you are applying under the Skilled Worker stream, use the eligibility requirements described above to assess your fit.
Step 1 — Select your stream:
✓ Your estimated score meets the minimum threshold. Consult an RCIC to verify before submitting your EOI.
Your estimated score does not yet reach the minimum. An RCIC can identify which factors you can improve.
Not sure which stream scores higher for your profile?
The same work experience and education can score differently across NB Express Entry, Strategic Initiative, and Business Immigration streams — and some applicants qualify for more than one. A consultation with our RCIC will calculate your accurate score across all eligible streams.
Book a Consultation →This tool provides an estimate only. Point values are based on publicly available NBPNP scoring information as of April 2026. Official scoring is determined by Immigration New Brunswick upon EOI review. The Skilled Worker stream does not use a published points grid and is not covered by this calculator. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice specific to your profile. Litmus Immigration Services Inc. — CICC Member | CAPIC Member.
Professional Support
Why NBPNP applications benefit from RCIC support
No going back after nomination
You cannot withdraw a NB nomination certificate to reapply under a different stream
This makes stream selection in NBPNP more consequential than in most other PNPs. An RCIC confirms the right stream before you reach the nomination stage — not after.
Points grid accuracy
Meeting the 67 or 65-point threshold is often decided by language and adaptability scoring
Bilingual bonus points, NB connection documentation, and how work experience is calculated across the 5-year and 10-year windows are commonly under-claimed. An RCIC verifies every factor before submission.
Employer documentation
Employer forms are required in most streams — and errors cause delays
Most NBPNP streams require the employer to demonstrate active recruitment efforts and inability to fill the role with a Canadian citizen or PR. Incomplete employer documentation is one of the most common sources of application delays in NB.
Sector restrictions and intake monitoring
Current intake restrictions are in force — check before submitting
NB Express Entry is not accepting Accommodation & Food Services (NAICS 72) or butchers (NOC 63201) as of February 2026. An RCIC monitors current intake status and advises on timing before you invest time in an application.
Book a consultation before you submit your NBPNP EOI
Our RCIC will confirm your stream, calculate your accurate points score, verify employer documentation requirements, check current intake status, and prepare a complete EOI package — so your application is right the first time.
