New Brunswick PNP 2026 - NBPNP + Atlantic Immigration Program

Linked to the federal Express Entry pool. NB draws from the federal pool targeting candidates with documented New Brunswick ties - prior work or study in NB, family in NB, or occupations aligned with NB priority sectors. Candidates must have an active federal EE profile with CRS typically 300+ and must submit an Expression of Interest to NBPNP separately from their federal profile.

Upon nomination, the +600 CRS ensures a federal ITA in the next appropriate draw. Processing time from NB nomination to federal PR is typically 6-12 months via Express Entry. NB connection documentation is required even for this stream - a federal EE profile alone is not sufficient.

• Active federal EE profile required
• NB connection or priority NOC required
• Community Interest Letter still assessed
• +600 CRS upon nomination

The primary employer-supported stream for skilled occupations. Requires an indeterminate, full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. The employer must demonstrate active local recruitment before supporting a foreign national. The worker may be in NB on a valid work permit or abroad with a confirmed offer.

• TEER 0-3 occupations
• Indeterminate full-time NB job offer
• Employer local recruitment documentation
• Language: generally CLB 5+ (varies by NOC TEER)
• Community Interest Letter required
• Minimum one year qualifying work experience

Targets intermediate occupations - including some TEER 4 roles - where New Brunswick has documented persistent labour shortages. Language floors are lower than the Skilled Worker stream, reflecting occupational requirements. An NB employer is required. Wage must meet or exceed the provincial median for the specific occupation.

Critical Worker draws are less frequent and more targeted. Seafood processing, food services, commercial transportation, agricultural work, and some healthcare support roles have historically qualified. The Community Interest Letter remains a requirement.

• TEER 4 eligible in shortage occupations
• NB employer with documented shortage
• Language floor: CLB 4 typically
• Wage at or above NB median for NOC

NB periodically opens targeted streams or pilots for specific occupational shortages, community needs, or sector priorities. French-speaking candidates are frequently favored in these pilots. Active pilots in 2025-2026 have included targeted technology occupations in Fredericton and Moncton, rural community healthcare workers, and Francophone Atlantic initiatives.

These streams open and close without long advance notice. VMC monitor active NBPNP pilots and can confirm whether a current stream matches your profile before you begin preparing documentation.

• Criteria vary by pilot - confirm active streams
• French language often advantaged
• Community connection still required
• Can open and close with short notice

For entrepreneurs who will establish, purchase, or invest in an active New Brunswick business. Requires minimum personal net worth of approximately $500,000 CAD (verified by a licensed accountant) and a minimum investment of approximately $125,000 in a qualifying NB business. A mandatory exploratory visit to NB and a business plan review with NBPNP are required before application.

Provisional nominees must sign a performance agreement with NB confirming business establishment and job creation milestones. A performance bond is held until milestones are confirmed. Final nomination is issued after the province verifies the business is operating as planned.

• Net worth: minimum ~$500K CAD (verified)
• Investment: minimum ~$125K in NB business
• Exploratory visit mandatory
• Business plan + performance agreement
• NB employment creation required