New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), administered by the Government of New Brunswick (GNB), is designed to welcome individuals who can significantly contribute to the province’s economy. Unlike programs focused on family reunification or humanitarian reasons, the NBPNP targets skilled workers ready to integrate into New Brunswick’s workforce and community. A key component of this program is the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream, which specifically seeks French-speaking workers with the skills, education, and work experience to thrive in the province.

If you’re considering applying through the NBPNP, especially via the Strategic Initiative Stream, it’s crucial to be PR Ready. This means you need to meet all the eligibility requirements, have all necessary documents prepared, and be ready to submit a complete and accurate application to both GNB and the Government of Canada. Being PR Ready ensures a smoother and faster application process, helping you navigate the immigration journey more efficiently. The application process involves two stages of approval before you can obtain Permanent Residency (PR) status. We encourage you to thoroughly read the comprehensive guide available, which provides detailed information on program requirements and eligibility criteria.

Essential Requirements for the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream

Navigating the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) involves meeting specific requirements at various stages of the process, including registration, application, and nomination. To be eligible, you must satisfy criteria related to age, language proficiency, intention to reside in New Brunswick, education, and a qualifying connection to the province. Additionally, candidates must score a minimum of 65 points in the selection factors to be considered for nomination by the Government of New Brunswick (GNB). Here’s a detailed look at these requirements:

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 19 years old at the time of submitting a complete application in response to an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Age is assessed as of the application date, not the registration date.
2. Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a minimum score equivalent to or greater than Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 5 in French for all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
3. Intent to Reside in New Brunswick: Applicants must show a genuine intention to live in New Brunswick, supported by a Settlement Plan that details their actions and connections to the province, such as employment, community involvement, and family ties.
4. Education: A minimum requirement is a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or a foreign high school diploma, equivalent supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
5. Qualifying Connection to New Brunswick: You must meet at least one of the following connections: an in-person exploratory visit, a genuine job offer from a New Brunswick employer, or alignment with New Brunswick priorities (e.g., recent graduates from specific local institutions or individuals working remotely for a Canadian company).
6. Settlement Funds: To support your family, you must have readily available settlement funds, which vary based on family size and are updated annually. Include yourself, your spouse or partner, and any dependent children, even if they are not accompanying you to Canada. These funds cannot be borrowed or tied up in property equity. They must be accessible both when you apply and when your permanent resident visa is issued. If your spouse joins you, funds in a joint account or an account solely in their name can be included, provided you can prove access.

Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination, but it is a crucial first step in the application process. It is essential to prepare thoroughly and ensure that all criteria are met at each stage to increase the chances of a successful application.

Application Process

Applying for permanent residence in New Brunswick involves several detailed steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

Step 1: PR Readiness Before applying, ensure you are PR Ready, meaning you meet all eligibility requirements and have all necessary documents prepared. This readiness ensures faster and more efficient processing of your application.

Step 2: Create Your Candidate Profile Start by creating a candidate profile on the INB, New Brunswick’s online immigration platform. Keep your profile updated with accurate information, including any changes in family composition, marital status, country of residence, employment, and contact details.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Submit an electronic Expression of Interest (EOI) through your INB profile. This will guide you towards the correct application stream and indicate your intent to apply.

Step 4: Invitation to Apply (ITA) If you meet all eligibility criteria, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Strategic Initiative Stream of the NBPNP. You have 45 calendar days from the date of the ITA to submit a complete application via the New Brunswick online system. Ensure all required documents are submitted as PDF files and that they meet the specified criteria.

Step 5: Submission and Review of Provincial Application Once you submit your complete application and pay the processing fee, GNB will review your application based on the outlined eligibility requirements and selection factors. GNB may request additional information or an interview to verify details.

Step 6: Provincial Application Decision GNB will decide on your application. You can apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence if you are nominated. The nomination certificate is valid for six months, and you must maintain the conditions of your nomination while awaiting a decision on your PR application.

Step 7: Federal Application Submission to IRCC Submit your PR application to IRCC before the expiry date on your nomination certificate. IRCC will assess your application based on Canadian immigration law.

Step 8: Federal Application Decision IRCC will decide on your PR application. If approved, you will receive a PR visa. You must report your landing to GNB within 30 days of arriving in Canada.

Remember to disclose any immigration applications made to other provincial or federal programs and keep all your documents and forms accurate and truthful. Failure to do so may result in the refusal of your application. For a detailed guide on being PR Ready and other specific requirements, refer to the “Are you PR Ready?” document available at www.gnb.ca/immigration.

If you’re considering applying for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, let Canadim Law Firm guide you through every step of the process. Start by finding out if you qualify for Canadian immigration by filling out our online assessment. Our experienced team will help you navigate the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and increase your chances of success.

Ready to start your journey to New Brunswick? Let us help you make Canada your new home.