Canada's provinces

Residence in New Brunswick

See New Brunswick's routes to permanent residence, who they suit and the general steps to apply.

About New Brunswick

New Brunswick is one of Canada's Atlantic provinces and the only officially bilingual province (English and French). Living costs are usually lower than in the largest provinces.

Under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), the province nominates the applicant and IRCC then assesses and decides the permanent residence application. Streams, allocations and requirements can change from year to year.

Welcome NB (official site)

Why New Brunswick?

Main routes

  • Provincial nominee streams, including an Express Entry-linked stream and a Skilled Worker stream with a job offer
  • Business and entrepreneur streams
  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): an employer-driven route to permanent residence through a job offer from a designated employer in the province.

Who it suits

  • People with a job offer from a New Brunswick employer
  • French speakers and bilingual applicants
  • People who prefer a quieter, more affordable life

Good to know

  • A provincial nomination is not permanent residence; IRCC makes the final decision.
  • Streams open and close and allocations change during the year.
  • A genuine intention to live in that province or territory matters.
  • This information was checked against the official sites in October 2026.

General steps

  1. 1

    Choose the right stream

    Based on your work, experience, studies and ties to the province.

  2. 2

    Check the requirements and gather documents

    As the stream's official guide says.

  3. 3

    Submit an expression of interest or application

    Most streams invite applicants from a pool.

  4. 4

    Receive a provincial nomination

    If the province nominates you.

  5. 5

    Apply to IRCC for permanent residence

    Through Express Entry or a base (non-Express Entry) application.

This page is general information, not immigration advice for your situation. Rules and streams change; check the official site for current details.

What we look at in a consultation

This page gives the overall picture. The details of each route depend on your situation and are assessed properly in a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Does a New Brunswick nomination guarantee permanent residence?

No. A nomination is an important step, but IRCC assesses the permanent residence application separately and makes the final decision.

Do these routes need a job offer?

It depends on the stream. Many streams, especially in smaller provinces and the territories, need a job offer; some do not.

Can I apply from outside Canada?

Some routes are open to applicants abroad and some only to people working or studying in the province. Which are open to you depends on your background and situation, and is assessed in a consultation.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

Processing times and official fees change with the route and the number of applications. In a consultation you get a current estimate for your file.

How current is this information?

This page was checked against the official sites in October 2026. Routes change often, so check the official site before you act, or talk to us.

Moving to New Brunswick?

Minimum language scores, eligible occupations, points, fees and processing times all depend on your situation and when you apply. Book a consultation to have your file assessed properly.

Book a consultation