The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program operates an Entrepreneurial Stream and Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream aimed at professionals and graduates from New Brunswick institutions.
Entrepreneurial Stream
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneurial Stream is aimed at professionals ready to invest in a business in the province and move there with their families.
The primary requirements are:
- Have an eligible connection to New Brunswick.
- Be aged between 22 and 55.
- Minimum two years post-secondary education degree or diploma.
- Score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark exam for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
- Have completed at least two years full time post-secondary education.
- Legally-acquired personal net worth of at least $600,000, of which $300,000 must be available in available in unencumbered liquidity.
- Invest at least $250,000 in a New Brunswick business, taking ownership of at least 33 per cent.
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the New Brunswick provincial government and pay a deposit of $100,000.
- Business must create significant economic benefit to New Brunswick.
- Show business experience – either three years of ownership or five years of senior management experience in the last five years.
- Submit a business concept of 1,000 to 1,500 words.
- Conduct an exploratory visit to New Brunswick, or participate in an information session offered by the New Brunswick provincial government.
- Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.
Application Process
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Candidates submit a self-assessed Expression of Interest scored on factors listed above.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply. Candidates have 90 days to submit an immigration application to the New Brunswick immigration department.
Candidates who receive an ITA must use a designated accounting services provider to complete a net worth verification report.
- Application Assessment
New Brunswick officials assess your application, including the quality and feasibility of the business plan. This stage may include an invitation or interview.
- Nomination Decision
Approved candidates receive a letter with instructions for submitting a signed and dated Business Performance Agreement and the deposit of $100,000 to the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. This must be done within 60 days of receiving the letter.
- Permanent Residence Application
Successful candidates received a nomination from New Brunswick, for use in applying to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
- Landing and Business Establishment In New Brunswick
Within 30 days: Report your landing to the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
With 60 days: Participate in face-to-face meeting with official from Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
Within 180 days: Participate in face-to-face progress report meeting with official from Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
Within two years: Within two years candidates must have established their business in line with the Business Performance Agreement. The period is non-extendable. Failure to establish the business results in forfeiture of $100,000 deposit.
Within three years: Within three years of the candidate’s landing date, or one year of the business commencement date (whichever is first), candidate can apply for a refund of the $100,000 deposit, provided the terms fo the Business Performance Agreement are met.
Post Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
The New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream targets international graduates from recognized New Brunswick universities or community colleges.
Candidates must have started or acquired a New Brunswick business and operated it for at least one year, while holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be aged between 22 and 40.
- Score at least level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
- Have completed at least two years full time post-secondary education at a recognized New Brunswick university or community college.
- Have lived in New Brunswick for the duration of the course (distance-learning courses do not qualify).
- Have 100 per cent owned and operated a business for one full year.
- Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.
Application Process
1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Candidates submit a self-assessed Expression of Interest scored on factors listed above.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Successful candidates receive an Invitation to Apply.
3. Submit Application
Candidates submit a full application to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, and participates in an interview.
4. Permanent Residence Application
Candidates apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
5. Land In New Brunswick
Applicant reports landing within 30 days to NBPNP offices in Fredericton, New Brunswick.