New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program

Business Immigration Stream

The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream is a category of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that is specifically designed for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to invest in and operate a business in New Brunswick. This stream provides a pathway for eligible individuals to obtain permanent residency in Canada by starting or acquiring a business in the province.

To be eligible for the NB Business Immigration Stream, applicants must have a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000 and be able to demonstrate that they have at least three years of experience as a senior manager or business owner. Additionally, applicants must be willing to invest a minimum of CAD $250,000 in a business in New Brunswick and create at least two full-time job positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Successful applicants under this stream will receive a nomination from the New Brunswick government, which will expedite the processing of their permanent residency application with the federal government. Once granted permanent residency, entrepreneurs and business owners can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Canada and the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the province’s economy.

Eligibility Requirements

Criterion	Minimum Requirement
Express Entry Profile	No. This program is not aligned with the express entry.
Connection to Province	Yes
Job Offer	No
Language Proficiency	CLB 5 English or French
Level of Education	Minimum of 2 years of Post-secondary.
Work Experience	Business ownership and management 3 years
Business experience requirement	Have at least three years of experience in managing and owning a business (of at least 33.3%) in the past 5 years OR have five years out of five of experience in a senior business management role or more, and be responsible for supervising at least two employees; The applicant must provide ongoing and active management to the business from within New Brunswick, and be present at the business premises on a day-to-day basis.
Investment Requirement	Investment: 250,000 CAD Personal Net Worth: 600,000 CAD of which CAD $300,000 must be liquid and unencumbered
Age	Between 21 and 59 years
Intention to reside	The applicant must show that they intend to reside in the province.

Can I purchase an existing business in NB?

Yes. You can buy an existing business in NB. If buying an existing business, you must demonstrate that the business:

Has been in continuous operation by the same owner for three years prior to the purchase date
Owner is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
The business will be bought at a price that is verified to be legitimate market value
A net profit has been achieved for at least two of the previous three years as shown by audited financial statements,
The business will continue to employ current employees under similar terms and conditions
The business is not in receivership or has not filed for bankruptcy.

Creating jobs in New Brunswick

The business must generate at least two full-time employment in New Brunswick for permanent residents or Canadian citizens. You, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children, and/or any family members are included.

Application Process

Step 1: PR Readiness

You must be prepared to submit an accurate application to the governments of New Brunswick and to the Government of Canada. You must fulfill all minimal eligibility requirements, and selection criteria, and have all necessary documentation on hand.

Step 2: Online registration

Applications are to be submitted through the online portal.

Step 3: Expression of Interest

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) stating your desire to apply for permanent residency under the NBPNP.

Step 4: Invitation to apply

NB will perform a detailed examination of your application and assess it based on the eligibility requirements and selection considerations once you have submitted your entire application online and paid the processing fee. If you fulfill the criteria you will receive an invitation to apply.

Step 5: Provincial application decision from NB PNP

Provincial application decision from NB PNP

Step 6: Submission of federal application to IRCC

If a nomination is granted, you must submit your application for a PR visa directly to IRCC.

Step 7: Federal application decision from IRCC

If your PR application is approved by IRCC, you will be awarded a PR visa, allowing you to become a Permanent Resident of Canada.

Step 8: Post-Landing

Within 30 days following your landing date in Canada, you must report your landing, in writing, to NB.

Within 60 days following your landing date in Canada, you must participate in a face-to-face meeting with an official.

You must face another face-to-face interview within 180 days of your Canada landing date.

Within two years of arriving in Canada, you must have established your business in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the Business Performance Agreement.

Within three years of your arrival in New Brunswick, or one year after the start of your business (whichever comes first), you will be eligible to apply for a refund and return of your CAD $100,000 deposit, without interest, provided you meet the terms and conditions outlined in the signed and dated Business Performance Agreement