Critical Worker program
The provincial government of New Brunswick and the federal government launched the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Project (NBCWP) in 2022. The program is unusual in that it tries to bring not just economic immigration to New Brunswick, but also to aid in newcomer retention by providing settlement assistance for newcomers. The Critical Worker Pilot stream aims to help employers in New Brunswick fill labor shortages in eligible occupations by offering a pathway to permanent residency for their temporary foreign workers. The pilot is currently open to individuals working in manufacturing, fisheries, food production, forestry, farming, and more.
Because the Critical Worker Pilot is an employer-driven stream based on targeted recruitment for skilled workers, candidate applications to the pilot must be made through the participating employer. The program does not accept direct applications from people who are interested.
Participant Employers
Employers who took part in the pilot were chosen based on their demonstrated experience and consistent use of provincial and federal economic immigration programs over the course of at least the previous three (3) years, as well as their demonstrated capacity to offer improved support services for employee language learning, skill development, and newcomer settlement. There are currently 6 employers who participate in this program.
To be eligible for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot, applicants must have a valid job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer in one of the eligible occupations, meet the minimum language requirements, have completed at least a high school education, and have at least one year of full-time work experience in the province.
Successful applicants will be nominated by the province for permanent residency in Canada, allowing them to continue living and working in New Brunswick as permanent residents. The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot is a valuable opportunity for eligible individuals to secure their future in Canada and contribute to the province’s growing economy.
Eligibility Requirements
| Criterion | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile |
No. This program is not aligned with the express entry |
| Job Offer |
You must have a valid job offer from one eligible employer |
| Language Proficiency |
English – CLB 4 or French – Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 4 |
| Level of Education |
A minimum of a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or a foreign high school diploma equal to a Canadian credential |
| Work Experience |
You must have at least one year of full-time work experience (1,560 hours total or 30 hours per week) during the past five years. |
| Age |
Between 19-55 years |
| Intention to reside |
The applicant must show that they intend to reside in the province. |
Application process
Step 1: Accept an offer of employment
Conduct an objective self-assessment and determine if you meet the minimum criteria of the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot.
Step 2: Create an Expression of Interest
You must submit an Express of Interest (EOI) using the online application portal of Immigration New Brunswick (INB).
Step 3: Receive an invitation to apply
You will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) because you have a job offer from a firm in New Brunswick. You have 45 calendar days from the ITA date to submit a full application using the New Brunswick online portal.
Step 4: Submit an application to the Government of NB
GNB will undertake a detailed evaluation of your application and assess it in accordance with the eligibility rules and selection considerations indicated in this guidance once you have submitted your complete online application through INB and paid the processing fee.
Step 5: Receive a nomination and work permit support letter from the Government of NB
Step 6: Submit your PR application to IRCC
If you are awarded a nomination by GNB, you must apply for a PR visa directly to IRCC before the expiry date mentioned on your Certificate of Nomination.
Step 7: Receive a decision from IRCC