Parlez-Vous Opportunités? Strategic French Pathway in NB
The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream for French-speaking Immigrants is a specific category of the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to attract French-speaking immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and cultural diversity. This stream is open to French-speaking individuals with advanced proficiency in either English or French, who meets one of the connections to New Brunswick and fulfill the other eligibility criteria.
The goal of this stream is to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants settling in New Brunswick and to ensure that they have the necessary language skills and job opportunities to successfully integrate into the province’s communities. By prioritizing French-speaking applicants, the New Brunswick government hopes to strengthen the province’s ties to the Francophone world and enhance its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination for immigrants.
Successful applicants to the Strategic Initiative Stream for French-speaking Immigrants will receive a provincial nomination, which can be used to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the federal Express Entry system. This stream offers an efficient and streamlined pathway to permanent residency for eligible French-speaking candidates, making it an attractive option for those seeking to start a new life in Canada.
Candidate eligibility requirements
| Criterion | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile |
No. This program is not aligned with the express entry. |
| Connection to Province |
Yes. You must have one (1) of the following three eligible connections:
|
| Language Proficiency |
A minimum score equal to or greater than a Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 5 for French |
| 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 ten years. Your job experience must be in the same occupation as the one listed on your immigration application. It may be obtained both in Canada and overseas. |
| Settlement funds |
You must have enough funds to support you and your family. You are exempt from the required Settlement Funds if you have a genuine job or genuine job offer with a New Brunswick Employer. |
| Age |
Between 19-55 years |
| Intention to reside |
The applicant must show that they intend to reside in the province. |
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
The Government of NB will make a decision on your profile and notify you on your online portal.
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.