NB PNP - (Worker) New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream

The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative is for French-speaking candidates with the skills and intent to live and work long-term in the province. The program holds selection rounds in 2026; the 2025 EOI suspension notice no longer reflects the current status.

General Eligibility

• Aged 19 or older, holding a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum NCLC 5 proficiency in French across all four skills; minimum score of 65/100.
• One year of work experience in the last 5 years; exceptions apply for graduates of post-secondary institutions in NB.
• Meeting settlement fund requirements; exceptions apply for those currently residing in NB or holding a valid job offer in NB.

Current Pathways

Francophone Workers in New Brunswick

Currently working in or have accepted a long-term, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer that has been operating in NB for at least 12 months. Candidates must meet job requirements and have resided in NB for at least 6 months; this residency requirement is waived if the job offer is the result of a recruitment event led by the Government of NB.

New Brunswick Francophone Priorities

One of two priorities: currently residing in NB and having completed at least one year of in-person study at the Université de Moncton or CCNB while living in the province for the duration of the program; or having received a letter of interest from Immigration New Brunswick.

Francophones Working Remotely in New Brunswick

Have resided in NB for 12 months and worked remotely for a Canadian employer outside of Quebec during that time. Must read the specific guidelines before submitting.

Do not consider an exploratory visit as a current pathway or an automatic condition for an invitation. Selection criteria depend on each specific round.

EOI and Nomination Process

1. Verify eligibility and prepare documentation; create an EOI via the INB portal.
2. EOIs are valid for 365 days and are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The province selects based on labor market needs, quotas, and periodic priorities.
3. If an ITA is received, submit a complete application by the deadline specified in the invitation letter.
4. If nominated, submit a permanent residence application to IRCC before the certificate expires.

Meeting eligibility or holding a job offer does not guarantee an invitation, nomination, or PR approval. Workers must maintain legal working status; Immigration New Brunswick does not guarantee the completion of files before work permits expire.

EOIs are free; the provincial nomination application fee is 250 CAD, which is non-refundable.

Updated October 6, 2026. Source: Official New Brunswick Guide and current notices.

Register for Profile Assessment

KeyApply assists in reviewing eligibility and identifying appropriate pathways. Choosing to register for a 0 CAD profile assessment does not represent the total cost of immigration; government fees and professional service fees are determined separately based on the scope of support.

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