New Brunswick launches permanent residency pathway for international students

Starting April 1, 2022, international students who have studied in one of 19 targeted occupations and graduate from the Atlantic Business College, Eastern College, McKenzie College, or Oulton College, will be able to apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The PNP helps Canadian provinces to identify immigration candidates who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to their economy. This program will allow international students to work and live in New Brunswick while they wait for permanent residency.

In collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this pilot program is led by Opportunities NB (ONB), which is New Brunswick’s leading business development corporation.

“We are excited that we can help retain more international students by opening up an innovative pathway that is made for New Brunswick,” said Arlene Dunn, the minister responsible for Opportunities NB in the press release.

“With the increased competition for skilled labour, the potential to transition international students into permanent residents is crucial.”

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“Newcomers are key to addressing the challenges of our labour market, and by providing this additional immigration stream we are empowering more of our post-secondary institutions to develop the skilled workers that New Brunswick needs”

– said Labour Minister Trevor Holder in the press release.

Specific requirements and more details of the new pilot project will only be available here in the next few months. It is important to note that the pilot project is intended for recent graduates who are not currently eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit program.

In addition, participation in this pilot program will be limited to the New Brunswick Designated Learning Institutions:

• that have held this designation for at least five years

• offer programs related to the targeted occupations

Targeted occupations for this pilot include:

• social and community service workers

• early childhood educators and assistants

• educational assistants

• health-care aides

• home support workers

• licensed practical nurses

• paramedics and related occupations

• medical laboratory technologists

• medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants

• medical administrative assistants

• computer programmers and interactive media developers

• web designers and developers

• computer network technicians

• user support technicians

• accounting technicians and bookkeepers

• payroll clerks

• shippers and receivers

• supply chain and logistics supervisors

• production logistics co-ordinators

Source: Government of New Brunswick

In Canada, the federal government and each province and territory share the authority to manage the country’s immigration system. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces to nominate people who wish to move to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.

This program is for candidates who:

• have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province

• want to live in that province, and

• want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:

• students

• business people

• skilled workers

• semi-skilled workers

Overview of the application process

How candidates will apply depends on which Provincial Nominee Program stream they choose. You might need to apply using the paper-based process, or by the online process through Express Entry.

As part of the process, applicants have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where they plan to live in Canada.

In the paper-based process:

• You apply to the province for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.

• You need to meet the requirements of the province that nominates you.

• Once you have been nominated, you submit a paper application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

• You have to pass a medical exam and get a police check certificate.

• Application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.

Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). for more information on the process and eligibility requirements.

As an increasing number of people search for a better life in Canada, New Brunswick is a popular province due to the many advantages and beautiful nature that it has to offer.

Why New Brunswick?

There are many reasons to move to New Brunswick, some of them include:

• basic, universal, government-funded health care

• good education system

• job opportunities

• affordable lifestyle

• lively urban centres

• smaller friendly communities

• minutes away from oceans, lakes rivers, and trails

New Brunswick and COVID-19

New Brunswick has one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 cases in the country. Most businesses and organizations have safely reopened by adopting additional measures to protect the health of their employees and customers. And, people in New Brunswick are dedicated to supporting those who have been impacted financially and emotionally by the pandemic. There are financial assistance, food programs and mental health resources available to help families recover.

Job opportunities in New Brunswick

According to the New Brunswick Labour Market Outlook Report for 2018-2027, approximately half of all job openings in the next 10 years will be in the following sectors:

• Healthcare and social assistance

• Retail and wholesale trade

• Manufacturing

• Construction

To search for job opportunities currently available in New Brunswick, visit NBJobs.ca. The IELTS Academic test is accepted by some 400 Canadian universities and colleges as evidence of your English language proficiency

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Content on this page is for general information on immigration to Canada and does not constitute legal advice or immigration advice. Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the IRCC website for changes that may apply to you.

If you are interested in Canadian student and work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Canadian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or registered Canadian Immigration Consultant.