New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is one of Canada’s province-specific immigration streams that encourages skilled foreign workers to fill critical job roles in New Brunswick.
For more information on the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot and immediate help with relocating to Canada through this immigration pathway, speak to one of our lawyers at +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.
What Is the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot?
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is an economic immigration program launched in 2022 to address labour shortages in New Brunswick. It is an immigration pilot project expected to run for an initial period of five years. By 2027, the Canadian government will assess its effectiveness and decide whether to continue or discontinue it.
The NBCWP program is employer-driven. Applicants must first secure a job offer from a participating employer and can only apply for the program through their employer. Thus, direct applications from candidates are not accepted.
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program is a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). Individuals who apply for the program and receive a nomination from the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) can submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Page Contents
- What Is the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot?
- Purpose of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program
- Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
- Application Process
- Support Services for Workers
- Benefits of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
- Comparison With Other Canadian Immigration Programs
- Challenges and Tips for Applicants
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program
Addressing Critical Labour Shortages
The provincial government of New Brunswick and the federal government introduced the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program to target sectors in the province that are currently facing and are expected to continue facing challenges in finding workers. These sectors include transportation, healthcare, construction, food production, and hospitality.
Employers in New Brunswick can recruit for specific roles, ensuring they get competent and experienced workers to fill critical labour shortages.
Fostering Economic Growth
The pilot program enables employers to hire skilled international talent who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth. The program reduces business disruptions, as employers can use foreign labour where local options are unavailable.
Due to the ease of filling labour gaps, employers in key sectors can continue to operate optimally. Businesses that can meet workforce demands are better positioned to invest confidently, further fostering economic growth.
Participating Employers in the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program
There are six employers in New Brunswick selected by the Canadian federal government to participate in the pilot program, and they include:
- Cooke Aquaculture
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- Groupe Savoie
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing Group
- McCain Foods, Ltd.
These employers were selected based on their exemplary use of provincial and federal economic immigration programs, such as the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), over the years.
Their selection was also based on a demonstrated ability of good immigrant hiring practices and support for immigrant skills development, language training, and settlement.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Who Can Apply?
Age
Applicants for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program must be between 19 and 55 years old. The Government of New Brunswick only reviews applicants’ age when they submit a complete Critical Worker Pilot application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Education
Candidates must have a minimum of a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or an equivalent foreign high school credential.
Individuals with a foreign qualification must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an organization designated by the IRCC to determine the validity and equivalence to Canada’s standard. The ECA report must be less than five years old at the time of a candidate’s PR application.
Organizations approved by the IRCC to assess educational credentials include:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- Medical Council of Canada (professional body for doctors)
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (professional body for pharmacists)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
Applicants will be exempt from demonstrating their educational qualifications if they submit a signed attestation letter from their employer.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must submit an English or French language proficiency test result from an approved testing organization, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 for all TEER 0-3 applicants. This is waived for TEER 4‑5 applicants who must instead receive 200 hours of language training from their employer upon arrival.
Approved language proficiency testing organizations include:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
- Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core)
- Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)
The test result must not be over two years old on the date applicants submit their permanent residence application to IRCC.
Job Offer Requirements
Non-Seasonal, Full-Time Roles
Eligible job offers for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program must be permanent and not limited to a particular season of the year. They must be full-time roles requiring workers to work at least 30 hours per week.
Competitive Wages
The worker’s wages must align with the employing organization’s compensation structure and be consistent with the rate for similar occupations and experience levels in New Brunswick.
The New Brunswick provincial government and IRCC do not consider bonuses, overtime wages, tips or gratuities, housing allowances, and other similar employee benefits as part of the wages.
If the job was secured through a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the candidate’s wage at the time of registration and/or application must be exactly or more than the LMIA-stated wage and that quoted on the offer of employment.
Remote Work Arrangements
The Government of New Brunswick (GNB) can grant applicants employment in remote jobs under the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program.
Candidates for the remote work arrangement must be current residents of New Brunswick and have been so for the 12 months before their application. They must also be working for an eligible New Brunswick employer and hold a valid work authorization.
Remote arrangements are subject to “exceptional circumstances” and pre-approval by GNB on a case-by-case basis.
Regulated Occupation
The province of New Brunswick regulates certain occupations. These include health, accounting, engineering, architecture, legal, education, and funeral directors.
Candidates whose job offers are in regulated occupations must obtain a licence from the appropriate regulatory body.
This license is necessary to ensure employers and workers meet hiring requirements and abide by essential occupational rules to maintain public health and safety.
Candidates with foreign academic and work qualifications must demonstrate their equivalency to Canadian standards to be registered in a regulated occupation in Canada.
Work Experience Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they have worked for at least 1,560 hours over a one-year period in the last five years before applying for the NBCWP. This work time equates to a 30-hour work week.
The job experience can be for one or multiple employers, which they must prove with verifiable documents. It can be in a role in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) related to their New Brunswick job offer. Note that unpaid work, volunteer opportunities, internships and co-op study programs do not count toward the work experience.
Applicants who do not meet the job experience requirement can get an attestation letter from their employer as part of their nomination.
PR Readiness Requirement
Being PR ready means an applicant is prepared to submit a complete and accurate application to the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick. To be PR ready, candidates must meet all eligibility requirements and organize the information and supporting documents they may need for their application.
Being PR ready enhances the processing time and reduces delays in the immigration process.
Intent to Reside Requirement
Since it is a long-term and province-specific immigration program, candidates must demonstrate that they intend to reside permanently in New Brunswick when they apply for the program.
Failure to prove intent to reside can hinder the application process.
Candidates can demonstrate their intent to reside in New Brunswick by providing proof of any or some of the following:
- Actions that they have taken toward permanent settlement in New Brunswick
- Current New Brunswick employment details
- Information on employment search
- Family, work, or study connection to New Brunswick
- Ability to support themselves in New Brunswick
- Past or present New Brunswick residential information
- Professional network and affiliation
- Connections to other Canadian jurisdictions
- Previous visits to Canada
- Community development activities
- Completion of studies from a post-secondary school in Canada
- Social relationship or connections that ties applicants to New Brunswick
Application Process
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program:
Accept an Offer From a Participating Employer
The initial step of the application process is accepting a job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer who is willing to support you through the immigration process.
Familiarise yourself with New Brunswick’s employment landscape and research the authorized employers’ eligible job openings. Then, prepare your resume and apply. You may also reach out to participating employers to offer your services.
Create an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an Expression of Interest on the Immigration New Brunswick (INB) online application portal. The information that you must submit includes:
- Personal
- Language proficiency
- Educational history
- Work experience
- Job offer in New Brunswick
- Ties to New Brunswick
- Settlement Plans
Upon submission, your application will be entered into a pool of candidates. Selections from this pool are made through scheduled draws and will be based on immigration allocations, application volumes, and New Brunswick’s labour market needs.
If you experience any life changes while awaiting draw results, you must update your candidate profile on the portal. These could include changes to your marital status, employment, contact information, or immigration status.
Failure to reflect the required situational changes on your portal is considered misrepresentation and could lead to application refusal.
Expressions of Interest placed in a pool are valid for 12 months, and the GNB can issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at any time within this period.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
If your Expression of Interest is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from your employer in your INB portal. The ITA means that you can proceed with the Critical Worker Pilot application.
Submit an Application to the Government of New Brunswick
You will have up to 45 days from the date of the ITA to submit your application. If you fail to submit a complete application by the deadline, your ITA will be automatically removed, and you will have to start the process again.
To apply, access the application form via your INB portal and complete it appropriately. After completing this application, you cannot change your immigration stream or pilot.
If additional information about your application is required, the GNB may schedule a virtual interview. The interview will be in your preferred language, English or French, and you cannot use an interpreter. Failure to attend the interview can lead to a refusal.
Receiving a Decision from the GNB
The GNB will review your application against the eligibility requirements. If it accepts your application, you will receive a message on your INB portal, an official letter, and a nomination certificate. The letter and certificate are usually digital copies.
If your application is refused, the GNB will notify you via your INB portal. You cannot appeal a New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program decision. However, you can restart the application process with updated requirements if you want to immigrate to New Brunswick via this route.
Submit Your PR Application to IRCC
The final step of the application process is to submit a permanent residence application to the IRCC. Your nomination certificate from the GNB will be valid for nine months from the date of issuance, and you must submit a complete PR application within this period.
The PR application is another detailed procedure; you should prepare a comprehensive and compelling application. Here is the PR application process under Canada’s Provincial Nominee Class.
Organize Supporting Documents
The supporting documents for the PR application consist mainly of those you submitted during your application to the GNB. New documents may include your nomination certificate and police certificates from countries or territories where you have lived for six months or more since age 18.
Use the Document Checklist: Provincial Nominee Class [IMM 0199] as a guide. You must also complete and submit the document checklist to the IRCC.
Submit an Application
You should register for an account at the IRCC’s Permanent Residence online application portal and complete the appropriate forms. The forms you will need to complete include:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
- Document Checklist
- Schedule 4: Economic Classes – Provincial Nominee (IMM 0008 – Schedule 4)
- Schedule 4A: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees – Business Nominees (IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4A) (if applicable)
Submit your application along with the required supporting documents. The IRCC will perform a completion check and notify you when they receive it.
Receive a Decision From IRCC
The IRCC will process your application and make a decision. If your application is accepted, you will officially become a Canadian permanent resident. You can then migrate to New Brunswick. Within 30 days of arriving, you must report your arrival to the GNB.
On the other hand, receiving a refusal means you cannot migrate to Canada. Your options include reapplying for the NBCWP if your situation is improved or exploring other immigration pathways. The IRCC does not allow appeals.
Documentation Requirement for a New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program Application
You are required to scan and upload supporting documents with each application. These documents must be PDF files only and not exceed 2 GB. They must be clear enough to read and be scanned in colour if they contain images. Greyscale submission is allowed for word-only documents.
The GNB is particular about the completeness of the required documentation. Inspect your application to ensure all the documents are complete. The authorities will only begin processing your submission if your documentation is complete. If you cannot provide any required documents, you should include a letter in your application explaining why and submit alternative documents that could support the claim.
Supporting documents submitted in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator. Here is a list of documents required for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot application:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Visas or proof of legal status in your country of residence
- Employment contract
- Language proficiency test results from an approved testing agency
- Education credential assessment result
- Signed reference letter from previous employer
- Affidavits of translation (if applicable)
- Use of representative form NB-007 (if you use a representative)
- Consent and Declaration form NB-005
Processing Times
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot processing time is split between the provincial and federal stages. The provincial stage, which ends with receiving a nomination from the GNB, takes around 6 months, while the federal stage, which ends with a permanent residence decision from IRCC, can take up to 15 months.
Costs and Fees
The provincial nomination application fee is $CAN 250. You must pay it online on the INB portal before submitting your application. The registration fee includes applications for accompanying spouses or common-law partners and children.
Here is a breakdown of the permanent residence application cost:
| Service | Cost ($CAN) |
|---|---|
| Application fee for the main applicant | 950 (processing fee) + 575 right of (permanent residence) |
| Application fee for spouse or partner | 950 (processing fee) + 575 right of (permanent residence) |
| Application fee for dependent children | 260 |
| Biometrics | 85 (single applicant) or 170 (family of two or more) |
The following categories of applicants are exempt from paying the right of permanent residence fee:
- Dependent children
- Principal applicants who are children of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- Protected persons and their family members
Support Services for Workers
Employers in the New Brunswick Critical Pilot program must assist the new economic immigrants in settling and establishing themselves in their new jobs and communities. Some employer-provided settlement services for workers include:
- Settlement plans for housing, transportation, and community adaptation
- Up to 200 hours of language training to prepare them for the job and residency
- On-the-job skills enhancement programs to enhance workers’ career prospects
- Guidance for candidates who want to further their Canadian secondary school education
Community and Lifestyle in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. It has small towns like St. Andrews and big cities like St. John, Moncton, and Fredericton.
The province’s educational system is among the best in Canada for those migrating with their children. It has several public and private elementary and secondary schools, nine universities, and over 12 colleges.
Securing housing should not be a challenge due to the availability of on-the-job settlement support. The transportation system is well-developed and easily accessible; you can move around with buses, rental scooters, and trains.
New Brunswick has an efficient health sector, which immigrants can access with a provincial health card. Residents are friendly and welcoming and can assist with integration. The province is officially bilingual, with about two-thirds of the population speaking English and one-third speaking French.
Benefits of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
Pathway to Permanent Residency
One significant benefit of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program is that participants become Canadian permanent residents once the IRCC approves their application.
NBCWP permanent residents will enjoy all PR-related benefits, including the right to work and study in Canada long-term, access to healthcare and social services, and freedom of movement in and out of the country. Individuals can apply for citizenship after three years of living in Canada as permanent residents.
Access to Language and Settlement Support
Successful NBCWP applicants get access to language and settlement support from their employers. Settlement support minimizes the challenges of settling in a new environment, while language support ensures that applicants can develop their professional and social English or French language skills. This level of support ensures that individuals and their dependents can adapt quickly to life in Canada.
Long-Term Job Security and Career Growth
The NBCWP program enables essential workers to migrate to New Brunswick for permanent employment. Initiatives like on-the-job training ensure that applicants get the required skills to perform their roles for the long term.
Employers also offer initiatives to help workers gain expertise to grow their careers and improve their suitability for subsequent employment. Applicants under the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program have job security because the roles they fill are integral to the province’s economy.
Comparison With Other Canadian Immigration Programs
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot are employer-driven programs that target skilled workers to fill essential roles in the workforce.
However, the AIP is broader, covering Canada’s four Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. This also means that it features a longer list of eligible employers.
The AIP targets skilled workers who recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution. On the other hand, the Critical Worker Pilot targets applicants globally, irrespective of where they studied or worked. Unlike the NBCWP, the AIP is not a pilot program; it is permanent.
Both immigration programs require provincial and federal applications, although the application processes differ.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPS)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are economic programs that enable Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and intend to settle in their province.
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program is one of the Provincial Nominee Programs administered by the province of New Brunswick. Other New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Programs (NBPNP) include:
- New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
- New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program
- New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream (Federal)
Other provinces in Canada, including Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, also administer PNP, each with varying requirements. These provinces have at least one provincial immigration stream aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration system.
The difference between the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program and other PNPs is that the NBCWP recruits low and semi-skilled workers like those on TEER 4 & 5 under the NOC, whereas streams like the Express Entry target highly skilled workers in TEER categories 0-3.
The employer-driven nature of the NBCWP increases applicants’ chances of receiving a successful nomination. In addition, the program provides enhanced settlement support that may not be available through other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Challenges and Tips for Applicants
If you intend to migrate to Canada under the New Brunswick Critical Pilot program, here are some helpful tips that can guide you through the process:
Navigating the Job Market
How to Tailor Your Resume for Canadian Employers
When seeking employment in New Brunswick, it is essential to have a resume that aligns with Canadian standards.
Use the reverse chronological style, highlighting your most relevant experience first. Then, clearly demonstrate how your skills match the job description.
You should also include other essential information, including your:
- Contact information
- A short professional summary (2-3 lines)
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
Your resume should be concise, no longer than two pages. Furthermore, include a short cover letter detailing why you are excited to work in New Brunswick, your value proposition, and your readiness to relocate to Canada.
Preparing for Interviews With Participating Companies
Learning about the participating company you applied to is integral to preparing for an interview. Identify the company’s goals to understand how your expertise can help them achieve their objectives.
Also, research your job role and possible interview questions. During your interview, express genuine interest in working in Canada.
Navigating the Application Process
The application process is one of the most challenging aspects of the NBCWP program. Before starting your application, you should understand your responsibilities and those of your employers to ensure a successful outcome.
For instance, you are expected to get a suitable job offer from an eligible employer and meet other eligibility criteria. Your employer must also meet specific requirements, including providing a completed Employer Information Form (NBCWP-004) and paying the federal compliance fee.
You should also prepare all essential documents and their translations, where necessary, before submitting an Expression of Interest.
All the stages of the application usually have deadlines. You should proceed through each stage earnestly to ensure a smooth process.
It is advisable to work with an immigration lawyer to assist you with the application. Our lawyers at Total Lawyers are experts in Canadian immigration law and can guide you through your NBCWP application. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 to discuss your case.
Adjusting to Life in New Brunswick
Most employers outsource their settlement obligations to provincial settlement agencies. These agencies will help you navigate housing, healthcare, childcare, and education.
Our immigration advisors at Total Law can also help you in your relocation process and provide you with expert guidance on settling in Canada.
To help you adjust to your new community, you can participate in local events and workshops that align with your interests to build familiarity and relationships.
How Can Total Law Help?
Our immigration lawyers at Total Law can help you with your New Brunswick Critical Pilot application. Here are some of the services we offer:
- Eligibility Assessment
Our lawyers will assess your situation to determine whether you qualify for the NBCWP program. If you are ineligible, we will evaluate your eligibility for other Canadian immigration programs.
- NBCWP Application Support
If you are eligible for the NBCWP, we will help oversee your application process from guiding you to securing an eligible job offer and applying for your nomination certificate to receiving a PR decision from IRCC.
Our application support services include organizing your supporting documents, obtaining your Canadian secondary education equivalency, and making the online applications on your behalf. We will also liaise with your New Brunswick employer on your behalf to ensure they provide you with all the information you need for your application. In addition, we can act as your legal representative with the Government of New Brunswick.
- Settlement Guidance
Our immigration lawyers can offer practical guidance on settling in Canada, including help securing housing and navigating healthcare and community life. We will also ensure that your employers fulfil their settlement obligations.
Why Choose Us?
We are a team of experienced immigration lawyers who are experts in Canadian immigration applications. We have successfully assisted several individuals and their families in relocating to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Programs, including the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot. Thus, we are well-suited to help you with your immigration application.
Our regulated Canadian immigration consultant will provide you with personalized services, whether you are a single applicant or intend to migrate with your dependents. We also offer a streamlined communication service to enhance smooth interaction between you and your assigned lawyer.
For more information on how we can help you or for immediate help with your Canadian immigration application, call us at +1 844 290 6312. We can help you on the phone, online, or in person.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program aims to integrate international graduates from select one-year and two-year programs of study that lead to careers in priority occupations into the New Brunswick employment sector.
While Graduate Pilot and Critical Worker programs aim to hire professionals who can contribute to New Brunswick’s economy, they are targeted at different demographics and have varying eligibility requirements.
You can apply for permanent residency through other New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) streams that accept job offers from employers not under the Critical Worker Pilot program.
Yes, most Canadian pilot immigration programs, including the Yukon Community Pilot Program, require a language proficiency test like CELPIP or IELTS. The required Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) pass score may differ per program, and it’s essential to understand the criteria for your particular immigration stream.
