Your direct path to Canadian permanent residence through New Brunswick
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete eligibility requirements and age limits for New Brunswick's employer-supported immigration stream
- Detailed point system breakdown showing exactly how to score the required 60 points
- Step-by-step application process with specific timelines and deadlines
- Insider tips on maximizing your adaptability points through work experience and education
- Common mistakes that kill applications and how to avoid them
Summary:
If you're stuck in Express Entry limbo or don't qualify for federal programs, New Brunswick's Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream offers a direct path to Canadian permanent residence. This non-Express Entry program requires just 60 points across five categories, accepts workers aged 19-55, and processes applications for those with genuine job offers from New Brunswick employers. With bonus points available for local work experience, education, and family connections, this stream particularly favors candidates already familiar with the province. The program covers all NOC TEER categories 0-3 and select categories 4-5, making it accessible to a wide range of skilled professionals.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You need only 60 points total (much lower than Express Entry) across age, language, education, adaptability, and work experience
- Ages 22-55 receive maximum 10 points, while 19-21 get 8 points
- Two years of New Brunswick work experience adds 10 adaptability points - the highest bonus available
- CLB 4 minimum language requirement for TEER 4-5 jobs (basic English proficiency)
- 45-day deadline to submit complete application after receiving invitation
Maria Santos refreshed her Express Entry profile for the hundredth time, watching her Comprehensive Ranking System score remain stubbornly at 438 points. After 18 months in the pool with no invitation, she was ready to give up on her Canadian dream. Then her friend mentioned New Brunswick's Skilled Worker program - and everything changed.
Unlike the hyper-competitive Express Entry system, New Brunswick's Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream operates independently, requiring just 60 points instead of 400+. If you've been frustrated by federal programs or simply want a more direct route to permanent residence, this provincial pathway might be your answer.
Who Qualifies for This Stream?
The beauty of New Brunswick's program lies in its accessibility. You don't need perfect English, a master's degree, or years of Canadian experience to succeed.
Age Requirements That Actually Make Sense
While Express Entry heavily penalizes older candidates, New Brunswick takes a more balanced approach:
- Ages 22-55: Full 10 points
- Ages 19-21: Still earn 8 points
This means if you're 45 and feeling "too old" for Express Entry, you'll receive the same points as a 25-year-old in New Brunswick's system.
Language Requirements You Can Actually Meet
Here's where this program shines for practical applicants. While Express Entry often demands CLB 9+ for competitive scores, New Brunswick accepts:
- CLB 4 minimum for TEER categories 4-5 jobs
- Higher levels earn more points, but aren't mandatory for eligibility
CLB 4 represents basic conversational English - think ordering food, discussing weather, or handling simple workplace conversations. It's achievable for most dedicated learners within 6-12 months of study.
Education: High School Gets You Started
You don't need a university degree to qualify. The minimum requirement is simply a high school diploma, though higher education earns more points:
- High school: 15 points
- One-year certificate: 17 points
- Two-year diploma: 18 points
- Bachelor's degree: 19 points
- Master's or professional degree: 20 points
The Points System Decoded
Understanding exactly how to earn your required 60 points makes the difference between success and rejection. Let me break down each category strategically.
Language Points: Your Foundation (Maximum 28 Points)
Most successful applicants aim for CLB 5-6 across all four abilities, earning 20 points total. If you can achieve CLB 7+, you'll maximize this category at 24 points for your first language, plus up to 4 bonus points for basic French ability.
Pro tip: Focus on achieving consistent scores across listening, speaking, reading, and writing rather than excelling in one area. Balanced CLB 5 scores (20 points) often prove more valuable than mixed results like CLB 8 reading but CLB 4 speaking.
Adaptability Points: Your Secret Weapon (Maximum 12 Points)
This category rewards your connection to New Brunswick, and it's where smart applicants gain their competitive edge:
The Two-Year Work Experience Jackpot Working in New Brunswick for two of the past five years with valid authorization earns you 10 points - nearly one-sixth of your total requirement. This explains why many successful applicants start with temporary work permits before applying for permanent residence.
Education Bonus Points Completing post-secondary education in New Brunswick adds significant value:
- Two years of study: 10 points
- One year of study: 7 points
Family Connections Pay Off Having a close relative (parent, sibling, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) who's been a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in New Brunswick for 12+ months adds 5 points.
Spouse Support Matters Your partner can contribute through:
- One year of New Brunswick work experience: 5 points
- CLB 4 English or NCLC 4 French proficiency: 5 points
Work Experience Strategy
Your professional background contributes up to 20 points based on experience in your intended occupation during the past five years:
- 5 years: 20 points
- 4 years: 16 points
- 3 years: 12 points
- 2 years: 8 points
- 1 year: 5 points
Important distinction: This counts experience in your specific occupation, not just any work experience. If you're applying as a software developer, only software development experience counts toward these points.
Priority Occupations Bonus
New Brunswick awards 10 bonus points for positions in high-demand sectors:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Business service centers
Your employer must demonstrate they couldn't find qualified local candidates, but this bonus can push borderline applications over the 60-point threshold.
The Application Journey
Step 1: Secure Your Job Offer
Everything starts with a genuine job offer from a New Brunswick employer who's operated for at least one year. The position must be:
- Full-time and permanent (no predetermined end date)
- Paying comparable industry wages
- Compliant with provincial employment standards
Your employer must prove they attempted to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first - typically through advertising and recruitment efforts.
Step 2: Create Your Online Profile
Using Immigration New Brunswick's online portal, you'll submit your candidate profile with supporting documents. This isn't like Express Entry where you wait indefinitely - if you meet requirements, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply.
Step 3: The 45-Day Sprint
Once invited, you have exactly 45 days to submit your complete application. This tight timeline means having documents ready beforehand:
- Language test results (taken within two years)
- Educational credential assessments
- Work experience letters
- Police certificates
- Medical exams (if required)
Step 4: Provincial Nomination to Permanent Residence
Approved applicants receive provincial nomination certificates, enabling them to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Since this stream isn't Express Entry-aligned, you'll submit a paper-based application with longer processing times but the same permanent residence outcome.
Common Pitfalls That Sink Applications
The Genuine Job Offer Problem Immigration officers scrutinize employment offers carefully. Red flags include:
- Wages significantly above or below industry standards
- Employers with no clear business need for the position
- Job duties that don't match the applicant's experience
- Companies that haven't demonstrated recruitment efforts
Point Calculation Errors Many applicants overestimate their scores, particularly in language and work experience categories. Conservative, documented calculations prevent disappointment and refusal.
Document Timing Issues Language tests expire after two years, and other documents have specific validity periods. Starting the process with expired credentials wastes months of preparation time.
Who Cannot Apply
New Brunswick explicitly excludes certain categories:
- Applicants with pending applications under other Canadian immigration programs
- Those not lawfully residing in their country of residence
- People with unresolved refugee or humanitarian claims
- Individuals under removal orders
- Full-time students
- Live-in caregivers
- Seasonal workers
Your Next Steps
If you're tired of waiting for Express Entry or need an alternative immigration pathway, New Brunswick's Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream offers genuine opportunity. The 60-point requirement, reasonable language standards, and bonus points for local connections create achievable goals for motivated applicants.
Start by researching New Brunswick employers in your field and understanding the job market. Consider temporary work permits as stepping stones to build local experience and adaptability points. Most importantly, calculate your points honestly and prepare documents systematically.
Your Canadian dream doesn't have to depend on Express Entry's lottery system. Sometimes the most direct path runs through the Maritimes, where practical immigration programs reward genuine commitment to building your future in Canada.
FAQ
Q: What are the minimum requirements to qualify for New Brunswick's Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream?
To qualify for this stream, you must be between 19-55 years old with at least a high school education and a genuine full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer. Your employer must have operated in the province for at least one year and demonstrate they couldn't find qualified local candidates. Language requirements vary by job category - you need minimum CLB 4 for TEER categories 4-5 positions, while higher-skilled roles require stronger English proficiency. Most importantly, you must score at least 60 points across five categories: age, language, education, work experience, and adaptability. Unlike Express Entry, this program operates independently and doesn't require you to be in the federal pool, making it accessible to candidates who might not qualify for other immigration streams.
Q: How exactly does the 60-point system work, and what's the easiest way to reach this threshold?
The point system awards maximum scores as follows: Age (10 points for ages 22-55), Language (28 points for strong English/French), Education (20 points for master's degree), Work Experience (20 points for 5 years in your occupation), and Adaptability (12 points for New Brunswick connections). The smartest strategy focuses on adaptability points - working in New Brunswick for two years gives you 10 points, nearly one-sixth of your requirement. A typical successful profile might include: 10 points (age), 20 points (CLB 5 English), 19 points (bachelor's degree), 8 points (2 years work experience), plus 10 points (NB work experience) totaling 67 points. Priority occupation bonuses add another 10 points for roles in education, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, or business service centers, making the threshold very achievable.
Q: What types of jobs and employers qualify for this program?
The program covers all NOC TEER categories 0-3 (management, professional, technical, and skilled trades) plus select categories 4-5 (intermediate and laborer positions). Your employer must be an established New Brunswick business operating for at least one year with demonstrated recruitment efforts to hire locally first. The job offer must be full-time, permanent (no predetermined end date), and pay wages comparable to industry standards. Priority sectors receiving bonus points include healthcare, education, manufacturing, transportation, and business service centers. Excluded positions include seasonal work, live-in caregiving, and jobs for full-time students. Your employer will need to provide detailed justification for why they need to hire internationally, including advertising records and recruitment documentation to prove no qualified Canadians or permanent residents were available.
Q: How long does the application process take, and what are the key deadlines I need to know?
The process involves several distinct phases with specific timelines. After submitting your candidate profile through Immigration New Brunswick's online portal, eligible applicants typically receive an Invitation to Apply within a few weeks to months. Once invited, you have exactly 45 days to submit your complete application with all supporting documents - this deadline is non-negotiable. Provincial processing takes approximately 6-12 months after submission. Upon approval, you receive a provincial nomination certificate valid for applying to IRCC for permanent residence. Since this isn't an Express Entry stream, you'll submit a paper-based federal application, which currently takes 18-24 months to process. Total timeline from job offer to permanent residence typically ranges 2-3 years. Critical timing considerations include ensuring your language test results remain valid (2-year expiry) and medical exams don't expire during processing.
Q: What are the most common mistakes that lead to application rejections?
The biggest failure point is questionable job offers that don't pass genuineness tests. Immigration officers reject applications where wages are significantly above/below market rates, employers show no clear business need, or recruitment efforts appear inadequate. Point miscalculations rank second - applicants often overestimate language scores or work experience, falling short of the 60-point minimum. Document timing issues cause frequent problems, particularly expired language tests or credentials that lose validity during processing. Another critical error is applying while having pending applications under other Canadian immigration programs, which makes you ineligible. Poor documentation of work experience, especially failing to prove experience specifically in your intended occupation rather than general work history, also leads to refusals. Finally, many applicants underestimate the 45-day submission deadline and scramble to gather documents, resulting in incomplete applications that get automatically rejected.
Q: Can I apply if I'm currently outside Canada, and how do adaptability points work for international candidates?
Yes, you can apply from outside Canada, but you'll face challenges earning adaptability points that give other candidates significant advantages. International applicants typically rely on family connections (5 points for close relatives in New Brunswick who are Canadian citizens/permanent residents for 12+ months) or spouse qualifications (5 points for partner's language ability or NB work experience). However, candidates with New Brunswick work experience earn up to 10 adaptability points, making them highly competitive. If you're applying internationally, focus on maximizing other categories - aim for higher language scores (CLB 6-7 instead of minimum requirements), ensure your education credentials are properly assessed, and target priority occupations for the 10-point bonus. Consider temporary work permits as a strategic stepping stone to build local experience and adaptability points before applying for permanent residence, as this pathway significantly improves your chances of selection and success.
Q: What happens after I receive provincial nomination, and how does this differ from Express Entry streams?
After receiving New Brunswick's provincial nomination certificate, you have 6 months to submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unlike Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs that add 600 points to your CRS score for fast-track processing, this stream operates outside Express Entry entirely. You'll submit a paper-based application directly to IRCC, which currently processes non-Express Entry applications in 18-24 months compared to 6 months for Express Entry. However, this longer timeline shouldn't deter you - the outcome is identical permanent residence status with full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. During federal processing, you can often apply for a work permit to begin working in New Brunswick immediately. The key advantage is certainty - once provincially nominated, federal approval rates exceed 95% provided you maintain eligibility and don't have medical or security issues.
