Choose Your Immigration Pathway

Each pathway serves different goals. Examine requirements, timelines, and costs to find the best option for your situation.

NextStep NB is an independent settlement support service, not affiliated with IRCC or the Government of New Brunswick. We are not regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCIC) or lawyers and do not provide immigration advice. Amounts and rules quoted come from IRCC and the NB government: check them on canada.ca before applying.

Latest News (2026)

2026 Quotas

Ottawa increased provincial nominee spaces by about a third for 2026. NB went from 2,750 nominations in 2025 to about 3,600 (estimate). Over 4,000 invitations have already been issued this year.

Priority Sectors

Since May 4, 2026, the NB Experience pathway (Skilled Worker) only invites candidates in healthcare, education and construction trades. Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) remain excluded.

Atlantic Program (AIP)

Since February 3, 2026, AIP applications go into a candidate pool with monthly selections. For overseas candidates, only job offers in healthcare, education and construction are accepted.

Express Entry (PR)

Permanent residence as a skilled worker through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Test de langue :

IELTS General / CELPIP / TEF / TCF

Exigences clés :

FSW: NCLC 7 in French or English

FST: NCLC 5 (oral), NCLC 4 (written)

Documents clés :

Language test results (valid 2 years)ECA ReportWork reference lettersPassportPolice certificates

Study Permit

Study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and potentially transition to PR.

Utilise le SCG ?

Délai

Varie by country (8-12 weeks)

Coût de la demande •

• 150 $ CAD + biometrics

Proof of funds

• Tuition + living expenses ($23,448 per year for 1 person outside Quebec, applications since September 1, 2026)

Test de langue :

Based on institution (often IELTS 6.0+)

Exigences clés :

Acceptance letter from a DLI

Proof of sufficient funds

Documents clés :

Acceptance letterProof of identityProof of financial support

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Be nominated by a Canadian province to meet local economic needs.

Utilise le SCG ?

Yes (gives 600 points)

Délai

6 - 12 months

Coût de la demande •

• 250 $ CAD (Provincial) + 1,525 $ (Federal)

Proof of funds

• Variable by stream

Note

Priority given to health, education, and construction sectors.

Test de langue :

CLB 4 to 7 minimum

Exigences clés :

Job offer or connection to the province

Intention to reside in the province

Documents clés :

Nomination certificateComplete federal fileProof of experience

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Employer-driven program for skilled workers in Atlantic Canada.

Utilise le SCG ?

Délai

~ 6 months

Coût de la demande •

• 1,525 $ CAD (Federal fees)

Proof of funds

• ~ 3,500 $ (for one person)

Test de langue :

CLB 4 or 5 minimum

Exigences clés :

Job offer from a designated employer

Settlement plan for integration

Documents clés :

Job offer (IMM 0157)Settlement planProvincial endorsement

Francophone Mobility (Work Permit)

LMIA-exempt work permit for French speakers with a job offer outside Quebec, including New Brunswick.

Ideal for French speakers

Utilise le SCG ?

Délai

A few weeks to a few months (depends on country)

Coût de la demande •

• $155 CAD (permit) + $230 paid by the employer

Proof of funds

• Depends on your situation (no fixed amount)

Test de langue :

French NCLC 5 in speaking and listening (TEF or TCF Canada)

Exigences clés :

Job offer from an employer outside Quebec

French NCLC 5 in speaking and listening

Documents clés :

TEF or TCF Canada resultsOffer of employment number (code C16)Passport

NBPNP – Strategic Initiative (Francophones)

Provincial stream for French speakers who want to settle in New Brunswick: workers, graduates and remote workers.

New Brunswick

Utilise le SCG ?

No (provincial grid: 65/100 minimum)

Délai

Varies with invitations

Coût de la demande •

• $250 CAD (Provincial) + federal PR fees

Proof of funds

• Required, unless you already live in NB or have a job offer

Test de langue :

French NCLC 5 in all 4 skills

Exigences clés :

19 years or older

High school diploma (or equivalent)

Documents clés :

TEF or TCF Canada resultsDiplomas and assessment (ECA)Proof of work experience

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (Acadian Peninsula)

Permanent residence for French speakers with a job offer from a designated employer in the Acadian Peninsula (NB).

Direct permanent residence

Utilise le SCG ?

Délai

Varies (pilot program)

Coût de la demande •

• Federal PR fees

Proof of funds

• Required (based on family size)

Test de langue :

French NCLC 5 in all 4 skills

Exigences clés :

Permanent full-time job offer from a designated employer

1 year of related experience in the last 3 years

Documents clés :

TEF or TCF Canada resultsJob offer and recommendationDiploma and assessment (ECA)

NBPNP – Business Immigration

For entrepreneurs who want to buy or start a business in New Brunswick and live there.

Entrepreneurs

Utilise le SCG ?

No (provincial grid: 65/100 minimum)

Délai

Long: work permit, then 6 months of operations before nomination

Coût de la demande •

• $2,000 CAD (Provincial) + federal fees

Proof of funds

• Net worth of $500,000 ($300,000 in agriculture)

Test de langue :

CLB 4 in all 4 skills

Exigences clés :

Age 19 to 59

2 years as owner (51%+) or senior manager in the last 5 years

Documents clés :

Business planProof of net worthProof of business experience

Spousal Sponsorship

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner.

Family

Utilise le SCG ?

Délai

~18 months (outside Canada) · ~26 months (inside Canada)

Coût de la demande •

• $1,260 CAD (Federal fees, all included)

Proof of funds

• Sponsor's financial undertaking

Test de langue :

None

Exigences clés :

Sponsor is a Canadian citizen or PR, 18 or older

Genuine, documented relationship

Documents clés :

Marriage certificate or proof of living togetherPhotos, messages, trips togetherSponsor's ID