If you want to immigrate to New Brunswick, Canada and are ready to establish and manage a business in the province, the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream might be the right Canadian immigration option for you.
The New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream is part of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), through which the province can nominate people for Canadian permanent residence based on criteria set by the province.
Here’s how the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream works. First, because the stream operate on an Expression of Interest (EOI) basis, you first have to fill out and submit the EOI form. An exploratory visit is part of the candidacy process. Then, immigration authorities in New Brunswick issue invitations to apply to a selection of candidates. After applying, you attend an interview with NBPNP officers; if accepted, you may then receive a nomination certificate and apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
This process is outlined in greater detail below, but first, let’s look at the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream eligibility criteria and points grid.
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream criteria
Candidates for the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream must satisfy the following conditions:
- Have an eligible connection to New Brunswick (details below);
- Be between 22-55 years of age;
- Have a minimum language ability of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or better in English or French;
- Have completed a minimum of two years of full-time post-secondary education after completing high school;
- Have a verifiable personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000, of which at least CAD $300,000 must be liquid and unencumbered funds;
- Have at least three out of five years of experience in managing and owning a business (of at least 33.3%) OR
have five years out of five of experience in a senior business management role or more; - Want to live permanently in New Brunswick, while owning and managing a local business; and
- Be able to invest at least $250,000 CAD of their own funds to establish a business in New Brunswick.
To receive an invitation to apply, you must:
- Meet the minimum eligibility requirements outlined above;
- Score at least 65 points in the selection factors outlined below; and
- Present a business concept that demonstrates the potential to provide significant economic benefit to New Brunswick.
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream EOI points grid
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. An EOI is reviewed based on the following factors: age, language, education, work experience, the economic benefit of the business (to New Brunswick), and adaptability. Candidates are assigned a score based on the following:
| Selection factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Age | 10 |
| Language | 25 |
| Education | 25 |
| Personal net worth | N/A (candidates must satisfy condition) |
| Business ownership and /or Senior Management Experience | 20 |
| Business concept | 15 |
| Adaptability for spouse or common-law partner | 5 |
| Total | 100 points (candidates must score at least 65) |
Factor 1: Age
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 22-34 | 5 |
| 35-50 | 10 |
| 51-55 | 5 |
| Maximum points | 10 |
Factor 2: Language
You must meet the minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French in all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
| Language | CLB | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | Maximum points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First official language | CLB 7+ | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| CLB 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||
| CLB 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Second official language | CLB 5+ | 5 | ||||
Factor 3: Education
| Points | ||
|---|---|---|
| Post-graduate education (Master’s degree or PhD) | Master's or Doctorate degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university, after completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree | 25 |
| Post-secondary education (academic degree) | Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who complete an undergraduate curriculum that required at least three years full-time study | 20 |
| Post-secondary education (diploma) | Diploma completed in a specific trade that required at least two years full-time study after high (secondary) school | 15 |
| Maximum points | 25 | |
Factor 4: Personal net worth
You must have a verifiable personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD, of which $300,000 CAD must be liquid and unencumbered by debts and/or other obligations.
Even though there are no points awarded for meeting the requirements for personal net worth, you must satisfy the following two conditions:
- You have $600,000 CAD, or greater, in total personal net worth.
- You have at least $300,000 CAD of personal net worth readily transferable and completely unaffected by debts and/or other obligations.
Factor 5: Business ownership and /or Senior Management experience
You may be awarded a maximum of 20 points based on business ownership and/or senior management experience.
| Business ownership experience | Years | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Business owner (of at least 33.3%), personally involved in the day-to-day operations as the primary decision maker, responsible for supervising at least two people. | 10 in the last 10 years | 20 |
| 6-9 years in the last 10 years | 18 | |
| 3 years in the last 5 years | 15 | |
| Business ownership experience: Maximum 20 points | ||
| Senior management experience | Years | Points |
| Senior manager, personally involved in the day-to-day operations as a primary decision maker responsible for supervising at least two people. | 10 in the last 10 years | 12 |
| 6-9 years in the last 10 years | 10 | |
| 5 years in the last 5 years | 5 | |
| Senior management experience: Maximum 12 points | ||
| Overall: Maximum 20 points | ||
Factor 6: Business concept
Under the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream, you are required to submit a business concept with your application. The business concept is a written document explaining how the business will operate. You need to show you have conducted extensive research and considered all economic, market and cultural factors.
You may receive up to 15 points for the business elements. The business concept must be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length and must be submitted with the EOI. You must demonstrate that the business poses economic benefits to New Brunswick and operates with the sole purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services.
| Business concept elements | Points |
|---|---|
| Candidate will transfer 10 years of business ownership or senior management experience to the same industry and sector in New Brunswick. | 3 |
| Candidate will establish or purchase a business in a key industry sector. | 3 |
| Business is located outside of Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. | 3 |
| Eligible expenses are greater than $500,000 CAD, or | 4 |
| Eligible expenses are between $351,000 CAD and $499,000 CAD, or | 3 |
| Eligible expenses are between CAD $250,000 and CAD $350,000 | 2 |
| Candidate has identified target market(s) for the New Brunswick-based business, and Candidate has knowledge of statutes, regulations and bylaws, and Candidate has identified relevant business resources. | 2* |
| Business will increase research, development and technological commercialization; Business will transfer specialized knowledge and expertise to New Brunswick; Business will attract new business activities to New Brunswick; Business will link New Brunswick to global markets and value-chains. | 2* |
| Maximum points: 15 |
*You must meet at least two conditions to claim total points.
Factor 7: Adaptability factors of spouse or common-law partner
| Spouse/Common-law partner adaptability | Points |
|---|---|
| Completed a program of full-time study of at least one year at a recognized post-secondary institution in New Brunswick after the age of 17 years and with a valid study permit, OR Completed at least six months of continuous full-time employment in New Brunswick | 5 |
| Meets the minimum level CLB 5 in English or French in all four language abilities | 5 |
| Maximum points: 5 |
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New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream process
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) electronically by using the Immigration New Brunswick online portal.
Step 2: The NBPNP selects the EOIs with the highest scores and business concepts that have an economic benefit. Invitation to apply letters are sent to these candidates.
Step 3: Entrepreneur candidate submits a full application to the NBPNP. Here is a document checklist.
Step 4: Entrepreneur candidate submits a deposit of CAD $100,000 and a signed Business Performance Agreement to receive a provincial nomination from the NBPNP.
Step 5: Entrepreneur candidate submits a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC.
Step 6: Entrepreneur candidate lands in New Brunswick and establishes the business, which must be operated for one year to be eligible to apply for refund of deposit.
For more information, please view the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream application guide.
Stay up to date with all PNP options throughout Canada, including the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream, with our PNP Live Tracker.
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