New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream

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:

Factor 1: Age

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.

Factor 3: Education

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:

1. You have $600,000 CAD, or greater, in total personal net worth.
2. 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.

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.

*You must meet at least two conditions to claim total points.

Factor 7: Adaptability factors of spouse or common-law partner

Continued below...

New Brunswick Entrepreneurial stream process

Step 1: Submit your EOI form by email to the NBPNP (send to [email protected])

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.

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