The NB Business Immigration Stream is a “temporary to permanent” pathway. This means that successful applicants are first issued a temporary work permit by the federal government (IRCC), supported by a provincial letter. They then come to New Brunswick to actively establish and operate their proposed business. Only after meeting the specific conditions outlined in a signed “Business Performance Agreement” do they receive a provincial nomination for permanent residency.

This program targets individuals who will genuinely contribute to New Brunswick’s economy, create jobs for Canada citizens and permanent residents, and become active members of their chosen community.

A. Key Eligibility Requirements for the New Brunswick (NB) Investor Immigration Stream:

To be considered for this stream, applicants must meet the following core criteria at the time of their Expression of Interest (EOI) submission:

1. Age: Be between 19 and 59 years of age.
2. Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum of Canada Language Benchmark (CLB) 4in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in either English or French, demonstrated by a valid, recognized language test (IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF, TCF).
3. Education: Hold a minimum of a two-year post-secondary education after high school. If obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required to prove equivalency.
4. Business Experience: Possess at least:
• Three out of the last TWO years of experience in actively managing and owning a business (with at least 33.3% ownership and involvement in day-to-day operations as the primary decision-maker, supervising at least two employees); OR
• TWO out of the last five years of experience in a senior business management role with responsibility for supervising at least two employees in a for-profit company.
5. Personal Net Worth: Demonstrate a verifiable personal net worth of at least $500,000CAD. This net worth must be legally obtainedIf invited to apply, a third-party verification report from a New Brunswick government-designated verifier is mandatory. Note: For farming applicants, the net worth requirement is $300,000 CAD.
6. Eligible Personal Investment: Be prepared to make an eligible personal investment of at least $150,000 CAD in establishing a new business or purchasing and improving an existing business in New Brunswick. This investment must be in eligible business expenses and come from your personal net worth.
7. Business Concept/Plan: Submit a comprehensive, viable, and convincing business plan that clearly outlines how your proposed business will provide a significant economic benefit to New Brunswick. The business must be for-profit, and you must hold at least 33.3% equity and assume an active, day-to-day management role from within the province.
8. Job Creation: The business must create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in New Brunswick. This job cannot be for you, your spouse/common-law partner, your dependent children, or other family members.
9. Intention to Reside: Demonstrate a genuine intention to live permanently in New Brunswick while actively owning and managing your business.
10. Score on Selection Grid: Achieve a minimum score of 65 points on New Brunswick’s unique Business Immigration Stream selection grid.

B. Selection Factors (Points Grid for EOI):

The NB Business Immigration Stream uses a points-based system to evaluate candidates, with a minimum of 65 points required for EOI submission. Factors assessed include:

• Age: Maximum 10 points (highest for ages 25-50).
• Language Proficiency: Maximum 25 points (CLB 7+ scores highest).
• Education: Maximum 25 points (post-graduate degrees score highest).
• Business Ownership and/or Senior Management Experience: Maximum 20 points (based on years and type of experience).
• Business Plan: Maximum 15 points (assesses economic benefit, commercial viability, and transferability of skills).
• Adaptability: Maximum 5 points (for factors like previous visit to NB, NB post-secondary education, NB work experience, or family in NB).

C. Priority Processing Factors:

While not mandatory for eligibility, certain factors can enhance your EOI and potentially lead to priority processing for an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

• An exploratory visit to New Brunswick of at least 5 business days within the last 12 months.
• A strong connection to New Brunswick (e.g., prior study or work experience in NB, or immediate family members residing in NB).
• An entrepreneurial venture in the agriculture sector with a letter of support from the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.