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Critical Worker Pilot
Summary:
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is a five-year, employer-driven immigration initiative designed to address persistent labour shortages across key industries and regions of the province. Launched to recruit and retain skilled international talent for hard-to-fill occupations, the pilot is part of New Brunswick’s ongoing strategy to support population growth and economic development.
Please note: This is a targeted recruitment program. You cannot apply directly. All applications must come through an approved employer participating in the pilot.
Employer Participation
Employer involvement is essential to the NBCWP. Participating employers are selected based on their:
Proven track record using New Brunswick’s and Canada’s economic immigration programs (minimum of 3 years),
Capacity to support newcomer integration, including language training, skills development, and settlement services.
Due to the pilot’s limited scope, participation is currently restricted to a small group of vetted employers. However, program performance is regularly reviewed, and additional participation opportunities may arise in the future.
Current Participating Employers:
Cooke Aquaculture
J.D. Irving Ltd.
Groupe Savoie
Groupe Westco
Imperial Manufacturing Group
McCain Foods Ltd.
Candidate Eligibility
As an internationally trained worker, you cannot apply directly to the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot. This is not an open intake stream. Instead, you must:
Be recruited by one of the participating employers listed above,
Receive a full-time, permanent, non-seasonal job offer.
There is no need to send your resume to Immigration NB. To explore job opportunities in New Brunswick, visit NBJobs.ca.
You can also learn more about:
Application Process
Step-by-Step: From Job Offer to PR
Accept a Job Offer
Secure a full-time, permanent position from a participating employer.Create an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your profile through the INB Portal once you are PR-ready.Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected, you’ll receive an ITA through your INB account. Submit your complete application within 45 calendar days.Submit Your Application
Complete the electronic application with all required PDF documents via the INB Portal.Settlement Plan
You must submit a settlement plan as part of your application.Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable CAD $250 fee is required. It covers your spouse/partner and dependent children.Wait for a Decision
Immigration NB will assess your application and inform you of the result via your INB dashboard.
Meeting eligibility does not guarantee nomination. New Brunswick reserves the right to update or pause the pilot at any time.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
After Nomination
If nominated under the NBCWP, you must apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Provincial Nominee (non-Express Entry) stream.
Key reminders:
Your nomination certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
You must apply to IRCC before it expires.
You must maintain the conditions of nomination while awaiting your PR decision.
Forms
NBPNP-005: Consent and Declaration (Required)
NB-007: Use of Representative (If applicable)
NB-025: Authorized Paid Representative Enrolment
NB-011: Request to Withdraw Your Application (If applicable)
NB-021: Post-Nomination Request Form (If applicable)
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I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).