New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) - Critical Worker Pilot

In November 2022, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) introduced a unique initiative called the Critical Worker Pilot. This pilot program aims to address the workforce needs of designated employers in the province by allowing them to recruit foreign talent to fill critical job vacancies.


The Critical Worker Pilot recognizes the challenges faced by certain industries in New Brunswick, where a shortage of skilled workers can hinder economic growth and productivity. By providing a streamlined pathway for foreign workers to obtain permanent residency, the program seeks to alleviate labor shortages and support the long-term success of key sectors in the province.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Critical Worker Pilot, employers must first be designated as eligible by the NBPNP. This designation is based on factors such as the employer’s industry, location, and demonstrated efforts to recruit locally and nationally before seeking foreign talent.

Once designated, employers can identify and nominate foreign workers for specific job vacancies that meet the program’s criteria. Nominated workers must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience for the job vacancy, as determined by the employer and the NBPNP.
  2. Demonstrate a genuine intention to reside in New Brunswick permanently.
  3. Meet the language proficiency requirements set by the NBPNP, typically a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher in either English or French.
  4. Satisfy any additional criteria established by the NBPNP, such as age, education, or work experience requirements.

Application Process

The application process for the Critical Worker Pilot involves the following steps:

  1. Eligible employers identify foreign workers who meet the job requirements and nominate them for the program.
  2. Nominated workers submit their applications to the NBPNP, providing all required documents, including educational credentials, language test results, and proof of settlement funds.
  3. The NBPNP evaluates the applications based on the program’s criteria and the employer’s specific workforce needs.
  4. If approved, the nominated worker receives a nomination certificate from the province of New Brunswick.
  5. With the provincial nomination, the worker can then apply for permanent residence through the Federal Express Entry system or the Federal Skilled Worker Program, depending on their specific circumstances.

It’s important to note that the Critical Worker Pilot is designed to address critical labor shortages in specific industries and regions within New Brunswick. The program’s criteria and designated employer list may be adjusted periodically to align with the province’s evolving workforce needs.

Successful applicants through this pilot can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency in New Brunswick, including the ability to live and work in the province indefinitely, access to social services, and the potential for Canadian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.

The Critical Worker Pilot provides a valuable opportunity for foreign workers to contribute their skills and expertise to New Brunswick’s economy while pursuing their personal and professional goals in Canada. It also supports the growth and competitiveness of key industries in the province by addressing critical labor shortages.

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