New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream offers experienced foreign entrepreneurs and corporate executives a structured pathway to establish, purchase, or expand a commercial enterprise in New Brunswick. Operating within the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), this economic stream targets business leaders capable of driving regional innovation, introducing private capital, and generating employment opportunities for local residents.
Candidates must demonstrate a verified personal net worth of $600,000 CAD and commit a minimum personal equity investment of $400,000 CAD into an active, eligible business. Selected applicants receive provincial endorsement to secure a temporary work permit, allowing them to relocate to New Brunswick, establish their commercial operation, and satisfy performance milestones before receiving a formal nomination for Canadian permanent residence.
| Program Criteria | Business Immigration Stream Parameters |
| Pathway Name | New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NBPNP) |
| Minimum Net Worth | $600,000 CAD (combined personal assets of applicant and spouse) |
| Minimum Personal Equity | $400,000 CAD direct capital investment into the NB business |
| Management Record | Minimum 3 years active owner/manager experience (past 10 years) |
| Controlling Ownership | At least 33.33% (one-third) equity stake in the commercial venture |
| Local Job Creation | At least 1 full-time permanent position created for a Canadian/PR |
| Language Standard Floor | Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French |
| Selection Mechanism | Points-based Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system |
Personal Qualifications and Business Eligibility Standards
To qualify for evaluation under this stream, prospective business founders must fulfill rigorous personal background standards and present an economically viable commercial plan.
1. Applicant Profile and Personal Net Worth
Applicants must hold a minimum verified net worth of $600,000 CAD, accumulated through lawful business operations, corporate earnings, or investments. Combined unencumbered assets belonging to the primary applicant and their spouse or common-law partner are eligible. All declared holdings must undergo third-party auditing by a recognized accounting firm in New Brunswick. Candidates require at least three years of active experience as a business owner-operator or senior executive within the preceding ten years.
2. Commercial Business Requirements
The business venture must operate as an active, for-profit commercial entity within New Brunswick. Passive investment models, holding companies, real estate speculation, and multi-level marketing operations are strictly barred. The investor must acquire at least a 33.33% equity share, assume active on-site executive management, and create a minimum of one permanent full-time position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Grid Overview
Candidates register an online profile within the NBPNP portal and are ranked according to a maximum 70-point evaluation grid. Provincial selection draws periodically invite top-ranked applicants from the pool.
| Evaluation Factor | Maximum Points | Factor Scoring Highlights |
| Management Experience | 18 Points Max | Assesses years of active corporate management or business ownership |
| Educational Qualifications | 15 Points Max | Post-secondary degrees, diplomas, or certificates with valid ECA |
| Language Competency | 15 Points Max | Scores achieved in CLB 5 or higher across reading, writing, listening, speaking |
| Personal Net Worth | 12 Points Max | Graduated points for verified net worth exceeding $600,000 CAD |
| Age Profile | 10 Points Max | Optimal points assigned to candidates within core executive age brackets |
| Maximum Selection Score | 70 Points Total | Competitive cutoff scores dictate selection invitation rounds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The $600,000 CAD minimum net worth threshold can be satisfied by combining total unencumbered assets belonging to both the primary applicant and their legal spouse or common-law partner. All declared assets must be verified by a designated third-party accounting firm.
While a formal exploratory visit is not strictly mandatory for the Business Immigration Stream, conducting an in-person market research visit to New Brunswick is strongly encouraged. Proving direct market research significantly strengthens your business plan score during provincial evaluation.
Yes. Applicants are permitted to purchase an established New Brunswick business provided they acquire at least a 33.33% controlling equity stake. The applicant must demonstrate a clear operational strategy for expanding commercial activities and upgrading facilities rather than maintaining passive operations.
Navigating commercial business immigration to New Brunswick demands meticulous legal structure, accurate net worth audits, and strategic business planning. Under the expert leadership of Eivy Joy Quito, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R512178), ImmigCanada provides comprehensive end-to-end guidance for foreign investors.
From verifying asset source documentation to negotiating business performance agreements and managing work permit filings, our team ensures your commercial path aligns with provincial guidelines. Contact ImmigCanada today to schedule your private business evaluation.