New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help regional businesses hire foreign workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. This stream accommodates skilled foreign professionals, technical specialists, and foundational workers who possess a valid, full-time job offer from an established New Brunswick employer.
Unlike federal pathways that restrict eligibility to high-skilled managerial or technical roles, the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream covers occupations across NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This broad occupational scope, combined with an accessible language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5, makes it a vital route for international workers already employed in the province.
| Program Attribute | Skilled Worker Stream Specifications |
| Stream Type | Employer-Driven Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) |
| Job Offer Requirement | Mandatory permanent, full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer |
| Eligible Skill Levels | Occupations across NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 |
| Minimum Language Level | CLB 5 across all 4 abilities (Mandatory for ALL applicants, including native speakers) |
| Work Experience Minimum | 1-year related experience (6 months continuous with same employer for TEER 4/5) |
| Age Eligibility Range | 21 to 55 years of age |
| NAICS Sector Pause Notice | Restricted intake for Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72) |
Critical Program Rules and Occupational Standards
Applicants and employers must adhere to specific statutory rules governing employment terms and occupational eligibility.
1. Mandatory Language Testing for All Applicants
A key policy rule of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is that every applicant must submit official language test results proving a minimum of CLB 5 in English or French. There are zero language exemptions, even for native English or French speakers who completed their education in English or French-speaking countries.
2. Sector Pause: Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72)
Due to high application volume and processing backlogs, New Brunswick temporarily paused new Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS Code 72). Applications submitted prior to the pause continue to be processed, but new registrations in this sector are currently restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Official language test results (from CELPIP, IELTS, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF) showing a minimum score of CLB 5 across all four skills are strictly mandatory for all applicants without exception, regardless of country of origin or native language.
Yes. PGWP holders working in New Brunswick can apply under the Skilled Worker Stream provided their employment meets job offer duration and wage criteria. However, PGWP holders employed in NOC TEER 5 positions are ineligible.
For occupations in NOC TEER 4 or TEER 5, the applicant must complete at least six months of continuous, full-time employment with the same New Brunswick employer extending the job offer. For NOC TEER 0 to 3, one year of related skilled work experience is required.
Navigating job offer requirements and sector restrictions under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream demands expert legal representation. Led by Eivy Joy Quito, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R512178), ImmigCanada assists foreign workers and local employers with complete application management. From verifying NAICS sector compliance to organizing language documentation and filing online EOI profiles, Eivy Joy Quito ensures your provincial nomination file is protected. Contact ImmigCanada today to schedule your evaluation.