The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot is a five-year immigration initiative designed to connect skilled foreign workers with essential industries in New Brunswick. The program was launched to address persistent labor shortages while providing a structured pathway for workers to gain permanent residency in Canada.

Unlike traditional immigration programs, this pilot is employer-driven, meaning candidates can apply only through one of the six participating employers. These employers play a vital role in recruitment, training, and settlement support, ensuring newcomers have the tools they need to build successful lives in the province.

Purpose and Benefits of the Program

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot focuses on attracting foreign talent to fill critical positions that local employers struggle to staff. Sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, and aquaculture are among those benefiting the most.

Beyond job placement, the pilot offers several advantages:

• Free language training to improve English or French proficiency
• Job-specific skills development and on-the-job mentorship
• Support for housing and transportation to ease settlement
• A direct pathway to permanent residency for qualified candidates

This combination of employment and settlement support makes the program one of the most practical routes to Canadian immigration for eligible foreign workers.

Who Qualifies for the Program?

To qualify for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot, applicants must meet a set of general criteria, though some flexibility is provided through employer attestations.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Job Offer: A valid job offer from one of the six approved employers.
• Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours (about one year) of full-time work experience within the last five years in a relevant occupation.
• Education: A high school diploma or an equivalent credential verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB level 4 in English or French for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Employer Attestation: Employers can vouch for candidates who lack certain documentation, such as a language test or diploma, helping them meet program criteria.

Participating Employers in the Program

Only six employers are currently authorized to recruit through this program, each recognized for their strong history in hiring and supporting international talent:

Employer	Industry
Cooke Aquaculture Inc.	Seafood and Aquaculture
Groupe Savoie Inc.	Wood Processing
Groupe Westco	Poultry Production
Imperial Manufacturing	Industrial Manufacturing
J.D. Irving Ltd.	Forestry and Logistics
McCain Foods Ltd.	Food Processing

These employers are known for offering stable, long-term employment and comprehensive settlement support to help newcomers integrate successfully into their communities.

How the Application Process Works

Candidates cannot apply directly to the province. Instead, applications are made through participating employers who identify skilled candidates for available positions. Once hired, candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the province’s INB Portal and, upon receiving an invitation, complete their provincial application before applying for permanent residency with IRCC.

Why Choose This Pathway?

For skilled foreign workers, the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot offers both employment security and a faster route to permanent residency. With settlement support, ongoing training, and clear eligibility criteria, this program provides a genuine opportunity to start a long-term career in one of Canada’s most welcoming provinces.

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot represents an excellent chance for skilled foreign workers to secure stable employment, gain valuable Canadian experience, and move closer to permanent residency. If you’re looking to build your future in Canada through this unique opportunity, ImmigCanada can help you every step of the way.

Start your journey today! Contact ImmigCanada to find out how you can qualify for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot and begin your application process now. Contact us today for expert guidance.