New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program: Detailed Guide & Application Process

New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program: Detailed Guide & Application Process

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program (NBCWPP) is a unique five-year initiative designed to address critical labour shortages across various industries in New Brunswick. This pilot program aims to attract skilled international workers to fill positions that local employers have difficulty staffing, ensuring the province’s economic growth and stability.

Employer Participation

Overview

Employers involved in the NBCWPP are selected based on their proven track record and consistent utilization of both provincial and federal economic immigration programs for at least three consecutive years. These employers must demonstrate an ability to provide substantial settlement support, including skills development and language training for new international employees.

Currently, the program is limited and selective in its scope, with regular evaluations conducted to assess performance and potential expansion.

Participating Employers

• Cooke Aquaculture

• J.D. Irving Ltd.

• Groupe Savoie

• Groupe Westco

• Imperial Manufacturing Group

• McCain Foods, Ltd.

Employers seeking more information about participation in New Brunswick’s immigration initiatives can visit the Employer Roles and Responsibilities page.

Candidate Participation

How to Participate

The NBCWPP is strictly employer-driven; thus, candidates cannot directly apply. Interested individuals must secure a genuine, full-time, permanent job offer from a participating employer to qualify for the program.

There is no requirement to submit a résumé directly to Immigration NB. However, potential candidates are encouraged to explore job opportunities through NB Jobs.

New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Process Map

The application process involves several distinct steps:

1. Accept a Job Offer: Secure employment from a participating employer.

2. Create an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your interest via the INB Portal.

3. Application Submission: File your application with the Government of New Brunswick.

4. Provide Additional Information: Ensure all supplementary documents are complete.

5. Settlement Plan: Prepare and submit a detailed settlement strategy.

6. Apply for Permanent Residence: Submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

7. Decision from IRCC: Await the final decision from IRCC regarding your PR application.

Getting Started

Before applying:

• Confirm a valid employment offer from an NBCWPP participating employer.

• Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and have prepared the necessary documentation for submission.

• Achieve PR readiness by reviewing requirements detailed on the New Brunswick immigration website.

Useful Guides

• NB Critical Worker Pilot Program Guide

• NB Provincial Nominee Program: Post-Nomination Guide

• INB Portal User Guides

If technical issues arise, contact INBSupport@gnb.ca for assistance.

Submitting Your Application

Step-by-Step Application:

1. Study the Guide

Carefully review the NBCWPP guide to understand eligibility criteria, selection factors, and procedural guidelines.

2. Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create a candidate profile on the INB Portal and complete your EOI. Selected candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

3. Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If selected, your employer will issue an ITA through your INB account. You have 45 days to submit a comprehensive application.

4. Complete Electronic Submission

Upload all required documents electronically in PDF format via your INB account. Ensure completeness and accuracy to avoid delays.

5. Processing Fee Payment

Pay a non-refundable processing fee of CAD $250, covering the main applicant, spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children. Payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, INTERAC Online, or Visa/Debit.

6. Await Decision

Opportunities New Brunswick will evaluate your application. Decisions are communicated in writing through your INB dashboard. If nominated, proceed to apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC.

Required Forms:

• NBPNP-005 Consent and Declaration

• NB-007 Use of Representative (if applicable)

• NB-025 Authorized Paid Representative Enrolment

• NB-008 Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (if applicable)

• NB-009 Declaration Non-accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada (if applicable)

After Nomination

Upon nomination by New Brunswick, candidates must directly apply for Permanent Residence (PR) with IRCC. Maintain compliance with all nomination conditions until a decision is made on your PR application. The nomination certificate is valid for six months from issuance, requiring submission of a complete PR application within that timeframe.

For more details, visit the immigrate as a provincial nominee (non-Express Entry process) page.

Post-Nomination Forms:

• NB-011 Request to Withdraw Application (if needed)

• NB-021 Post Nomination Request Form (if applicable)

This comprehensive guide provides clarity and essential insights into the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program, streamlining your immigration journey and helping ensure a successful settlement in Canada.