Maple News reports that New Brunswick is temporarily accepting applications under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) from temporary workers employed in lower-skilled occupations. This move provides a limited-time immigration opportunity for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders with work experience in National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level D positions — jobs that typically require on-the-job training rather than formal education.
Eligible occupations include roles such as fruit pickers, cleaners, and oil field laborers. These job types are often considered essential but are traditionally not included in most provincial streams for permanent residency. However, the New Brunswick government has made an exception to attract and retain critical workers already contributing to the province’s economy.
Applicants must submit their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications through the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream no later than April 30, 2021. This program is part of the larger New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), which facilitates pathways to permanent residency for those who have the skills to support the province’s labor market.
To be eligible, applicants must meet three key criteria: they must currently hold a PGWP, be graduates of a designated learning institution (DLI) in New Brunswick, and meet all eligibility requirements of the Skilled Worker Stream. They must also have permanent, full-time job offers within New Brunswick.
The main eligibility conditions include demonstrating a genuine intention to reside in the province, proof of qualifications for the offered role, and a competitive wage aligned with local standards. Employers must also be supportive of the immigration application. For regulated occupations, appropriate provincial certification or licensing is required.
Prospective applicants are assessed on a point-based system that considers age, education, work experience, language proficiency (in either English or French), and job sector. A minimum of 60 points out of 100 is required to apply. Candidates aged between 19 and 55 and with a minimum CLB 4 in one or both official languages are eligible, with bonus points available for bilingual ability.
Educational requirements include at least a high school diploma. If the education is completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed within the last five years is necessary. Work experience must include at least one year of continuous full-time employment unless the applicant holds a one-year qualification from a New Brunswick post-secondary institution.
Additional points are awarded to candidates working in sectors aligned with New Brunswick’s economic priorities, such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and business service centers — sectors where labor demand remains high.
This temporary measure reflects the province’s effort to recognize the contributions of essential workers and integrate them into the long-term fabric of New Brunswick’s skilled workforce.