Maple News reports that the province of New Brunswick has launched a new immigration pilot program aimed at retaining international graduates from select private career colleges. Beginning April 1, 2022, eligible international students who graduate from Atlantic Business College, Eastern College, McKenzie College, or Oulton College may apply for permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This new immigration path targets students trained in critical sectors, spanning 19 high-demand occupations, including healthcare, early childhood education, IT, and supply chain management. These skilled graduates are expected to help meet the province’s growing labour market needs and support its economic development.
Unlike many international students at public institutions who qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), graduates from private career colleges are currently excluded from this federal program. This new pilot offers an alternative route to permanent residency, specifically for those not eligible for PGWP but who have studied at designated learning institutions with a strong track record and relevant program offerings.
Spearheaded by Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the initiative reflects a growing recognition of international graduates as key contributors to the province’s workforce and demographic growth. Details about eligibility criteria and application procedures are expected to be released later this fall.
Arlene Dunn, Minister responsible for ONB, emphasized the importance of the program in addressing skilled labour shortages. “We are excited that we can help retain more international students by opening up an innovative pathway that is made for New Brunswick,” she commented. “The potential to transition international students into permanent residents is crucial.”
This initiative is also aligned with recommendations made by New Brunswick’s business community. In a recent policy proposal ahead of Canada’s federal election, a coalition of chambers, business councils, and manufacturers called for increased immigration targets, a faster and simplified immigration process—especially for international students—and greater investment in settlement services.
The pilot not only supports the growth of international education in New Brunswick but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and practical immigration framework that benefits both provincial employers and skilled newcomers.