Relocating to New Brunswick, Canada as a Skilled Worker: A Land of Opportunity

New Brunswick, one of Canada’s picturesque Maritime provinces, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, affordable living, and growing economic opportunities for skilled workers. If you’re considering a move to Canada, New Brunswick’s welcoming communities and diverse immigration pathways make it an attractive destination for those seeking a fresh start and a high quality of life.

Immigration Pathways for Skilled Workers

New Brunswick provides several immigration streams tailored to skilled workers, making the transition to permanent residency more accessible:

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

The NBPNP is the primary route for skilled workers to settle in the province. It offers multiple streams:

1. Express Entry Labour Market Stream: This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, accelerating the immigration process for candidates who meet specific criteria.

2. Skilled Worker with Employer Support: Designed for individuals with a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer. Applicants must have at least 12 months of full-time paid skilled work experience in New Brunswick within the three years before applying.

3. New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream: This stream focuses on French-speaking candidates who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP is an employer-driven program that helps New Brunswick businesses hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates. Candidates must receive an endorsement from a designated employer to apply through this stream.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For temporary residents already working in New Brunswick, the CEC offers a pathway to permanent residency based on Canadian work experience.

Key Requirements for Skilled Workers

To qualify for most New Brunswick immigration streams, skilled workers typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French through standardized tests.

• Work Experience: Possess relevant experience in your field, often in occupations classified under NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B.

• Education: Hold post-secondary credentials, which may need to be assessed for Canadian equivalency.

• Job Offer: Many streams require a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer.

• Intention to Settle: Sign a commitment to live and work in New Brunswick.

The New Brunswick Advantage

Thriving Job Market

New Brunswick actively seeks skilled immigrants to fill labor shortages in key sectors. The province has a growing demand for workers in healthcare, information technology, education, and skilled trades. Recent provincial nominee program draws have targeted these sectors, with 498 invitations issued in March 2025 for healthcare, education, social services, and construction trades professionals.

Affordable Living

One of New Brunswick’s most significant attractions is its affordability. The cost of living is considerably lower than in major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. As of 2025, the average monthly cost for a single person, including rent, is approximately $1,573, which is 1.17 times less expensive than the Canadian average.

Housing costs are particularly attractive:

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $884 per month.

• A three-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $1,590 per month.

This affordability extends to other aspects of daily life, including groceries, transportation, and general goods, making it easier for newcomers to establish financial stability.

Quality of Life In New Brunswick

New Brunswick offers a high quality of life with its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The province boasts:

• Excellent healthcare and education systems

• Safe communities

• A rich cultural heritage

• Stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches and lush forests

Preparing for Your Move To  New Brunswick

1. Research and Apply: Thoroughly review the eligibility requirements for your chosen immigration stream and prepare all necessary documents2.

2. Job Search: Start networking and job hunting before you arrive. Many New Brunswick employers are open to hiring immigrants to fill skill gaps.

3. Housing: Research housing options in your intended city or town. Consider temporary accommodation for your initial arrival.

4. Healthcare: Familiarize yourself with New Brunswick’s healthcare system and how to obtain health insurance coverage.

5. Education: If you have children, research schools in your area and understand the enrollment process.

6. Language Skills: Continue improving your English or French skills, as language proficiency is crucial for integration and career success.

Several companies in New Brunswick, Canada are actively recruiting foreign workers to address labor shortages in various industries. Here are some notable examples:

APPLY HERE:

1. IJW Immigration Solutions Inc.: Based in Moncton, this company helps Atlantic Canadian employers with their international hiring needs. They assist employers in industries such as healthcare, food processing, transportation, and construction.

2. J.D. Irving, Limited: This company is a designated employer in the Atlantic Immigration Program and is also eligible for the New Brunswick Critical Workers Program. While their priority is to hire Canadians, they employ foreign workers in situations where there are shortages in filling positions with local workers.

3. Six Brix Inc.: This company has job listings for cleaners and cleaning supervisors in Moncton, which may be suitable for foreign workers.

4. Elphege & Norbert Leblanc Ltd: They have openings for fish plant workers, which could be an opportunity for foreign workers in the seafood processing industry.

5. Alma Lobster Shop: This company has positions for fish weighers, potentially suitable for foreign workers in the fishing industry.

Conclusion

Relocating to New Brunswick as a skilled worker offers a unique opportunity to build a prosperous career while enjoying a high quality of life in a beautiful, affordable setting. With its welcoming communities, growing economy, and diverse immigration pathways, New Brunswick stands ready to embrace newcomers who are prepared to contribute their skills and become part of the province’s bright future.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that thorough preparation and a positive attitude will be your greatest assets. New Brunswick’s doors are open, inviting skilled workers from around the world to write their next chapter in this vibrant Canadian province.