2025 Business to PR Pathways in Canada: New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream

NB PNP Business Immigration Stream
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NB BIS) is a provincial PR pathway for applicants to set up and operate a business in the province. Successful candidates can get permanent residence in Canada.

Our experienced Canadian immigration consultants can help in every step of this program. Reach out to us on Whatsapp below

Benefits of New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream

NB BIS is one of the best business PR pathways to Canada for you and your family

Flag of New Brunswick Province of Canada

Easy Eligibility Requirements

Age (19-59), language (CLB4), education (high school diploma) and work requirements are relatively easier as compared to other programs

Low Investment Threshold

Minimum investment of just CAD $150,000 required. Net worth requirement of CAD $500,000 only

Predictable Process

NB Provincial government backed stream with transparent process and predictable pathway to first work and then PR

Great Family Benefits

Family members eligible for work and study permits immediately after the application is approved

Why Choose Us for Investment to PR Journey

We have the right experience and expertise to guide you through every step of this journey

01
Unrivaled Expertise

Our team of professional, Canada-based, immigration consultants has successfully helped multiple clients achieve their Canadian business and PR dreams

02
Support at Every Step

Business Immigration is a complicated process and can be daunting for the applicant. We hand-hold you during the entire process

03
True Assessment

We value your and our time. During the first consultation itself we will inform you of your chances of success and only take your case if you are a good candidate for the program

Ready to Know More About this Stream?

Book a video consultation with our expert, Grace Weng, RCIC

Book a consultation with our senior RCIC, Grace Weng to discuss this or any other business to PR pathway. The consultation can be booked below. The cost of the consultation will be adjusted against the package price if you sign up with us for full representation.

Updated 2025 Guide to NB BIS

What is the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Roadmap for the Process
Business Requirements for Approval
Criteria for Successful Selection
Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?

New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NB BIS) is a provincial PR program targeting candidates with senior management or business ownership experience to establish or buy a business in the province of NB, Canada. For interested candidates who have the intention of actively managing a business in NB, this is an excellent program that leads to Canadian PR in a very short span of time.

Basic Eligibility Requirement for the NB BIS

Meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application under the NB BIS. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners should thoroughly understand the requirements and prepare a strong application to enhance their chances of nomination and permanent residence in Canada.

The minimum requirements to be eligible for NB BIS are given below.

Age: 19–59 years
Language: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French on all four skills
Education: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
Net worth: Minimum CAD $500,000 (or $300,000 for farming)
Experience: At least 2 years as a business owner or senior manager in a for profit organization in the last 5 years
Investment: Minimum CAD $150,000 in a qualifying NB business
Active role: Must be willing to reside in New Brunswick and actively manage the business proposed in the business plan submitted to the provincial government

You are not eligible if,

own a property and/or a business in another province or territory in Canada;
have an accumulated personal net worth that cannot be verified by a third party;
are a passive investor (intend to invest in a business in New Brunswick with limited to no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business);
are currently enrolled in full-time post-secondary education in Canada;
have an immigration application in process in any province or territory in Canada; including New Brunswick; OR have an active or failed refugee or H&C application in Canada;
have been refused for misrepresentation through any immigration program within the past 5 years;
are living illegally or without legal status in your current country of residence;
have been refused admission to, or ordered to leave, Canada or any other country or territory;
are working in Canada without authorization;

New Brunswick PNP Business Immigration Stream Roadmap

The New Brunswick PNP Business Immigration Stream offers a clear and structured pathway for applicants seeking to establish themselves in the province. This roadmap outlines the essential steps to navigate the process successfully. Below is the roadmap.

Step 1:

Check eligibility and assess if you are able to meet the minimum score requirement.

Step 2:

Gather all necessary documents and take relevant language tests. Visiting the province is recommended.

Step 3:

Create a profile in the New Brunswick INB system and submit an Expression of Interest. Await an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Step 4:

Upon receiving an ITA, apply for the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream.

Step 5:

If approved, sign a business performance agreement (BPA) with the province.

Step 6:

Receive a work permit support letter from the province and apply to IRCC for a work permit for yourself, your spouse, and study permits for children.

Step 7:

After work permit approval, move to New Brunswick and establish your business within 9 months of arrival.

Step 8:

After at least 6 months of operating your business, you can apply to the Government of New Brunswick for provincial nomination.

Step 9:

Once nominated, apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence.

Requirements for the Business

Your business must meet certain requirements as stated below.

  • Provide economic benefit to the province;
  • Be established as a sole proprietorship, partnership (with a Canadian citizen or a PR only), or corporation;
  • Operate an existing business or establish a new one;
  • Be a private-sector, for-profit entity primarily focused on earning profits through goods and/or services;
  • Be deemed a “permanent establishment” under section 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985.

Business Investment Requirements

If you are investing in a business, you must abide by the following rules:

  • Make an eligible investment of at least CAD 150,000 before tax, excluding items for personal use such as your primary residence and motor vehicles;
  • Hold at least 33.3% equity in the business.
  • Eligible equity investments must come from your net worth and can include:
    • Business premises: Up to 25% of your total eligible investment or actual cost for building, land, and property improvements.
    • Office equipment: Such as computers, desks, chairs, and communication devices.
    • Equipment for production and manufacturing: Including machinery, tools, and installation costs.
    • Initial inventory: Up to 50% of your total eligible investment or actual cost.
    • First 6 months of operation costs such as rent, utilities, and salary to employees.
    • Professional services: For marketing and business establishment, up to 4% of your total eligible investment or CAD 10,000, whichever is lower.
    • Vehicles: Up to 5% of your total eligible investment or CAD 15,000, amortized based on business use.

Criteria for Purchasing a Business 

If you are purchasing an existing New Brunswick business, you must show the Government of New Brunswick that the business:

  • Has been continuously operated by the same owner, who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, for the three years preceding the purchase;
  • Can be taken over at a fair market value;
  • Has shown a net profit for at least two of the previous three years, evidenced by audited financial statements and tax assessments from the Canada Revenue Agency;
  • Will maintain existing staff under similar terms;
  • Has not undergone receivership or bankruptcy within the three years prior to the purchase date;
  • Goodwill should not exceed 10% of the net book value when purchasing a profitable business.

New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream Selection Factors

The New Brunswick PNP Business Immigration Stream invites global business owners and senior managers to establish businesses in New Brunswick permanently, assessing applicants on various criteria as stated below. A minimum score of 65 out of 100 points is required for a nomination.

1. Age 

You must be between the ages of 21 to 59 to qualify for this stream. You can get a maximum of 10 points in this factor.

Age Points 
19-4910
50-595

2. Language

You can get at most 25 points from language scores. At least, you must have CLB 5 for English and NCLC 5 for French to be qualified for this stream. Here is the detailed table on the same.

First official languageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingMax points
CLB 7+555520
CLB 5 or 64444
CLB 43333
Second official language
CLB 4+ in all four language abilities5

3. Education

Education, with a maximum of 20 points, requires at least a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or an equivalent foreign credential on par with a Canadian diploma. Check the other details below.

Education – Canadian, or equivalentPoints
Post-Graduate Master’s degree or Ph.D.: Granted by a college or university’s graduate school after finishing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.20
Post-Secondary Academic degree: Granted by a college or university upon completion of an undergraduate program requiring a minimum of three years of full-time study.16
Post-Secondary diploma: Granted in a specific trade after at least two years of full-time study following high school.13
High School diploma: Granted by a secondary school.10

4. Business Ownership / Work Experience

You can earn at most 15 points if you meet the following work experience or own requirements

Details Years of experience Points 
Business ownership
a) You’ve owned at least 51% of the business for three out of the last five years; and
b) You’ve supervised at least two employees.
10 years in the last 10 years 15
6-9 years in the last 10 years 12
3 years in the last 5 years8
Senior management experience
a) You manage an organization, department, or essential function;
b) You’ve been a senior manager for three out of the last five years;
c) You supervise at least two employees;
d) You have authority over hiring, termination, and other personnel actions;
e) You’re actively involved in day-to-day operations as a primary decision-maker;
f) You’ve been involved in a for-profit company not owned or operated by the government or voluntary sector.
10 years in the last 10 years 9
6-9 years in the last 10 years 7
2 years in the last 5 years5
Shareholder- Ownership of shares in businesses without active managerial involvement.Any 0

5. Business Plan

The economic benefit to New Brunswick might get you a maximum of 25 points in the following manner.

Details Points 
Candidate visited NB for at least 5 business days within the year before applying and provided a trip report with the EOI5
The candidate must have at least 5 years of business ownership experience in the same industry and sector, which they will transfer to the province’s industry and sector.4
Businesses located outside of the greater Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton regions (more than 20 km from the city center)5
Eligible investment exceeds CAD 500,000 Or investment between CAD 150,000 and CAD 499,9993 or 2
Candidate included relevant statutes, regulations, by-laws, and accreditation requirements related to their business plan3
Candidate included detailed market research related to the business plan5

6. Adaptability

This might get you a maximum of 5 points if your spouse or common-law partner satisfies one of these conditions.

Details Points 
Completion of a program of full-time study of at least one year at a recognized post-secondary institution in NB after the age of 17 years with a valid study permit5
Completion of at least six months of continuous full-time employment in NB5
Minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French in all four language abilities (i.e. reading, writing, listening, speaking)5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the New Brunswick PNP Business Immigration Stream

1. Do I have to be present in New Brunswick during the business operation?
Yes, you have to spend most of your time in New Brunswick during the business establishment phase. This generally means around 75% of your time in the province, near your business. The specific requirements may vary depending of the business chosen.

2. Can I bring my family with me after I get the work permit?
Yes, your spouse is eligible to get a spousal open work permit. Your children below a certain age are eligible to get study permits. The exact definition of dependents is provided by the Government of New Brunswick on their website.

3. Can I open any business?
No, certain categories of businesses are not eligible under this program. For example, a B&C, a petting zoo or an equine farm are not eligible. Our consultants will work with you to identify the right business and prepare a business plan to ensure best chances of your success.

4. Is visiting New Brunswick before submitting the EIO mandatory?
No, the visit is not mandatory, however, we highly recommend it. The visit not only gets you an additional 5 points in the scoring matrix to increase your chances of approval, it also helps you determine whether NB is a good place for your to live and set up business. Seeing the province and meeting potential business partners, opens up the mind. Our consultants will help you plan the trip and get your meetings with the right people and organizations.

5. How many jobs must the business create to meet the requirements of the Business Immigration Stream?
The business must generate at least one full-time job for a permanent resident or Canadian citizen living in New Brunswick, excluding the applicant, their spouse, dependents, or other family members.

7. What is the fee to apply?
There is no fee to submit the EOI. Once an applicant is invited to apply for full application, there is a non refundable CAD $2000 fee to be submitted to NB.

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