The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program is a five-year initiative aimed at reducing critical labour shortages in various sectors and regions of the province. The primary objective is attracting skilled workers to occupations that have historically faced challenges in recruitment and are projected to continue experiencing shortages in the coming years.
This employer-driven program operates by targeting specific occupations, with participating employers taking an active role in recruiting skilled workers. Unlike traditional immigration streams, the program does not accept direct applications from interested candidates. Only the participating employer can make the application, fostering a more tailored approach to addressing labour gaps in New Brunswick.
Table of Contents
- Employer Participation
- Candidate Participation
- New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Application Process
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the New Brunswick PNP Critical Worker Pilot Program
Employer Participation
Participation in the pilot program is based on employers’ demonstrated experience and consistent utilization of provincial and federal economic immigration programs over the past three years, along with their ability to offer enhanced support or newcomer settlement, skills development, and language training.
While the pilot program currently has limited availability, ongoing evaluations may lead to future opportunities for participation. Current participating employers are:
- Cooke Aquaculture
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- Groupe Savoie
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing Group
- McCain Foods, Ltd.
Candidate Participation
The New Brunswick PNP Critical Worker Pilot operates as an employer-driven stream, focusing on specific recruitment for skilled workers. Therefore, candidates apply to the program through participating employers, with no direct applications accepted. There’s no obligation for candidates to submit their résumé to Immigration NB under this program. Here are some eligibility criteria for the candidates
- Candidates must be between 19-55 years of age
- They should also have CLB 4 for English and NCLC 4 for French
- They need to have at least a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or an equivalent foreign credential on par with a Canadian diploma.
- Over the past five years, they should have accumulated a minimum of 1,560 hours of work within 12 months.
- They must demonstrate a genuine intent to reside in New Brunswick.
- They must have a job offer which is full-time and valid and it should come from an eligible NB employer.
- Their wage must be competitive with NB wage rates for the occupation.
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Application Process
The application process for New Brunswick PNP Critical Worker Pilot is listed below:
Step 1. Accept an offer from a Critical Worker Pilot participating employer.
Step 2. Create an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Step 3. Submit your application to the Government of New Brunswick.
Step 4. Provide additional information for submitting your application.
Step 5. Develop a settlement plan and submit it to IRCC.
Step 6. Receive a decision on your application.
In conclusion, the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot takes a significant step toward addressing labor shortages in the province. By targeting specific occupations and fostering collaboration between employers and skilled workers, this program aims to create a win-win situation. For employers, it signifies access to much-needed talent, while for workers, it offers an opportunity to settle in New Brunswick and actively contribute to its vibrant economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the New Brunswick PNP Critical Worker Pilot Program
1. How do I participate in the New Brunswick PNP Critical Worker Pilot Program as an employer?
A. Employers are selected based on their demonstrated experience with provincial and federal economic immigration programs, along with their ability to offer support for newcomer settlement, skills development, and language training. Currently, participation is limited, but ongoing evaluations may lead to future opportunities.
2. Can I apply directly to the Critical Worker Pilot program as a candidate?
A. No, the program operates as an employer-driven stream. Candidates must apply through participating employers, and direct applications are not accepted by Immigration NB.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for candidates applying through the Critical Worker Pilot program?
A. Candidates aged between 19 to 55 years must demonstrate language proficiency (CLB 4 for English or NCLC 4 for French), possess at least a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or its equivalent, accumulate a minimum of 1,560 hours of work within 12 months over the past five years, demonstrate genuine intent to reside in New Brunswick, and secure a valid full-time job offer from an eligible NB employer with a competitive wage.
4. What is the application process for the New Brunswick PNP Critical Worker Pilot?
A. The application process involves several steps, including accepting an offer from a participating employer, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), submitting the application to the Government of New Brunswick, providing additional information as required, developing a settlement plan, submitting the permanent residence application to IRCC, and finally receiving a decision from IRCC.
5. Are there any specific educational qualifications requirements for the Critical Worker Pilot program?
A. Yes, you must have at least a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or an equivalent foreign credential on par with a Canadian diploma.
