The NBPNP Entrepreneurial Stream is New Brunswick’s business immigration pathway for experienced entrepreneurs and investors who will commit meaningful capital and create Canadian jobs in the province. With a minimum investment of $250,000 and a requirement to create at least 5 full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, this stream sets a substantial bar — reflecting New Brunswick’s focus on attracting transformative investment rather than passive capital.
The process involves signing a performance agreement with the province, establishing the business, meeting milestones, and receiving a provincial nomination only after compliance has been confirmed. The full process — from application to PR — typically takes 2–3 years. A $2,000 provincial fee applies, the highest among NBPNP streams.
📋 Quick Facts
- Government Fee: Provincial: $2,000. Federal PR: $2,385 principal applicant (business immigration fees)
- Biometrics: $85 individual / $170 family
- Processing Time: Provincial: 9–12 months. Full process to PR: 2–3 years
- RCIC-IRB Representation: Available — Dimple Verma R708308
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum investment of $250,000 in a new or existing NB business
- Minimum net worth of $500,000 (generally)
- Must create at least 5 full-time positions for Canadian citizens/PRs
- At least 3 years of business ownership or senior management experience
- Must reside in New Brunswick and actively manage the business
- A performance agreement is signed; nomination issued after business established
Investment and Eligibility Requirements
Core requirements for the Entrepreneurial Stream:
- Investment: Minimum $250,000 investment in a new or existing New Brunswick business.
- Net worth: Minimum $500,000 personal net worth, verified through audited statements.
- Job creation: Must create at least 5 full-time positions for Canadian citizens or PRs (excluding the applicant).
- Business experience: At least 3 years of business ownership or senior management experience.
- Residence: Must reside in New Brunswick and actively manage the business.
- Language: English or French proficiency at a basic level (consult NBPNP for current CLB minimum).
The 5-job creation requirement is one of the most stringent among Canadian provincial entrepreneur streams. Applicants should model their business plans conservatively to ensure this requirement is achievable within the performance agreement period.
Process Overview
- Submit application: Apply to NBPNP Entrepreneurial Stream with business plan, financial statements, and personal documentation. Pay the $2,000 fee.
- NBPNP assessment: Provincial review takes 9–12 months.
- Performance agreement: If approved, sign a performance agreement specifying investment and job-creation milestones.
- Business establishment: Relocate to NB, establish/acquire the business, hire staff, meet milestones.
- NBPNP monitoring: Province verifies compliance with performance agreement.
- Nomination issued: Apply for federal PR (business class, $2,385 federal fee).
How VGIS Helps
Business immigration applications require a business plan that is both commercially credible and immigration-compliant. These standards differ — a bank-facing business plan prioritises financial returns, while an NBPNP business plan must also demonstrate job creation, provincial economic benefit, and the applicant’s personal capacity to manage the venture. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, advises on business plan structure, financial documentation, performance agreement review, and federal business class PR filing.
The job-creation requirement — 5 positions — means the business must be substantial from day one. Applicants who underestimate operational scaling requirements risk non-compliance and forfeiture of their nomination. Book a paid consultation to assess your NB Entrepreneurial Stream eligibility.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Provincial: $2,000. Federal PR: $2,385 principal applicant (business immigration fees) |
| Biometrics | $85 individual / $170 family |
Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.
Key Documents Required
- Business plan for NB venture
- Proof of net worth and financial statements
- Prior business ownership/management documentation
- NB business registration/incorporation
- Language test results
- Police clearances
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase an existing New Brunswick business to satisfy the investment requirement?
Yes. Acquiring an existing NB business is permitted, provided the purchase price meets the $250,000 threshold and the business continues to operate and maintain (or create new) jobs. A purchase agreement, business valuation, and evidence of ongoing operations are required.
Are the 5 jobs required immediately upon opening the business?
The performance agreement sets a timeline for achieving the employment targets — typically within 12–24 months of starting operations. You do not need to hire all 5 employees on day one, but your business plan should demonstrate a credible path to creating 5 positions within the agreed timeframe.
Does my net worth need to be entirely liquid?
Not necessarily. Net worth includes real estate equity, business assets, investments, and other assets. However, you must demonstrate the ability to access the $250,000 investment capital. NBPNP will assess the liquidity of your assets to confirm you can fund the investment.
Can I bring family members to New Brunswick during the business establishment period?
Yes. Once you have signed the performance agreement and received an approval-in-principle from NBPNP, you and family members can relocate to NB under temporary resident status. Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit; children can attend NB schools.
How long is the business establishment monitoring period?
NBPNP typically allows 12–24 months for the business to be established and for the performance agreement milestones to be met. Extensions may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Regular check-ins with NBPNP during this period are expected.
Official Government Source: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/skills/content/immigration/nbpnp.html
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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.