Immigration Corner | Your pathway to New Brunswick

Dear Miss Powell,

I’m a 38-year-old loss prevention and transportation manager who is interested in migrating to Canada through the New Brunswick programme. Please tell me how I may qualify.

M.A.

Dear M.A.,

New Brunswick continues to face labour shortages in several sectors, and your management experience gives you a good starting point. Before discussing your immigration options, however, let me ask you one question. What drew you to New Brunswick? Do you have family or friends living there? Your answer matters because your connection to the province may influence the immigration pathway available to you.

NEW BRUNSWICK PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM

There is no single “New Brunswick programme”. Instead, the province operates several immigration streams, including the Skilled Worker Stream and the Express Entry Stream. The province is looking for people who genuinely intend to live and work in New Brunswick over the long term.

For most applicants, the key to qualifying is securing a genuine full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer. If you have relatives or friends in the province, let them know about your plans. They may be able to introduce you to employers, provide valuable insight into the local job market, and help you settle if your application is successful.

ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM

You should also consider the Atlantic Immigration Program. This federal program allows designated employers in New Brunswick to recruit foreign workers to fill labour shortages.

To qualify, you will generally need a job offer from a designated employer, at least one year of recent skilled work experience, an approved language test, an Educational Credential Assessment if you completed your education outside Canada, and sufficient settlement funds where required.

MAXIMISE YOUR EXPRESS ENTRY SCORE

While you cannot change your age, you can strengthen the factors that remain within your control.

Take an approved English language test, such as IELTS General Training or CELPIP, and aim for the highest score possible. At 38, you have already begun to lose points for age. Your language score is one of the few factors you can still significantly improve. Pay particular attention to listening and reading. Strong results can substantially increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

You should also obtain an Educational Credential Assessment and create an Express Entry profile. If New Brunswick nominates you through one of its provincial streams, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Your management experience places you in a strong position to pursue several economic immigration pathways. Focus first on securing a suitable job offer in New Brunswick, achieving the highest possible language score, and gathering detailed employment reference letters that accurately describe your duties and responsibilities.

Your experience gives you a solid foundation, but your success will depend on the steps you take now. Focus on obtaining the strongest possible language score, securing a suitable job offer, and preparing thorough supporting documents. Those three steps will place you in the best position to qualify for permanent residence. An immigration lawyer can assess your qualifications and help you determine the pathway that best suits your circumstances.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and author in Canada. Contact her via www.deidrepowell.com or WhatsApp 613-695-8777.