Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program The Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants explains how you may apply to the Skilled Worker category of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. Forms and instructions for completing your application are included in this guide and available for download on our website at www.gnb.ca/immigration. Consult our website to make sure you have the current version of this guide and application forms. The New Brunswick Provincial Nomination Program will consider your application based on criteria outlined in this guide. To determine if you meet the requirements as a Skilled Worker, carefully review the information before submitting your application. The Province of New Brunswick does not charge any fees for applications to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program but requires that fees charged by Citizenship and Immigration Canada by included with an application. The Program has been designed to allow you to complete the application process without paid assistance. All applications are processed according to the same criteria. No priority or special consideration is given to the files prepared by an immigration representative. Decisions on applications are final and there is no appeal process. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply two (2) years from notice that their application have been refused, providing their situation changes or they have new information to submit. Applicants also have the option to apply to the Government of Canada immigration programs with New Brunswick as their destination. Thank you for considering New Brunswick as your new home in Canada. All applicants must make a commitment to reside in New Brunswick, with his/her dependents and are required to sign a declaration confirming their intention to live and work in this Province. Ce guide est également disponible en français This application guide is provided free of charge by the Government of New Brunswick and is not to be sold. Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Table of Contents New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program... 3 Skilled Worker Streams... 3 Skilled Worker with Employer Support... 4 Skilled Worker with Family Support... 7 How to Apply for Permanent Residence... 11 Fees... 20 Immigration Representatives... 21 Frequently Asked Questions... 22 Forms to Submit with your Application Applicant Information... NBPNP-001 Information Release Form... NBPNP-002 Declaration of Commitment to New Brunswick... NBPNP-003 Skilled Worker with Employer Support... NBPNP-004 Skilled Worker with Family Support... NBPNP-005 Document Checklist for Skilled Workers... NBPNP-DCSW Application for Permanent Residence in Canada... IMM0008 Schedule 1: Background / Declaration... IMM0008 Schedule 4: Economic Classes Provincial Nominees Additional Family Information... IMM5406 Use of a Representative (if applicable)... IMM5476 Contact Information Mailing Address Population Growth Secretariat New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program 520 King Street, Suite 850 P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada E3B 6G3 Telephone 001 (506) 453-3981 Fax 001 (506) 444-6729 E-mail immigration@gnb.ca Website www.gnb.ca/immigration Business hours Monday to Friday, 8:15AM 4:30PM Atlantic Time Closed Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays Page 2 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is a provincial immigration program made possible through an agreement with the Government of Canada. As an economic program, it seeks immigrants who have the qualifications and resources to live in New Brunswick and make a positive contribution to the provincial economy. New Brunswick recruits and nominates qualified skilled workers from around the world who have the intent and ability to move to New Brunswick. The Provincial Nominee Program accelerates the immigration process by providing a Certificate of Nomination to which can lead to faster processing of a permanent resident application by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Nominations are granted at the sole discretion of the Government of New Brunswick. A nomination certificate does not guarantee the issuance of a permanent resident visa by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. If you are nominated by the Government of New Brunswick, your application is forwarded to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office for further evaluation and final decision on permanent resident status. You must meet all Canadian immigration regulations including a medical examination and security and criminal checks. Successful applicants and dependent family members will each receive a permanent resident visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Final decisions on permanent resident visas are the sole responsibility of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Skilled Worker Streams Skilled worker applicants to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program are considered under two different streams and you must demonstrate that you have a level of support needed to successfully settle in New Brunswick. To be considered for nomination as a skilled worker you must have: (1.) A guaranteed offer of employment from a New Brunswick employer, or, (2.) Family members who are citizens and permanent residents of New Brunswick, who have been living and working in the province for a minimum of one (1) year, and who have made a commitment to assist you to settle in New Brunswick. Details for each stream are outlined in the following pages. Page 3 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Skilled Worker with Employer Support New Brunswick recognizes that employers play an essential role in helping newcomers settle successfully in New Brunswick and that immigrants can provide a valuable source of skilled workers to our labour force. This stream helps employers retain foreign workers with the skills needed in a position they have been unable to fill with Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Eligibility Criteria As a skilled worker with employer support you may be eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program if you meet the following criteria: You have an offer of permanent, full-time employment with an established New Brunswick company. If already in New Brunswick as a temporary foreign worker, the applicant will have been working for the same employer for at least six (6) months prior to submitting an application to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. The work offered is in an area of skill shortage. Your employer may be asked to demonstrate that he/she has been unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to perform the job duties. The job offer meets New Brunswick employment standards. The Employment Standards Branch of the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Labour is dedicated to providing services to New Brunswick employers and employees for fair and equitable workplace practices. For more information, review the fact sheets at www.gnb.ca/0308/index-e.asp. The job offer must provide comparable industry rates of pay. You have all of the qualifications and/or licenses needed to fulfill the job duties. For information on access to occupations in Canada visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials at www.cicic.ca. You have the English, French or both language skills required to fulfill your job duties. Your prospective employer is required to assess your language skills prior to submitting an application to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. You obtain a score of 50 or higher in the selection criteria for skilled workers with employer support. Details are available in this guide. Responsibilities of Employers As an employer you are required to: 1. Assess the applicant s job skills and certification requirements before completing the NBPNP-004. 2. Assess the applicant s English and/or French language skills needed to perform their employment duties in your business. 3. Offer permanent, full-time employment in an area of skill shortage. Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers As an employer, you may be able to hire a foreign worker temporarily or to offer a full-time job to a skilled worker and support his/her immigration to Canada. For information on hiring temporary foreign workers, employers should refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/hire/index.asp. You make a commitment to settle permanently in New Brunswick. As an applicant to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program you must make a commitment to settle permanently in New Brunswick and are required to sign a declaration of intention to live and work in this province. Page 4 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Selection Factors Skilled Worker with Employer Support When eligibility criteria have been met, skilled workers will then be assessed according to selection criteria for five factors: age, language skills, education, work experience and adaptability. Successful applicants must meet eligibility criteria and obtain a minimum score of 50 points under the selection criteria before nomination will be considered. If there is a difference between the score that you assign yourself and the score assigned by the New Brunswick Immigration Program Officer, the Officer s assessment will prevail. 1. AGE Skilled workers with employer support must be between the ages of 21 and 55. Your age is considered as of the day the application for permanent residence is received at the Provincial Nominee office. Age 21-24 25-44 45-50 50-55 Points 4 10 8 6 SCORE (Maximum 10 points) 2. LANGUAGE Applicants who are fluent in English or French will receive a score of 10 points; if fluently bilingual in English and French, a bonus of five (5) points will be added, for a total of 15 points. Otherwise, scoring will be based on your ability to speak, read and write English and/or French. An applicant who cannot speak, read or write either English or French, or both, at a basic level may be disqualified. A language test may be required. Skill Speaking Ability English or French Second Language High Can communicate effectively in most social and work situations 8 to 10 4 to 5 Moderate Can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work settings 5 to 7 1 to 3 Basic Can communicate, with some difficulty, in predictable situations and on familiar topics 3 to 4 0 SCORE (Maximum 15 points) 3. EDUCATION Points will be awarded for the highest level of education completed by the applicant. Highest level completed Requirements Points Secondary school Diploma, certificate or equivalent 10 Trade, apprenticeship or occupational certification Post-graduate university studies or their equivalent At least two (2) years full-time post-secondary training or completed a university degree or its equivalent that required at least three (3) years of full-time study. Master s or Doctorate degree or has acquired a post-degree professional designation or Master Trade designation. SCORE (Maximum 18 points) 15 18 Page 5 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
4. WORK EXPERIENCE The number of years the principal applicant has in his/her intended occupation during the last five (5) years. Work experience 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 or more years Points 2 4 8 10 SCORE (Maximum 10 points) 5. ADAPTABILITY Prior to assigning points for adaptability, the Applicant must satisfactorily demonstrate his/her genuine intention and ability to successfully settle in New Brunswick. Family (Applicant or spouse) Applicant, or spouse/common-law partner, has a son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew living in New Brunswick as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. 10 Education (Applicant) Employment (Applicant) Labour Market Opinion (Applicant) Job Skills (Applicant) Employment (Spouse) Applicant completed at least one (1) year of post-secondary education in NB 5 OR completed at least two (2) years of post-secondary education in NB 10 Applicant worked in New Brunswick for at least one (1) of the last five (5) years 10 OR worked in New Brunswick for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years 15 Applicant has a positive labour market opinion (LMO) from the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Applicant can demonstrate successful employment in a second occupation, where the occupation is different from the Applicant s intended occupation. The occupation must be skilled and supported by a diploma or trade certificate. Spouse has worked in New Brunswick for at least six (6) months in the last year. 5 10 5 SCORE (Maximum 25 points) YOUR TOTAL SCORE Page 6 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Skilled Worker with Family Support New Brunswick recognizes the value of family in the successful settlement of newcomers to the Province. In response, the Skilled Worker with Family Support stream has been launched to enhance the strength of immigrant families and communities in New Brunswick. It will enable citizens and permanent residents of New Brunswick, who have been living and working in the province for a minimum of one (1) year, to assist family members to settle in New Brunswick. Both the Applicant and the family supporter will be assessed, as both are critical to the success of the Nomination. The Applicant will be assessed on an offer of full time employment or employment skills based on education and training, language skills, work experience, age and ability to adapt to New Brunswick, surrounded by a supportive family. The Supporter will be assessed on his/her commitment to the immigration process and the successful settlement of his/her family member. The Supporter will also be evaluated on his/her strong connection to New Brunswick. Eligibility Criteria, Applicants Eligible Applicants to the Skilled Worker with Family Support stream may be a daughter or son; step-daughter or step-son; sister or brother; step-sister or step-brother; sister-in-law or brother-in-law; niece or nephew; or, a grandchild. Ineligible Applicants include: Spouses and common-law partners; Parents and parents-in-law; Grandparents; and, Dependent children. Ineligible family members listed above may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. For details refer to: www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/index.asp. Eligible Applicants A Skilled Worker with Family Support may only be one of the following: Daughter or son; Step-daughter or step-son; Sister or brother; Step-sister or step-brother; Sister-in-law or brother-in-law; Niece or nephew; or, Grandchild. Refugee claimants or failed refugee claimants living in Canada. Individuals working in New Brunswick under a post-graduate work permit. They may be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Employer Support stream. For details visit www.gnb.ca/immigration. Temporary foreign workers with work permits. They may be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Employer Support stream. For details visit www.gnb.ca/immigration. Live-In Caregivers already working in Canada. They may be eligible under the special federal program for Caregivers. For details visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/caregiver/index.asp. Page 7 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
The following assessment worksheet will help you determine if you are eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. If you answer yes to all of the factors you may be eligible for nomination. Factor Eligibility Criteria Yes No Age You are between the ages of 21 and 49. Education Work Experience You have completed a post-secondary education course that was a minimum of one (1) year in duration and resulted in a degree, diploma or certificate. You have a minimum of (2) years full-time work experience in your intended occupation in New Brunswick, within the last five (5) years. You have sufficient English and/or French language skills to work in your intended occupation soon after you arrive in New Brunswick. Language Ability For an objective assessment of your English language skills submit an IELTS General Training (International English Language Testing System) test score with your application. A minimum score of 4.0 is required. For an objective assessment of your French language skills submit a Le Test de connaissance du français (TCF), Le Diplôme d études en langue française (DELF) or the Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) with your application. A minimum level of 3 (361-540) is required. You have a signed Declaration of Support from one or more eligible family members living in New Brunswick (Skilled Worker with Family Support Form NBPNP-005). Adaptability Funds You are employable in New Brunswick based on training and experience related to your intended occupation, including any license or certification required in your country of residence. You have an offer of full-time employment from an established business located in New Brunswick. OR include details of your employment search in the settlement support plan. You can demonstrate a strong connection to New Brunswick, including a settlement support plan from your Supporter. You have enough money to live in New Brunswick for a short time after arrival without work. The Applicant must have a minimum of CDN$10,000.00 and CDN$2,000.00 for each accompanying family member. Page 8 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Eligibility Criteria, Supporter The Supporter may be eligible to support a skilled family worker to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program if he/she meets the following minimum criteria: 1. Be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada, living in New Brunswick for at least twelve (12) consecutive months at the time the skilled family member s application is submitted to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. The Supporter must provide a copy of a Canadian permanent resident card, Canadian citizenship card, or Canadian Passport; and New Brunswick Medicare card and New Brunswick Driver s license, if applicable. 2. Be a relative of the skilled family member. The Supporter must have one of the following relationships to the skilled family applicant: parent, grandparent, sister or brother, step-sister or step-brother, sister-in-law or brother-in-law, or aunt or uncle. 3. Be able to provide documented proof of the Applicant s relationship to the Supporter. 4. Be financially self-supporting. The Supporter must not have received financial support through the New Brunswick Social Assistance Program, federal Employment Insurance, or Resettlement Assistance Program within the last 12 months. The Supporter must provide supporting documents such as a statement of income from employer tax returns. Documented Proof of Family Relationship The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program must be able to trace the relationship between Applicant and Supporter through official documentation, as follows: 1. Photocopies of birth certificates or passports showing the names of common family members; 2. Marriage certificates showing the names of common family members; and, 3. Government issued family registry and/or a family tree linking members through births and marriages. 5. Be willing to complete a New Brunswick Declaration of Support and be interviewed by an officer from the Immigration Division of the Population Growth Secretariat. This form must be witnessed and signed by a New Brunswick notary public or commissioner for oaths. It is illegal in New Brunswick for a commissioner for oaths to charge money to witness this document. A notary public may charge a fee. 6. If you are a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen who gained immigrant status as a Business Applicant under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, you must have established your business and operated it for at least 12 months. You must provide several indicators of operating a successful business including tax records, audited financial statements and incorporation documents. 7. If you are a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen who gained immigrant status as a Skilled Worker under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program you must have worked in New Brunswick for a minimum of 12 months after receiving Permanent Resident status and be working here at the time the Family Member s application is submitted. You must provide evidence of ongoing employment in New Brunswick, including tax returns and a letter from your employer confirming your employment status. Page 9 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
You will NOT be eligible to support a skilled family member s application if you: 1. Have sponsored a family member in the past through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Family Sponsorship Program and failed to comply with the Sponsorship Agreement. 2. Have previously supported a skilled family applicant to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program and the family member is not living and working in New Brunswick. 3. Have defaulted on a Court Order for alimony or child support. 4. Have been charged or convicted of a violent crime and/or are in prison. 5. Have been in receipt of social assistance, employment insurance or resettlement funds during the past 12 months. 6. Have declared bankruptcy and have not yet been released. 7. Are a failed refugee claimant or a refugee claimant living in Canada. Agreeing to be a Supporter is a major responsibility. Responsibilities of Family Supporters 1. You are promising to ensure that the applicant receives appropriate assistance and information with respect to employment or job searches and processes for trade or professional licensing. 2. You commit to assisting with a settlement plan for the applicant and accompanying dependents to support their integration into New Brunswick, including arrangements for employment, accommodation, schools, banks, transportation, registration for Medicare and other government and community programs, religious or cultural facilities. 3. The Family Member Supporter must complete a New Brunswick Declaration of Support and be interviewed by the NBPNP office. This form must be witnessed and signed by a New Brunswick notary public or commissioner for oaths. (NOTE: It is illegal in New Brunswick for a commissioner for oaths to charge money to witness this document. A notary public may charge a fee.) 4. The supporter must be designated as the applicant s representative who is authorized to communicate with the NBPNP if personal information is needed during the application process. 5. If the Supporter has supported or sponsored the applications of other relatives for immigration to Canada, she/he must provide this information include the current address and employment status of the previously supported or sponsored person(s). Page 10 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
How to Apply for Permanent Residence STEP #1 Complete a Self Assessment Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria may submit an application for permanent residence under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program.. STEP #2 Complete the Forms included in this Application Guide You must use the forms provided by the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. The forms are available in this guide and on our website at www.gnb.ca/immigration. The forms that are required depend on the stream under which you are applying. The following family members may be included in your application for permanent residence under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: (a) Your spouse or common-law partner; (b) Your dependent child or a dependent child of your spouse or common-law partner; and (c) A dependent child of your dependent child. STEP #3 Gather Your Supporting Documents Collect the documents needed to support your application following the applicable document checklist. Many Canadian Visa Offices have specific requirements and an applicant must determine where his/her application will be processed. Instructions can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-application.asp#visa_offices. STEP #4 Submit your Application for Permanent Residence The completed application should be sent to the: Population Growth Secretariat New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program HSBC Place 520 King Street, Suite 850 PO Box 6000 Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada E3B 6G3 STEP #5 Applicant Receives Written Notice of the Final decision You will receive written notification of the nomination decision. A nomination certificate issued by the Province of New Brunswick does not guarantee that a permanent resident visa will be issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The final decision will be made by the Government of Canada. STEP #6 Application is submitted to a Canadian Visa Office If you are nominated, your application for permanent residence will be submitted to the Canadian Visa office that services your country. The Canadian Visa office will instruct you on medical examinations and security clearances and, upon favourable results, issue your immigration visa for permanent residence. STEP #7 Immigrate to New Brunswick Within 30 days of landing as a permanent resident you are required to contact the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. Page 11 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Important Definitions Marriage, in respect of a marriage that took place outside Canada, means a marriage that is valid both under the laws of the jurisdiction where it took place and under Canadian law. Common-law partner means, in relation to a person, an individual who is cohabiting with the person in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one (1) year. Dependent child in respect of a parent, means a child who: (a) has one of the following relationships with the parent, namely, (i) is the biological child of the parent, if the child has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner of the parent, or (ii) is the adopted child of the parent; and (b) is in one of the following situations of dependency, namely, (i) is less than 22 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner, (ii) has depended substantially on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 22 or if the child became a spouse or common-law partner before the age of 22, since becoming a spouse or common-law partner and, since before the age of 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner, as the case may be, has been a student (A) continuously enrolled in and attending a post-secondary institution that is accredited by the relevant government authority, and (B) actively pursuing a course of academic, professional or vocational training on a fulltime basis, or (iii) is 22 years of age or older and has depended substantially on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 22 and is unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition. Relative means a person who is related to another person by blood or adoption. NOTE: Definitions were taken from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227), available at: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/i-2.5/sor-2002-227/index.html. Page 12 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Fees There are no application fees for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program however you must pay processing and right of permanent residence fees to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Submit this form with your CIC processing fee payment. Citizenship and Immigration Canada Processing Fee The Citizenship and Immigration Canada processing fee is non-refundable whether your application is approved or not. You will be advised by the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program when to pay the CIC processing fee. Fees apply to the principal applicant and each accompanying family member. Use the table below to calculate the amount required in Canadian dollars. CIC PROCESSING FEES Number of Persons Amount per Person Amount Due Principal applicant 1 $550 $550 Spouse or common-law partner 1 $550 $ Each dependent child who is 22 years of age or older or who is married or in a common-law relationship, regardless of age Each dependent child under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship $550 $ $150 $ Total $ Citizenship and Immigration Canada Right of Permanent Residence Fee The Right of Permanent Residence fee is $490 per person for you, the principal applicant and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable). Dependent children are exempt. You will need to pay this fee directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada before your application for permanent residence can be finalized. The Canadian Visa Office that processes your application will send you a request to pay this fee when they are ready to issue the permanent resident visa. Canadian Visa Office Specific Information Each Canadian visa office has specific requirements for paying processing fees. For details refer to the Canadian visa office where your application will be submitted at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp. Additional fees You and your family members must also pay for medical examinations and police clearances. Page 13 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Immigration Representatives You do not need to hire an immigration representative to help you with your application to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). If you follow the instructions on the application guide, you can complete the forms and submit them on your own. All the forms and information that you need to apply for permanent resident status are available for free on our website. If you choose to hire an immigration representative your application will not be given special attention or receive faster processing. Using an immigration representative will not guarantee approval. There are two types of immigration representatives: paid and unpaid. The Government of New Brunswick will only deal with paid representatives who are members of one of the following designated bodies: lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society; notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; and, immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. If you hire an immigration representative who is not a member of one of the designated bodies listed above your application will be returned to you. Unpaid third parties, such as family members, friends, non-governmental or religious organizations are allowed to act on your behalf. If you wish to use the services of a representative you must complete the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form and include it with your application. To protect your privacy, we will not share any of your personal information with your consultant, lawyer, and other representative unless you have named them in the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form. Remember even if you hire an immigration representative you are responsible for all the information in your application. If the information on your application is false or misleading, you will be refused by the program. As of June 30, 2011, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) is the regulator of immigration consultants. Immigration consultants in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) on June 30, 2011, can begin to register with the ICCRC. For more information, visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/protection/antifraud.asp. Please remember: You do not need to hire an immigration representative to apply for immigration through the program. Immigration representatives do not have special connections with New Brunswick government officials and cannot guarantee approval. Providing false documents will result in the refusal of your application. You will find free application forms and guides on our website at www.gnb.ca/immigration. Publicly-funded settlement services are available to permanent residents living in New Brunswick. Page 14 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
Frequently Asked Questions What about the Provincial Nominee Program? What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Worker Applicants? The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is a provincial immigration program made possible through an agreement between the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada. The Program allows New Brunswick to play an active role in selecting skilled immigrants to meet specific economic and labour market needs. What is a provincial nominee? A provincial nominee is an individual whose application for permanent residence has been approved by the Government of New Brunswick and forwarded to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office for final decision. A Nominee receives a confirmation letter when his/her file is sent to the visa post. Who is eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program as a Skilled Worker? To be considered under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, a skilled worker must have a guaranteed offer of employment from a New Brunswick employer or have family members who are citizens and permanent residents of New Brunswick, who have been living and working in the province for a minimum of one year, and who have made a commitment to assist you to settle in New Brunswick. How do I know if I qualify for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program? As a skilled worker with employer support, you will meet eligibility criteria and be assessed according to selection criteria for six factors: age, education, work experience, language ability, adaptability and funds. As a skilled worker with family support you will be assessed on an offer of full time employment or employment skills based on education and training, language skills, work experience, age and ability to adapt to New Brunswick, surrounded by a supportive family. Where can I get information and forms to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program? Information is available on the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee website at www.gnb.ca/immigration. I have recently submitted an application to the Provincial Nominee Program. What happens next? If your file is well prepared, you will receive an e-mail notice confirming your application has been received along with a request for additional information within 30 business days of your application being received. If your file is incomplete your application will be returned to you along with a checklist of missing or incomplete information and documents. If I am nominated by New Brunswick, does that guarantee my immigration to Canada? Nomination under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program does not constitute approval of your application for immigration to Canada. Final authority to issue immigration visas rests solely with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Page 15 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
How long will it take to receive a final decision on my application for permanent residence? Processing times vary, however, successful provincial nominee applicants typically receive permanent resident status considerably faster than individuals applying through other immigration programs. To speed up the processing time you must follow the step-by-step instructions outlined in the Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants. If I wish to apply for nomination must I hire an immigration representative? It is not necessary to hire an immigration representative or lawyer to help you complete your application. Every effort has been made to make the process simple and straight forward. You will find all the instructions and forms at www.gnb.ca/immigration. The Government of New Brunswick treats everyone equally, whether you use the services of a representative or not. If you do choose to use a representative, this person may only represent you if he/she is authorized. For additional information refer to the Immigration Representatives section in the Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants. Can I start to dispose of my assets before getting my permanent residence visa? You are advised not to quit your job or dispose of your assets until Citizenship and Immigration Canada has rendered a final decision on your application for permanent residence. If my application is declined, can I appeal the decision, or if not, can I apply again? New Brunswick will select applicants who meet the requirements of the Provincial Nominee Program. Decisions on applications are final and there is no appeal process. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply two (2) years from notice that his/her application has been refused, providing his/her situation changes or they have new information to submit. Applicants also have the option to apply to the Government of Canada immigration programs with New Brunswick as his/her destination. I have applied for refugee status in Canada. Can I also apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program? No. Applications for individuals who have an active refugee claim will not be processed under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. Can I apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program if I have been refused under another provincial or federal immigration program? Yes you can still apply. You must advise the Provincial Nominee Program of the refusal and provide copies of all correspondence related to the refusal. The correspondence must include sufficient information to allow the Immigration Program officer to evaluate the reasons for your refusal. If I have dependants, relatives or friends living somewhere else in Canada will that cause my application to be automatically refused? In the Declaration of Commitment to New Brunswick (NBPNP-003) Applicants declare that they understand that the Government of New Brunswick only nominates individuals who intend to live in New Brunswick along with their dependent family members. The Provincial Nominee Program requires applicants to demonstrate a strong commitment to meet the residency requirement whether the applicant has or does not have dependents, relatives or friends in another province. Having friends or relatives in another province does not automatically cause an application to be refused. However, the program must be convinced that the applicant will not come to Canada and reside in the province where those friends or relatives currently live. It is up to the Applicant to convince the program of his/her sincerity to settle in New Brunswick. Page 16 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)
What about the Application Process? Should I include all family members in my application? Yes, you should include all family members in your application, whether or not they will accompany you to Canada. The following family members may be included in your application for permanent residence under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program: (a) Your spouse or common-law partner; (b) Your dependent child or dependent child of your spouse or common-law partner; and (c) A dependent child of your dependent child. What fees will I have to pay? The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program does not charge any processing fees. If you are nominated you are responsible for all Citizenship and Immigration Canada processing fees and Right of Permanent Residence fees. You and your family members must also pay for medical examinations and police clearances. Other fees may apply. Refer to the Fees section of this Guide. Can I reduce the wait time by contacting the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program office? No, contacting our office, whether by e-mail or phone, will slow down your application because limited resources are then redirected to answer your questions rather than process your application. Information on the status of your application will not be provided until the assessment process is complete. How long does it take for Citizenship and Immigration Canada to process a Provincial Nominee applicant? The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program office can not determine how long it will take a federal visa office to finalize your application. Check for information about Citizenship and Immigration processing times at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp. What can I do to reduce the wait time for a decision from the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program? There are several ways to reduce the processing time, including your ability to: (1.) Submit forms that are complete and signed. (2.) Make sure your application contains all the necessary documents. (3.) Provide clear photocopies. (4.) Provide certified English or French translations, where indicated. (5.) Provide your complete mailing address, including postal code on all forms. (6.) Read the instructions carefully. Will I require a medical examination? You and your family members, whether they will be accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical examination. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide instructions. Page 17 of 17 Guide for Skilled Worker Applicants (09-2011)