New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream: Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NBBIS) is an economic immigration pathway for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate a business in New Brunswick while pursuing permanent residence. To qualify, you need a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, at least $150,000 CAD to invest, two years of business ownership or senior management experience, and a score of at least 65 out of 100 on the provincial points grid. After operating your business for six consecutive months, you can apply for a provincial nomination certificate and then permanent residence through IRCC.
This page covers every eligibility requirement, the full points breakdown, eligible and ineligible business types, how the process works from Expression of Interest to PR, and how New Brunswick compares to Alberta and BC.
Not sure if you qualify? Use our NB BIS Self-Assessment Tool to get an instant eligibility estimate, then Book Your Strategy Assessment with our team.
What is the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream is a provincial nominee program (PNP) stream that allows experienced entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada by starting or purchasing a business in New Brunswick. It replaced the former Entrepreneurial Stream, which is now closed.
Unlike investor programs where you put money in and wait, this stream requires active, day-to-day management of a real operating business. You must live in New Brunswick, run the business personally, and create at least one full-time job for a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
The pathway works in two stages. First, you come to New Brunswick on a work permit support letter and establish your business. After at least six months of operation and meeting your Business Performance Agreement (BPA) targets, you request a nomination certificate. Once nominated, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
The program is administered by ImmigrationNB (Immigration New Brunswick). The provincial application fee is $2,000 CAD (non-refundable). Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is free.
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Who qualifies for the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?
You must meet all of the following requirements at the time of your EOI, your application, and your nomination request.
Age
You must be between 19 and 59 years old at the time of your provincial application. Age also affects your points score (see the points grid below).
Language
You must demonstrate at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This applies in either English or French. You cannot combine scores from two separate test reports.
Accepted tests include IELTS General, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada. Test results must be less than two years old at the time you apply to ImmigrationNB.
Education
You need at minimum a Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent. If your credential is from outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization, and it must be less than five years old.
Personal net worth
Your verifiable personal net worth must be at least $500,000 CAD. For applicants in the agriculture sector, the minimum is $300,000 CAD.
Net worth includes cash, investments, real property, and business assets held by you and your spouse or common-law partner. It must be legally obtained and verified by one of three ImmigrationNB-designated accounting firms (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, MDD Forensic Accountants, or MNP LLP). Inheritances, gifts, or donations received less than six months before your application are not counted.
Business ownership or senior management experience
You need at least two years of qualifying experience in the last five years. There are two paths:
Business ownership path: You owned at least 51% of a private-sector company, were the primary decision-maker in day-to-day operations, and supervised at least two employees.
Senior management path: You managed an organization, department, or function in a for-profit company, were the primary decision-maker, supervised at least two employees, and had authority to hire, terminate, or recommend personnel actions.
Being a passive shareholder does not count.
Investment
You must invest at least $150,000 CAD of eligible funds into a New Brunswick business, and you must control at least 33.3% equity. The investment must come from your personal net worth.
Eligible investment categories include business premises (up to 25% of total eligible investment), office equipment and furniture, manufacturing equipment (100%), initial inventory (up to 50%), the first six months of operating costs such as rent, utilities, and salaries, and professional services for business setup (up to 4% or $10,000, whichever is lower).
Business plan
You must submit a business plan using the official NBBIS-BP template with your EOI. The plan must demonstrate economic benefit to New Brunswick, market research, and a feasible concept. You must understand the plan fully and be able to defend it in an interview. Third-party help to write the plan is allowed, but amendments are not permitted after submission.
Minimum points score
You must score at least 65 out of 100 on the NBBIS points grid. See the full breakdown below.
Residency during business establishment
Once in New Brunswick, you must live there at least 75% of the time during your Business Establishment Period (BEP), and within 100 km of your business location. For farming applicants, the requirement is to live on the farm or within 10 km.
Who does NOT qualify for the NBBIS?
ImmigrationNB is explicit about disqualifying circumstances. You should not apply if you:
- Own a property or business in another Canadian province or territory
- Are a passive investor with limited or no day-to-day involvement planned
- Are currently enrolled in full-time post-secondary education in Canada
- Have an active immigration application in process in any province or territory
- Have been refused for misrepresentation through any immigration program in the last five years
- Are living without legal status in your current country
- Have been refused admission to, or ordered to leave, Canada or any other country
- Are working in Canada without authorization
- Have an active or failed refugee claim or humanitarian application in Canada
If any of the above applies to you, an RCIC consultation is your first step before doing anything else.
The NBBIS points grid: how your score is calculated
You need a minimum of 65 points to be considered for nomination. Here is the full scoring breakdown:
Age (maximum 10 points)
| Age at time of application | Points |
|---|---|
| 19 to 49 | 10 |
| 50 to 59 | 5 |
Language (maximum 25 points)
| First official language (per skill) | Points per skill | Max |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 or higher | 5 | 20 |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 4 | 16 |
| CLB 4 | 3 | 12 |
A second official language (English or French) at CLB 4 or higher in all four skills adds 5 points.
Education (maximum 20 points)
| Credential | Points |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree or PhD | 20 |
| Post-secondary degree (3+ years full-time) | 16 |
| Post-secondary diploma (2+ years full-time) | 13 |
| High school diploma | 10 |
Business ownership or senior management experience (maximum 15 points)
Business ownership (minimum 51%):
| Years of qualifying experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 10 or more years in the last 10 | 15 |
| 6 to 9 years in the last 10 | 12 |
| 2 years in the last 5 | 8 |
Senior management (for-profit company):
| Years of qualifying experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 10 or more years in the last 10 | 9 |
| 6 to 9 years in the last 10 | 7 |
| 2 years in the last 5 | 5 |
Business plan quality (maximum 25 points)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Exploratory visit to NB (minimum 5 business days in last 12 months, with trip report) | 5 |
| Transferring minimum 5 years of business ownership experience to the same industry in NB | 4 |
| Business located outside Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton (more than 20 km from city centre) | 5 |
| Eligible investment over $500,000 CAD | 3 |
| Eligible investment between $150,000 and $499,999 CAD | 2 |
| Included relevant statutes, regulations, bylaws, and accreditation requirements | 3 |
| Included relevant and detailed market research | 5 |
Adaptability (maximum 5 points)
Your spouse or common-law partner can add up to 5 points if they have completed at least one year of full-time post-secondary study in NB, worked full-time in NB for at least six consecutive months, or demonstrate CLB 4 or higher in all four language abilities.
Total maximum: 100 points. You need 65 to be eligible.
Priority selection factors
Meeting the 65-point threshold makes you eligible, but it does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA). ImmigrationNB also weighs these priority factors when issuing ITAs:
- You visited NB for at least five business days in the last 12 months
- You or your spouse have a post-secondary diploma or certificate requiring at least one year of full-time study from an NB institution
- You or your spouse worked at least 30 hours per week for six or more consecutive months in a high-skilled occupation in NB in the last two years
- You or your spouse have family members (not cousins) who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens and have lived in NB for at least 12 months
- You are an entrepreneur in the agriculture sector and have received a letter of support from the NB Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
How the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream process works: step by step
Step 1 — Learn the program and gather documents
Read the official guide carefully. Begin collecting supporting documents early. The net worth verification process alone can take up to 90 days, so starting this step before receiving an ITA is wise.
Step 2 — Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Register on the INB Portal and submit your EOI along with your business plan. Your EOI is valid for 12 months. If not selected in that period, you can submit a new one. Submitting an EOI is free.
AIA can review your business plan and EOI strategy before submission to identify gaps before they become a refusal.
Step 3 — Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If ImmigrationNB selects your EOI, they send an ITA to your INB account. You then have 90 calendar days to submit a complete provincial application. Missing that deadline means starting over.
Step 4 — Submit your complete provincial application
Pay the $2,000 CAD non-refundable processing fee and upload all required documents through your INB account. ImmigrationNB may request an interview. An approved net worth verification report from a designated accountant is required at this stage.
Step 5 — Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
If approved, you receive a work permit letter of support. Before IRCC issues your work permit, you must sign a dated Business Performance Agreement within 60 days. This agreement sets out the conditions you must meet: business type, investment amount, job creation, residency, and timelines.
AIA reviews BPAs with clients before signing to make sure there are no conditions you will struggle to meet.
Step 6 — Apply to IRCC for a work permit
With the work permit letter of support from ImmigrationNB, you apply to IRCC for a closed work permit. IRCC has sole discretion to issue or deny it.
Step 7 — Arrive in New Brunswick and report
Within one month of arriving, submit your Report of Arrival form (NBBIS-004) to ImmigrationNB. You must establish your business within nine months of arrival.
Step 8 — Open and operate your business
Launch your business according to your approved plan. You must be present in NB at least 75% of the time. Unannounced site visits by ImmigrationNB officers can occur during this period.
Step 9 — Request nomination after six months of operation
After at least six consecutive months of operating the business and meeting your BPA conditions, submit a Request for Nomination form (NBBIS-006) along with required financial documents. ImmigrationNB will schedule a site visit and interview before issuing a nomination certificate.
Step 10 — Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
With your nomination certificate in hand, apply to IRCC for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence Portal (non-Express Entry stream). You and all family members must meet IRCC’s medical, security, and criminal admissibility requirements. IRCC has the final say.
Eligible and ineligible businesses for New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
What makes a business eligible?
Your business must be a private-sector, for-profit entity operating as a sole proprietorship, partnership (with a permanent resident or Canadian citizen only), or corporation. It must be a permanent establishment as defined under the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, create at least one full-time job for a PR or Canadian citizen, and operate for 12 consecutive months per year (with exceptions for tourism at 9 months, or 6 months if investment exceeds $1 million, and agriculture at 9 months minimum).
Ineligible business types
ImmigrationNB maintains a detailed exclusion list. The following business types are not eligible:
- Consultancy (offering expert professional advice)
- E-commerce or online businesses
- Home-based or residential-property businesses
- Bed and breakfast accommodations
- Brokerage businesses
- Financial services including payday loans, cheque cashing, and pawnbrokers
- Landlord property and rental management
- Not-for-profit businesses
- Professional practices without proof of NB licensing or accreditation
- Real estate investment and property development (unless multiple signed construction contracts are in place)
- Facilities providing temporary resident or newcomer settlement services
- Online language or educational training centres
- Adult services
- Adult residential or long-term care facilities
- Seasonal businesses operating less than 9 months per year (outside tourism and agriculture exceptions)
- Cooperatives, coin-operated businesses, domain name businesses
If your business type is on this list, contact us before investing time in an application.
Agriculture sector
The NBBIS includes a dedicated path for farming applicants. The minimum net worth is $300,000 CAD instead of $500,000 CAD. You must operate the farm for at least 9 of 12 months each year, live on the farm or within 10 km, and complete an exploratory visit before submitting your EOI. You also need a letter of support from the NB Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
Ineligible farm concepts include hobby farms, equine businesses, exotic plants, and petting zoos.
Exploratory visit to New Brunswick
An exploratory visit is worth 5 out of 25 possible business plan points and is mandatory for agriculture sector applicants. The visit must be at least five full business days (travel days, weekends, and statutory holidays do not count) and must have taken place within the 12 months before your EOI submission.
During the visit, ImmigrationNB expects you to meet with business owners, economic development officers, commercial bankers, real estate agents, accountants, legal counsel, and settlement organizations. You must submit a detailed trip report with your EOI, including names, contact information, meeting dates, and how each meeting relates to your business plan.
How does New Brunswick compare to Alberta and BC?
If you are evaluating provincial entrepreneur programs, here is a direct comparison of the three most active streams:
| Criteria | NB Business Immigration Stream | Alberta Entrepreneur | BC PNP Entrepreneur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum net worth | $500,000 CAD ($300K farming) | $500,000 CAD | $600,000 CAD |
| Minimum investment | $150,000 CAD | $100,000 CAD (rural) / $500,000 CAD (metro) | $200,000 CAD (regional) / $500,000 CAD (base) |
| Language minimum | CLB 4 | CLB 4 | CLB 4 |
| Jobs required | 1 full-time | 1 full-time | 1 full-time |
| Business operation before nomination | 6 consecutive months | 1 year | 1 year |
| Points system | Yes, 65/100 minimum | Yes | Yes |
| Agriculture pathway | Yes (reduced net worth) | Yes | Limited |
| Provincial processing fee | $2,000 CAD | $3,500 CAD | $3,500 CAD |
New Brunswick’s main advantage over BC and Alberta is the shorter operation period before nomination (6 months vs. 12 months) and the lower minimum investment threshold. BC has the highest net worth bar.
For a full picture of all Canadian entrepreneur immigration pathways, see our Immigration Options for Entrepreneurs overview.
NB BIS Self-Assessment Tool
Answer eight quick questions to see whether you likely qualify for the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream and get an estimated points score.
New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
Eligibility Check
8 questions • Instant result • No sign-up required
Checkboxes are optional. Your score calculates based on what you select.
Estimated points breakdown
Speak with a licensed RCIC to review your full profile and build the strongest possible application.
Book Your Strategy AssessmentWhy entrepreneurs choose Amir Ismail & Associates for New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
Amir Ismail has been processing Canadian immigration applications since 1991. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R412319) and a Canadian immigrant himself, he knows this process from both sides.
Here is what sets AIA apart for entrepreneur immigration specifically:
- We have seen the program change. The NBBIS replaced the Entrepreneurial Stream with new requirements and a new points structure. We track those changes so you do not have to.
- We review your business plan before submission. The plan cannot be amended after you submit it, and ImmigrationNB can refuse applications from applicants who cannot defend their own plan in an interview. We work through the plan with you before it is filed.
- We review your BPA terms before you sign. A Business Performance Agreement is a legal commitment with specific timelines and conditions. Signing one without review is a risk.
- Two licensed consultants on your file. Rijah Ismail, Amir’s daughter, is also a licensed immigration consultant. Complex entrepreneur applications benefit from two qualified sets of eyes.-
- We are accessible where you are. Offices in Toronto, Dubai, and Karachi. More than 25,000 clients served across four decades.
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner.
Frequently asked questions about the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
What is the difference between the NBBIS and the old Entrepreneurial Stream?
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream replaced the Entrepreneurial Stream, which is now permanently closed and no longer accepts new applications. The NBBIS has a revised points grid, a new EOI process through the INB portal, and a business performance agreement model. If you applied under the Entrepreneurial Stream before it closed, your existing application continues under the old rules.
How long does the NBBIS process take from EOI to nomination?
There is no published processing time guarantee. A realistic timeline from EOI submission to provincial nomination certificate is approximately 18 to 30 months, accounting for time in the EOI pool, the 90-day application window, processing time, work permit issuance, and the minimum six-month business operation period before you can even request nomination.
Can I buy an existing business instead of starting a new one?
Yes. If purchasing an existing NB business, the business must have been in continuous operation under the same owner for at least three years before your purchase date, must not be in receivership or bankruptcy in those three years, and must show a net profit in at least two of the last three years based on audited financial statements. Employment for existing staff must be maintained on similar terms. Goodwill may not exceed 10% of the net book value.
What happens if my business does not succeed within the Business Establishment Period?
Your Business Establishment Period (BEP) is 24 months from your arrival date in Canada. If your business is not open within nine months, or not operated for six consecutive months within that 24-month period, ImmigrationNB will report non-compliance to IRCC. This will result in the refusal of your nomination certificate. ImmigrationNB may consider a change of business plan within the first three months if the original plan proves infeasible, but approval is not guaranteed.
Can my spouse work in Canada while I establish the business?
If you have received a nomination and your spouse holds a valid work permit or has maintained status in Canada, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit for the duration of your own work permit under the spousal open work permit provisions. Contact us for current IRCC requirements.
Do I need to visit New Brunswick before applying?
An exploratory visit is not mandatory for most applicants, but it is worth 5 points on your business plan score. For agriculture sector applicants, a minimum five-day exploratory visit is mandatory before you can submit an EOI. For all applicants, the visit must be completed within the 12 months before EOI submission to count toward your score.
Is a consultancy business eligible for the NBBIS?
No. Consultancy is explicitly on the ineligible business list. “Offering expert professional advice in a field” does not qualify under the NBBIS. If your background is in consulting, we can help you identify a business concept that does qualify and still leverages your expertise.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail & Associates for New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?
Book your Strategy Assessment with our Toronto team. In that session, we review your eligibility, estimate your points score, and identify the strongest immigration pathway for your situation. There is no pressure and no obligation. We will give you an honest answer, whether or not the NBBIS is the right fit.
Ready to start your New Brunswick immigration journey?
The NBBIS is a structured but demanding program. Success depends on a solid business plan, a defensible net worth, and the right business concept from the start. Errors at the EOI stage are hard to recover from because you cannot amend your plan after submission.
Our team has guided entrepreneurs through provincial nominee programs for over 35 years. We know what ImmigrationNB looks for and how to build a file that holds up under scrutiny.
Licensed. Confidential. No sales pressure.
Amir Ismail & Associates RCIC #R412319 | Toronto | Dubai | Karachi amirismail.com