New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream: Run a Business, Earn Your PR
New Brunswick nominates experienced entrepreneurs who start or buy a business in the province and run it themselves. You apply by Expression of Interest and invitation. We check your points and plan before you pay the $2,000 application fee.
since 1991
What is the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NBBIS) is a Provincial Nominee Program route for entrepreneurs who start or buy a business in New Brunswick. You run the business yourself, and after at least 6 months of operating it you can ask ImmigrationNB for a nomination.
It replaced the old Entrepreneurial Stream, which now serves existing clients only. Entry is by Expression of Interest and invitation.
Should you pay for a plan before you are invited?
You submit your Expression of Interest and business plan for free. The $2,000 fee applies only after an invitation, and you then have 90 calendar days to file a complete application. ImmigrationNB does not allow changes to the plan after you submit it, so we review it with you first.
Why entrepreneurs consider New Brunswick
- A lower entry point: $150,000 invested, and $300,000 net worth for farming
- A short proving period: request nomination after 6 months of operating
- No fee to submit an EOI: you pay only if you are invited
- Rural bonus points: a business outside the 3 big cities earns 5 points
Is the New Brunswick stream right for you?
An honest check before you spend money on a plan.
A good fit if you have
- 2 years in the last 5 as a 51% owner or a senior manager, supervising at least 2 employees
- A net worth of $500,000 ($300,000 for farming) that an approved accountant can verify
- $150,000 or more to invest in a New Brunswick business that creates a full-time job
- CLB 4 in all four skills, and 65 of 100 points on the grid
Consider another route if
- Your idea is home-based, online, consulting, rental or a bed and breakfast
- You own property or a business in another province, or have an active application in another one
- You were refused for misrepresentation in the last 5 years
A job-based route may fit better. See the skilled-worker PNP or Express Entry.
New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream requirements
You must meet every minimum and prove it with documents. ImmigrationNB publishes the rules in its program guide, and after nomination you apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Business experience
2 years in the last 5 as the owner of at least 51% of a private company, or as a senior manager in a for-profit business. You run daily operations and supervise at least 2 employees. Age 19 to 59.
Net worth
At least $500,000, or $300,000 for farming. Grant Thornton or MNP verifies it after you are invited, and the report is valid for 12 months.
Investment
At least $150,000 of eligible investment from your own net worth, and at least 33.3% equity in the business. A home or a car does not count.
Business and jobs
A private, for-profit business with a permanent place in New Brunswick. It must create at least 1 full-time job for a citizen or PR and run 12 months a year, with set exceptions for tourism and farming.
Language
CLB 4 or higher in reading, writing, listening and speaking, in English or French, on one test report. Results must be under 2 years old.
Not sure you qualify?
Tell us your experience, net worth and business idea. We test your points and plan before you commit.
How New Brunswick scores and picks you
Minimum points score
You need 65 of 100 points. Age gives up to 10, language 25, education 20, experience 15, your business plan 25 and your spouse or partner 5.
Priority for invitations
65 points makes you eligible but does not guarantee an invitation. A visit to the province, study or work there, family there and a farming support letter all help.
The farming route
Net worth drops to $300,000. You run the farm at least 9 months a year, live on it or within 10 km, visit first and hold a support letter from the NB Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
Start or buy
You can start a new business or buy an existing one. Either way you run it yourself and keep to your approved plan.
Where you locate
A business more than 20 km from the centre of Fredericton, Saint John or Moncton earns 5 business plan points.
Invitation only
You submit an Expression of Interest and your plan online. It stays valid for 12 months. If you are invited, you have 90 calendar days to apply.
Compare other routes
New Brunswick not the right fit? These pages cover other business provinces and the main skilled-worker routes.
Your application package
Every document must be current and complete. A missing item can close your file.
Expression of Interest
You submit it on the INB portal with your business plan. There is no fee, and it stays valid for 12 months.
Business plan (NBBIS-BP)
You must use the official template. You get no feedback and no changes after you submit, and you must be able to defend every page.
Net worth report
Grant Thornton or MNP verifies your net worth. Hire them only after you receive your invitation. They have 90 days to finish.
Credentials and forms
A language test under 2 years old, an ECA under 5 years old if you studied outside Canada, and the forms on the NBBIS-001 checklist.
The $2,000 fee
You pay it through your INB account after your invitation. It is non-refundable, and family members add no extra fee.
Want your plan reviewed?
We review your Expression of Interest and business plan before you submit them, because ImmigrationNB does not allow changes afterwards.
How the New Brunswick stream works, step by step
Six stages from your plan to your PR application.
Check your fit
We test your points, net worth, investment and business idea against the rules and the ineligible business list.
Write your business plan
Use the NBBIS-BP template. Research your market and the rules for your industry. We review it with you before you file.
Submit your Expression of Interest
You upload your EOI and plan on the INB portal. ImmigrationNB ranks profiles and sends invitations.
Apply after your invitation
Pay the $2,000 fee and add your net worth report and every required document.
Agreement and work permit
Sign the Business Performance Agreement within 60 days, then apply to IRCC for a work permit with your support letter.
Operate, get nominated, apply for PR
After at least 6 consecutive months of operating, request nomination. Then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
After you arrive
You have 24 months from arrival to open the business and meet your agreement.
Report your arrival
Submit the Report of Arrival (NBBIS-004) within 1 month of arriving in Canada.
Open your business
Your business must be open within 9 months of arrival. You report the opening on form NBBIS-005.
Live nearby
Live in New Brunswick at least 75% of the time and within 100 km of your business. Farm applicants live on the farm or within 10 km.
Run it as agreed
Operate for at least 6 consecutive months and meet your investment and job promises. ImmigrationNB visits your business, and some visits are unannounced.
Apply for PR
With your nomination certificate, apply to IRCC. IRCC makes the final decision.
Want a second set of eyes?
We review your agreement before you sign and track your deadlines from your EOI to your PR application.
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because government fees change.
Check your New Brunswick points in 2 minutes
Answer 8 short questions. The tool estimates your score on the 100-point grid. It is general guidance, not a decision.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream FAQs
What is the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream?
It is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program route for entrepreneurs who start or buy a business in the province. After you operate it for at least 6 months, New Brunswick can nominate you for permanent residence. It replaced the Entrepreneurial Stream, which now serves existing clients only.
How does New Brunswick choose who to invite?
You need 65 of 100 points to be eligible, but that does not guarantee an invitation. ImmigrationNB also weighs priority factors such as a visit to the province, study or work there, family there and a farming support letter.
How much money do I need?
You need a verifiable net worth of at least $500,000, or $300,000 for farming, and at least $150,000 of eligible investment. You must also control at least 33.3% of the business.
Can I buy an existing business?
Yes. The stream covers starting or buying a business in New Brunswick. You must run it yourself, and it must create at least 1 full-time job for a citizen or permanent resident.
Do I need to visit New Brunswick first?
A visit is optional for most applicants, but it earns 5 business plan points if it lasts 5 business days and you include a trip report. Farming applicants must visit before they submit an Expression of Interest.
What does the stream cost?
Submitting an Expression of Interest is free. You pay a $2,000 non-refundable fee after an invitation, with no extra fee for family members. You also pay the net worth verifier, language tests and IRCC fees.
How long must I run the business?
You must operate it for at least 6 consecutive months and meet your Business Performance Agreement before you request nomination. You have 24 months from arrival to do it, and ImmigrationNB can visit your business without notice.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation with Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319. We test your points, review your business plan and map your deadlines before you submit anything.