New Brunswick Entrepreneur Immigration Program: Industries, Incentives, and the Business Immigration Stream

By Amir Ismail, RCIC #R412319 | Last Updated: May 2026

New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Stream offers one of the most accessible entry points to Canadian permanent residence for entrepreneurs. You need $500,000 CAD in net worth, a $150,000 CAD minimum investment, and a score of at least 65 out of 100 points. The province is actively targeting sectors like agri-food, technology, tourism, and manufacturing.

Who New Brunswick Is Looking For under the New Brunswick Entrepreneur immigration Program

New Brunswick wants working entrepreneurs who will create jobs and stay. The ideal candidate has at least two years of business ownership or senior management experience in the last five years. The province does not want passive investors, it expects you to be actively involved in running your business.

You must be between 19 and 59 years old at the time of application. You also need a minimum CLB 4 language score in either English or French. New Brunswick is officially bilingual, so French speakers from Quebec or overseas often find it easier to settle there than in other anglophone provinces.

The program is open to applicants from outside Canada and to people already living in Canada on a temporary status. You do not need to have been to New Brunswick before you apply, though an exploratory visit helps you build a stronger business plan.

Financial Requirements for the New brunswick Entrepreneur immigration Program at a Glance

The financial bar in New Brunswick is lower than in BC or PEI, which makes it competitive for mid-range entrepreneurs. Here are the core numbers:

Requirement	Standard	Agriculture
Minimum Net Worth	$500,000 CAD	$300,000 CAD
Minimum Investment	$150,000 CAD	$150,000 CAD
Minimum Ownership	33.3%	33.3%
Experience Required	2 of last 5 years	2 of last 5 years
Language	CLB 4	CLB 4
Age	19 to 59	19 to 59
Provincial Fee	$2,000 CAD	$2,000 CAD

Net worth must be verified by one of three designated accounting firms approved by Opportunities NB, the provincial agency that administers the program. You cannot use any other firm for this step. The verification report must be prepared within six months of your application date.

How the 100-Point Scoring System Works

You need 65 points out of 100 to meet the minimum threshold. Points come from five categories, and you must earn something in each of the main areas to put together a qualifying score. No single category alone is enough to carry you to 65.

Business Experience (Up to 32 Points)

Business experience is the largest single category. Points go up if you have owned a business outright rather than managed one for someone else. Longer experience and higher revenue businesses also score more points in this section.

Business Establishment (Up to 30 Points)

This category scores your New Brunswick business plan and investment. A higher investment level earns more points. Businesses in priority sectors or underserved communities can also receive bonus points here.

Education (Up to 20 Points)

A university degree or higher earns the maximum education points. College diplomas and trade certifications also earn points, just fewer. You do not need a business-specific degree, any field qualifies.

Language (Up to 10 Points)

CLB 4 meets the minimum and earns some points. Scoring higher on your language test earns more. Candidates who speak both English and French can earn additional credit, which matters in bilingual New Brunswick.

Adaptability (Up to 8 Points)

Adaptability points reward connections to New Brunswick. Prior visits, family members already in the province, and previous study or work in New Brunswick all contribute. This category is smaller than in some other provinces, but it can make the difference if you are close to the 65-point threshold.

Priority Industries in New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s economy relies heavily on natural resources, food processing, and small-scale manufacturing. The province has grown its technology sector in recent years, particularly around cybersecurity and digital services. Tourism also plays a major role, especially in coastal and rural areas.

Agri-food businesses are especially welcome. The lower $300,000 net worth threshold for agriculture reflects how much the province wants investment in farming and food production. Fish processing, crop farming, and livestock operations all qualify under this category.

Construction and trades businesses often score well because New Brunswick has a housing shortage and strong demand for skilled labour. Retail and hospitality businesses in smaller communities can also qualify if the plan is solid and the investment is at the right level.

The Business Establishment Period

After receiving a nomination, you get a work permit and enter the Business Establishment Period (BEP). During this time, you must set up and operate your business in New Brunswick. The BEP typically lasts one to two years depending on your business plan milestones.

You must spend at least 75% of your time in New Brunswick throughout the BEP. You also need to live within 100 kilometres of your registered business location. These are hard requirements, failing them can lead to your nomination being cancelled.

At the end of the BEP, Opportunities NB conducts a performance review. If your business is operating as planned and you have met the residency requirements, you receive confirmation to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. If there are gaps, you may get an extension or face delays.

Why New Brunswick Competes Well Against Other Provinces

New Brunswick has a lower cost of living than most other provinces with entrepreneur immigration programs. Real estate is cheaper, operating costs are lower, and labour markets are less crowded than in BC or Ontario. For entrepreneurs who want to keep overhead manageable while building a business, that gap matters.

The province also has a smaller applicant pool than BC or Alberta. That means less competition in the EOI draws. Serious candidates who score well are more likely to receive an invitation relatively quickly compared to programs with larger backlogs.

New Brunswick also benefits from proximity to the US East Coast. Entrepreneurs with cross-border supply chains or markets in Maine, Vermont, and New York find the location practical. The province has border crossings, established trade routes, and a business community used to working with American partners.

Common Reasons Applications Are Refused

The most common refusals come from business plans that do not show a realistic path to profitability. Opportunities NB evaluates whether your plan is viable in the New Brunswick market, not just whether it worked in your home country. Businesses that are saturated locally or that rely on market assumptions that do not hold in the province are often declined at the business concept stage.

Applicants also get refused for net worth documentation problems. The designated firm requirement is strict. Using an accountant who is not on the approved list, or submitting a report that is more than six months old, will result in an incomplete or refused file.

BEP failures are the third major category. Candidates who do not move to New Brunswick promptly, or who spend too much time travelling outside the province, risk losing their nomination before they can apply for permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum net worth for New Brunswick business immigration?

You need at least $500,000 CAD in net worth for most business types. Agriculture businesses have a lower threshold of $300,000 CAD. Net worth must be verified by one of three designated firms approved by Opportunities NB.

How many points do you need to qualify for New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Stream?

You need a minimum score of 65 out of 100 points. Points come from business experience, business establishment, education, language ability, and adaptability factors. No single category alone is enough to meet the threshold.

Do I have to live in New Brunswick after I get nominated?

Yes. You must spend at least 75% of your time in New Brunswick and live within 100 kilometres of your business throughout the Business Establishment Period. Failing either requirement can result in your nomination being cancelled.

What language level is required for New Brunswick entrepreneur immigration?

You need Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in either English or French. This is one of the lower language requirements among Canadian provinces with active entrepreneur immigration programs. Higher scores earn more points in the assessment grid.

What is the provincial application fee for New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Stream?

The provincial application fee is $2,000 CAD. This covers the provincial review by Opportunities NB and is separate from federal IRCC fees, which you pay later when applying for your work permit and permanent residence.

Ready to Assess Your New Brunswick Options?

New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Stream rewards candidates who have real business experience, a viable plan, and the ability to commit to the province. If your net worth is between $300,000 and $600,000 and you want a cost-effective route to Canadian permanent residence, this program deserves a close look.

Learn more about the full program on our New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream service page, or compare it with other provincial options on our PNP Entrepreneur Immigration overview.

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This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs change frequently. Always consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or lawyer before making any decisions. Amir Ismail, RCIC #R412319, practices immigration consulting in accordance with CICC regulations.