Why You Should Consider Studying in New Brunwsick

The province of New Brunswick has re-launched the New Brunswick Student Connection Express Entry Program, allowing eligible students to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

To be eligible for the program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Recent Graduates: If you have completed your studies within the past six months, currently reside in New Brunswick, and are actively seeking employment in the province, you can apply for the program. This option is available for students who have completed a one-year degree, diploma, or certificate program.

2. Graduate Students: Master's and Ph.D. students enrolled in thesis-based programs can apply once their thesis has been officially submitted for evaluation. These students should also meet all other program criteria.

It's important to note that if more than six months have passed since the completion of your studies, you will no longer qualify under the NB Student Connection program.

Before applying, there are several important factors you should know about the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream:

1. Work Experience: The program requires at least one year of full-time paid work experience (1,560 hours) or an equal amount of part-time work. The work experience must fall within specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories, including TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. The experience can be gained in Canada or abroad, but it should be in the same type of job (matching the NOC) as the one you intend to use for your immigration application.

2. Language Testing: All applicants must have a valid language test in English or French, administered by a designated IRCC testing agency. The test must be less than 18 months old at the time of application. You need to achieve a minimum score equal to or greater than Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for French. Accepted language tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP, TEF CANADA, and TCF pour le Canada.

3. Education: You must provide evidence of successfully completing a PGWP-eligible program of study in New Brunswick within the past six months. This can be demonstrated through final transcripts, diplomas/certificates, or a letter of completion from the institution. If you completed your education in Canada, an educational credential assessment is not required. However, if you are a Master's or Ph.D. student applying before the final completion of your studies, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed by a designated organization.

4. Intent to Reside in NB: To be eligible for the program, you must have a genuine intention to live and work in New Brunswick. If you accept a job offer from a company outside of the province or leave New Brunswick after accepting an offer, your application will be refused, and your nomination certificate may be revoked.

5. Job Offer: Unlike other Express Entry streams, the NB Student Connection does not require a job offer from a New Brunswick employer. This provides flexibility for recent graduates to explore employment opportunities in the province.

6. Proof of Funds: Settlement funds are not required for Open Work Permit holders with a minimum of one-year work experience in NOC categories TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Additionally, if you meet all the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program, you are exempt from the settlement funds requirement. However, all applicants under the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream must provide bank statements with a six-month transaction history.