New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Stream for Provincial Nomination offers an enticing opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in a thriving economy while contributing to the province’s growth. Meeting the program’s requirements demands careful planning and commitment, but the rewards include the chance to build a prosperous business and make a lasting impact on this beautiful Canadian province.
Ineligible Applicants and Businesses
Certain applicants and business types are not eligible for this program – including those related to adult services, online language training, and financial services, are ineligible for the program.
New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream Details
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Business Requirements
- Your business venture must align with New Brunswick’s economic interests.
- It should be established as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, with a significant focus on generating profits through the sale of goods and services.
- It should be considered a “permanent establishment” under Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985.
Investment
- Applicants must invest a minimum of CAD $150,000 before tax in the business.
- Personal expenses like housing and vehicles do not count towards the minimum eligible investment.
- You should retain at least 33.3% equity in the business, demonstrating a substantial ownership stake.
Active Management Role
- You should assume risks, influence the business’s direction, provide ongoing management from within New Brunswick, and be present at the business premises on a day-to-day basis.
Net Worth Verification
- Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), applicants must engage a designated accounting service provider to produce a Net Worth Verification Report.
- This report verifies your total net worth, the legal accumulation of your funds, and highlights any concerns requiring further investigation.
Creating Jobs
- Your business venture in New Brunswick must create at least one full-time job for a permanent resident or Canadian citizen living in the province.
- This job cannot include you, your family members, or dependents.
- “Full-time” is defined as providing a minimum of 30 hours of work per week.
Operating in New Brunswick
- You must ensure your business pays income tax on earnings within the province, comply with provincial and Canadian laws, and obtain all necessary permits and licenses.
Presence in New Brunswick
- During the Business Establishment Period (BEP), you must reside in New Brunswick for 75% of the time and live within 100 kilometers of your business location.
Site Visit
- Before nomination, the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) conducts a site visit to confirm compliance with the Business Performance Agreement.
- Applicants must provide necessary documents and information during these visits.
Intent to Reside in New Brunswick
- You must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside in New Brunswick, aligning with immigration regulations.
Economic Benefit
- New Brunswick prioritizes businesses that promise substantial economic growth.
- Priority processing may be accorded to applicants whose business plans exhibit potential benefits such as value-added manufacturing, research and development, innovative approaches, technology transfer, local market service provision, and addressing regional needs.
Eligible Seasonal Businesses
- Certain seasonal businesses in sectors like agriculture and tourism may be eligible, provided they meet specific operational criteria.
Key Sectors
- New Brunswick places emphasis on key sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and more.
Purchasing an Established Business
- The business should have had the same owner for the preceding three years, who must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
- It should be purchased at a fair market value, demonstrate profitability over two of the last three years, maintain existing staff on similar terms, and avoid bankruptcy or receivership in the previous three years.
Exploratory Visits
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to conduct exploratory visits to assess business opportunities in New Brunswick, which should be documented and submitted with the Expression of Interest (EOI).
