Is French required to immigrate to New Brunswick?

French is not required for every pathway, but as Canada's only officially bilingual province, French proficiency can be an asset in many regions and job markets within New Brunswick.

Does New Brunswick participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program?

Yes, New Brunswick participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program alongside its own Provincial Nominee Program, giving applicants more than one potential pathway into the province.

What are New Brunswick's main industries?

Healthcare, forestry, food processing and a growing information technology sector in Moncton are among New Brunswick's significant industries.

Where are settlement services located in New Brunswick?

Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John host the main settlement service networks, with francophone-specific supports available in some communities.

Canadian Immigration to New Brunswick

Last updated August 3, 2026 · Reviewed by Immigration Content Lead · Review cadence 60 days

Quick answer

New Brunswick nominates candidates through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program. The province's bilingual labour market includes healthcare, forestry and manufacturing, with French-language ability an asset in many regions.

Key takeaways

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) includes Express Entry, skilled worker and entrepreneurial streams.
New Brunswick also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program alongside its own nominee program.
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and French proficiency is valuable in many regions.
Healthcare and forestry are significant industries, alongside manufacturing and food processing.
NBPNP occupation priorities and intake are adjusted periodically by the province.
Settlement services are available in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John, with francophone-specific supports in some areas.

New Brunswick's nomination pathways

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) includes an Express Entry Labour Market stream, a Skilled Worker stream and an Entrepreneurial stream, among others. New Brunswick also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program for employer-supported candidates, a separate federal-provincial pathway covered at /programs/atlantic-immigration-program.

Occupation priorities, French-language considerations and intake levels under the NBPNP are set and adjusted by the province, so applicants should confirm current program details before applying.

Labour market character

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and its labour market reflects this, with French proficiency valued in many regions, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the province. The economy includes healthcare, forestry, food processing and a growing information technology presence in Moncton and Fredericton.

Major industries

Healthcare, a frequently prioritised sector in provincial nomination streams.
Forestry and forest products across much of the province.
Food processing and manufacturing.
Information technology and business services, notably in Moncton.

Popular occupations

Occupations often connected to New Brunswick's economy include registered nurses, truck drivers, accountants and skilled trades tied to forestry and manufacturing, though specific NBPNP priority occupations are set periodically and should be confirmed directly.

Settlement in New Brunswick

Settlement services are available in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John through IRCC-funded organisations, with some communities also offering French-language settlement supports reflecting the province's bilingual character.

Frequently asked questions

Is French required to immigrate to New Brunswick?: French is not required for every pathway, but as Canada's only officially bilingual province, French proficiency can be an asset in many regions and job markets within New Brunswick.
Does New Brunswick participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program?: Yes, New Brunswick participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program alongside its own Provincial Nominee Program, giving applicants more than one potential pathway into the province.
What are New Brunswick's main industries?: Healthcare, forestry, food processing and a growing information technology sector in Moncton are among New Brunswick's significant industries.
Where are settlement services located in New Brunswick?: Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John host the main settlement service networks, with francophone-specific supports available in some communities.

Official sources

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.