New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream

Licensed RCIC guidance on New Brunswick’s current business immigration route, the NBBIS, after the old Entrepreneurial Stream closed.

Written and reviewed by Usman Khalil, RCIC (R709592), a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Last reviewed: June 2026.

New Brunswick now runs its business immigration through the Business Immigration Stream (NBBIS). This page explains what changed, who NBBIS is for, the current thresholds, and the staged, work permit first process, reviewed by a licensed RCIC.

Important: The New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream is closed and no longer accepting applications. It has been replaced by the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NBBIS), which is expression of interest and invitation based. Older figures such as a $250,000 investment and a two job requirement are outdated and no longer apply.

1. What changed in New Brunswick

If you searched for the New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream, the most important thing to know is that it is closed and no longer accepting applications. New Brunswick has replaced it with the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream, known as NBBIS, and the rules and figures are different. We keep this page at the same address so that people searching the old name land on accurate, current information rather than out of date requirements. Older numbers, such as a $250,000 investment and a requirement to create two jobs, are outdated and should not be used.

2. NBBIS eligibility at a glance

NBBIS is an expression of interest and invitation based program for experienced business owners and senior managers who intend to settle permanently in New Brunswick and run a business there. The current eligibility factors include a minimum personal net worth of $500,000, or $300,000 for farming applicants, and a minimum eligible investment of $150,000. Applicants generally need at least 2 years of business ownership or senior management experience in a for profit business within the past 5 years, and must plan to invest at least $150,000 in an eligible New Brunswick business, with at least one full time job created. Language ability at CLB 4 and a business plan are required, and the province treats a recent exploratory business visit as a priority factor rather than a strict requirement.

3. The staged process: work permit first

As with other provincial business routes, the process is staged and begins with a temporary work permit. After an expression of interest is invited and an application is approved, New Brunswick issues a letter that supports a work permit, you relocate and establish your business, and after operating it for a period that meets your business performance agreement you may be put forward for a nomination, which you then use to apply federally for permanent residence. Submitting an application and meeting the eligibility factors does not guarantee a nomination.

4. Source of funds and business plan

The two factors that decide most NBBIS outcomes are a documented, legal source of funds, and a realistic business concept for New Brunswick. Several provinces verify net worth through designated firms, so a clear legal money trail matters. Our CPA side supports the source of funds and the financial parts of the business plan, while the licensed consultant manages eligibility and the filing.

5. Common refusal reasons

Applications commonly run into trouble when the principal applicant does not meet the current NBBIS criteria, when the source of funds is not fully documented or legally explained, when the business plan is generic or unrealistic for the local market, or when status and timing are not managed carefully. Most of these are avoidable with preparation.

6. How MAK helps

MAK works with licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and a CPA. We confirm whether your profile fits the current NBBIS criteria, prepare the source of funds and business documentation, and manage the filing, with an honest assessment of your fit before you invest time and money in an application.

Frequently Asked Questions