Last Updated on August 30, 2021

Graduates from four private career colleges in New Brunswick will be able to apply for permanent residency starting next April under a new pilot program. 

 “This initiative is something we have been working on for quite some time and we are pleased to get it across the line,” said Labour Minister Trevor Holder.

“Newcomers are key to addressing the challenges of our labour market, and by providing this additional immigration stream we are empowering more of our post-secondary institutions to develop the skilled workers that New Brunswick needs.”

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Under the pilot program in the Atlantic Canadian province, those who graduated from Atlantic Business College, Eastern College, McKenzie College, and Oulton College with training for any one 19 occupations will be able to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) starting Apr. 1 next year.

Labour Shortages Make It Crucial To Have New Pathway For International Students

The new pathway is the result of collaboration between Opportunities NB and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

“We are excited that we can help retain more international students by opening up an innovative pathway that is made for New Brunswick,” said Opportunities NB Minister Arlene Dunn. “With the increased competition for skilled labour, the potential to transition international students into permanent residents is crucial.”

The program will allow the graduates to work and live in the province while they wait for permanent residency.

Targeted occupations for this pilot include:

• social and community service workers;
• early childhood educators and assistants;
• educational assistants;
• health-care aides;
• home support workers;
• licensed practical nurses;
• paramedics and related occupations;
• medical laboratory technologists;
• medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants;
• medical administrative assistants;
• computer programmers and interactive media developers;
• web designers and developers;
• computer network technicians;
• user support technicians;
• accounting technicians and bookkeepers;
• payroll clerks;
• shippers and receivers;
• supply chain and logistics supervisors; and
• production logistics co-ordinators.

Colleges Eager To Help Fill Labour Shortage

The new stream is a boon for graduates who are not currently eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

“Private career colleges have been preparing domestic students with the skills they need to succeed for generations, and we are ready to do our part to bring international students to our province to engage in this exciting new program,” said Tony Reeder, president of the New Brunswick Association of Private Colleges and Universities. 

“We have worked closely to provide program and administration recommendations to Opportunities NB to ensure the program meets the needs of all stakeholders.”

The private career college need to be New Brunswick Designated Learning Institutions and have had that designation for at least five years to qualify. They offer eligible programs of study in education and social development, heath care, information technology and cyber security, business administration, and supply chain and logistics.