LMIA Finder
NBMove to New Brunswick
Jobs, cost of living, NBPNP immigration program, healthcare, and everything you need to settle in New Brunswick in 2026.
Updated: November 2026
About New Brunswick
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province (English and French), making it ideal for French speakers. Moncton is a growing IT hub. The Atlantic Immigration Program provides streamlined PR pathways. Very affordable living and welcoming communities make New Brunswick a hidden gem for immigration.
Why Move to New Brunswick?
New Brunswick offers a unique bilingual environment. French speakers have a significant competitive advantage — bilingual workers earn 10-15% more on average. Moncton has emerged as a national bilingual call centre and IT hub. Saint John is an industrial/port city. Fredericton is the capital and university town. All three are affordable and welcoming to newcomers. The Francophone community (Acadians) has deep roots and actively welcomes French-speaking immigrants.
Immigration Pathways
- •Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): employer-driven, no LMIA needed
- •NBPNP Skilled Workers with Employer Support: requires job offer
- •NBPNP Express Entry Labour Market: linked to Express Entry
- •NBPNP Strategic Initiative: targets specific recruitment events
- •NBPNP Entrepreneurial: for business owners
- •Francophone applicants have a significant advantage in all streams
Cost of Living
New Brunswick is one of Canada's most affordable provinces. Moncton average 1-bedroom rent: $1,100-$1,300/month. Fredericton: $1,000-$1,200. Saint John: $1,000-$1,200. Average home price: $280,000-$350,000 (some of the cheapest in Canada). The main drawback is 15% HST (highest in Canada alongside Nova Scotia). However, low housing costs more than compensate.
Climate and Lifestyle
Maritime climate similar to Nova Scotia. Cold winters (-5 to -15°C) with snow and ice, mild summers (18-25°C). The Bay of Fundy has the world's highest tides — a natural wonder. Coastal communities, river valleys, and Acadian culture provide a unique lifestyle. The pace of life is slower than major cities, which appeals to families and those seeking work-life balance.
Top Cities in New Brunswick
Top Industries in New Brunswick
Immigration: NBPNP
New Brunswick operates the NBPNP program, which provides nomination for permanent residence. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The NBPNP has multiple streams targeting different applicant profiles including skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.
Healthcare in New Brunswick
New Brunswick provides immediate healthcare coverage — no waiting period for new permanent residents. This is a significant advantage over provinces like Ontario and BC which have a 3-month wait.
- ✓ Doctor visits and specialist referrals
- ✓ Hospital stays and surgery
- ✓ Medical tests and diagnostics
- ✗ Dental care (adults)
- ✗ Prescription drugs (some provinces vary)
- ✗ Vision care (adults)