PNP
New Brunswick PNP Clarifies Certificate Withdrawal and Application Timelines
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has issued an important clarification regarding certificate withdrawal and application timelines for provincial nominees. The announcement serves as a crucial reminder for candidates who have received their nomination certificate and are preparing to apply for permanent residence (PR) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
According to the latest policy clarification, nominees cannot withdraw their nomination certificates to reapply under another provincial or federal immigration program. This measure reinforces program integrity and ensures that nominations issued by the province are used appropriately within the timelines and requirements established by New Brunswick.
This update highlights the importance of careful planning and timely action for applicants seeking permanent residency through the New Brunswick PNP (NBPNP).
Policy Reminder: Certificate Withdrawal Not Permitted
The NBPNP has reaffirmed that once a nomination certificate has been issued, candidates are not permitted to withdraw or cancel it voluntarily to pursue immigration opportunities through other jurisdictions or streams.
This rule applies across all NBPNP categories, including:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Express Entry Labour Market Stream
- Business Immigration Stream
- New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
The rationale behind this restriction is to maintain program accountability and resource efficiency. Each nomination issued represents a carefully assessed allocation under the province’s immigration quota. Allowing withdrawals for the purpose of reapplication would create administrative challenges and could undermine fairness for other candidates waiting in the queue. In simple terms, once a nomination is accepted, it must be used for the corresponding PR application through IRCC before the certificate expires.
Application Deadlines: Timing Is Everything
Every nominee under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program must submit their Permanent Residence application to IRCC before the expiration date of their nomination certificate.
Typically, a nomination certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue. Failing to apply within this period results in automatic expiration of the nomination, which cannot be reinstated or reused.
To avoid delays, nominees are advised to:
- Review their certificate’s expiry date immediately upon receipt.
- Gather all required documents, including medicals, police clearances, and proof of funds, well in advance.
- Submit their PR application through IRCC’s online portal as early as possible.
Once submitted, IRCC will confirm receipt and begin processing based on federal immigration procedures.
Responsibilities of NBPNP Nominees
The NBPNP emphasizes that responsibility for maintaining nomination validity rests with the nominee. This includes adhering to timelines, meeting all program requirements, and ensuring continued eligibility until the PR process is complete.
Nominees should also keep the following in mind:
- Any change in employment, residency, or family status must be promptly reported to the NBPNP.
- Failure to maintain eligibility (for example, losing employment linked to the nomination) may result in withdrawal of the nomination by the province.
- The NBPNP may contact nominees for verification at any stage, including post-nomination audits.
Being transparent and proactive during this period ensures a smooth transition from nomination to permanent residency.
Why These Clarifications Matter
These updated clarifications reflect New Brunswick’s ongoing efforts to maintain fairness and transparency in its immigration system. By preventing the misuse of nomination certificates and reinforcing clear deadlines, the province ensures that its annual nomination allocations are used effectively to meet labour market needs and population growth targets.
The NBPNP remains one of the most reliable pathways for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates seeking to settle in Atlantic Canada. However, it also demands responsibility and compliance from every nominee — qualities that reflect the province’s strong values of integrity and accountability.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After Receiving an NBPNP Nomination
| Step | Action Required | Deadline / Tip |
| 1 | Accept your nomination in your IRCC profile (if applicable) | Within 30 days of issue |
| 2 | Prepare your Permanent Residence (PR) documents | Start immediately |
| 3 | Complete medical exams and police certificates | Ideally within 4–6 weeks |
| 4 | Submit PR application to IRCC | Before certificate expiry date |
| 5 | Notify NBPNP of any major updates | Ongoing responsibility |
This process ensures your PR file remains valid and compliant throughout its lifecycle.
Staying Eligible During Processing
While waiting for PR approval, nominees must remain in good standing with the NBPNP. This includes continuing to work for the same employer listed in their endorsement (if applicable) and maintaining residence in New Brunswick.
If an applicant relocates or changes employment without notifying the program, it can result in the revocation of the nomination, even after submission to IRCC.
The province’s strict compliance measures are designed to ensure that immigration remains tied to genuine settlement intentions supporting New Brunswick’s local workforce and communities.
How This Strengthens New Brunswick’s Immigration Vision
New Brunswick’s focus on program integrity reflects its long-term immigration strategy to attract newcomers who are genuinely committed to living and working in the province. By maintaining firm policies around nomination use and submission deadlines, the province ensures that:
- Each nomination directly contributes to population growth.
- Employers can rely on skilled, stable hires.
- The immigration process remains transparent and credible.
These measures also align with IRCC’s national priorities, helping Canada continue to build an immigration system based on trust and fairness.
Staying Compliant with the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
The NBPNP’s clarification on certificate withdrawal and application timelines serves as an essential reminder for all provincial nominees. Once a nomination is issued, it must be used responsibly and within the given timeframe. For aspiring immigrants, this highlights the importance of planning ahead, keeping documents ready, and submitting their PR applications to IRCC before expiry.
New Brunswick continues to be a welcoming province for skilled immigrants who wish to build a future in Canada. By following New Brunswick PNP guidelines and staying informed through trusted immigration sources like Canada Immigration News, applicants can confidently pursue their Canada PR goals while complying with provincial and federal requirements.
