NOC 31301TEER 1📍 New Brunswick

Registered nurses in New Brunswick

Complete immigration guide for Registered nurses to New Brunswick, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code

31301

TEER Level

TEER 1

University Degree

Median Wage

$40/hr

~$83,200/yr

Min CLB

CLB 7

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📖 Expert Overview

Immigrating to New Brunswick as a Registered Nurse (NOC 31301) offers a promising pathway to Canadian permanent residency. With a high demand for healthcare professionals, a median wage of $40/hour, and a TEER 1 classification, RNs are highly sought after. Key immigration routes include the federal Express Entry system—leveraging Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs—and targeted healthcare category-based draws. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) provides a significant advantage, offering dedicated streams for skilled workers with job offers or strong connections to the province. A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 is required, but higher scores, especially in French, can greatly enhance your profile in Canada's only officially bilingual province. Securing provincial licensure through the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) is a critical and parallel step in this process, leading to a stable and rewarding career.

📊 Job Market in New Brunswick

Demand

High

Salary Range

$75,000 - $95,000/year

Top Cities

Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton

The outlook for Registered Nurses in New Brunswick is excellent and stable, driven by an aging population, ongoing healthcare system expansion, and a need to fill positions in both urban and rural communities.

✅ Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯

FSW

Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry

🇨🇦

CEC

Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry

🏛️

PNP

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

🎯 Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Registered nurses qualifies for the following category-based draws, which typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.

🏥Healthcare

💼 Related Job Titles

RNRegistered nurseER nurseICU nurse

📚 Education & Language Requirements

Education Required

University degree (bachelor's or higher)

Minimum Language

CLB 7 — IELTS ~6.0+

📍 About New Brunswick

Capital

Fredericton

Province Code

PNP Program

NB PNP

Top Industries

ForestryHealthcareTechnologyAgriculture

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

Credential & Licensing Assessment

Begin by having your nursing education assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Concurrently, start the mandatory licensing process by applying to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), which is the first step before you can apply for licensure with the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB).

Language Proficiency Testing

Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) on an approved English (IELTS or CELPIP) or French (TEF or TCF) test. Higher scores will significantly increase your Express Entry points and competitiveness.

Create an Express Entry Profile

Submit a profile to the federal Express Entry pool. As a Registered Nurse, you are eligible for healthcare-specific category-based draws, which invite candidates with lower CRS scores than general draws. Ensure your profile is accurate and kept up to date.

Seek a Provincial Nomination (NBPNP)

Actively pursue a nomination from the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). The NB Express Entry Stream or the NB Skilled Worker Stream (if you have a job offer) are key pathways. A nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation.

Receive ITA and Apply for PR

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the federal government, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. This includes providing all supporting documents, undergoing a medical exam, and passing security and background checks.

🏛️ New Brunswick PNP Tips

For the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), securing a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer like Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network is the most effective strategy. This makes you eligible for the NB Skilled Worker Stream and boosts your profile for the Express Entry stream. Actively participate in New Brunswick's international recruitment missions, both online and in-person. As New Brunswick is bilingual, demonstrating proficiency in French (even at a basic level) can be a significant advantage, opening up more opportunities and potentially earning you more points in the selection process.

📋 Licensing & Certification

Yes, licensure is mandatory. To practice as a Registered Nurse in New Brunswick, you must be licensed by the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB). The process for internationally educated nurses begins with an application to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) for a credential evaluation. Once NNAS provides an advisory report, you must then apply directly to NANB. NANB will assess your application and may require you to complete further steps, such as a competency assessment or passing the NCLEX-RN exam, before granting you a license to practice.

💡 Practical Tips

✓Start your credential recognition with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) and the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) as early as possible, as this process can take several months.
✓Actively monitor the official 'Welcome NB' government website for virtual recruitment events specifically targeting healthcare professionals.
✓Tailor your resume and cover letter to Canadian standards, highlighting clinical experience relevant to New Brunswick's healthcare needs (e.g., geriatrics, emergency care, long-term care).
✓If you have any French language ability, take the TEF or TCF Canada test in addition to your English test to claim extra immigration points and broaden job prospects.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to New Brunswick as a nurse?

While not strictly mandatory for federal category-based draws, a job offer is highly advantageous and often required for New Brunswick's PNP streams, like the NB Skilled Worker Stream. It demonstrates a strong connection to the province and significantly increases your chances of receiving a provincial nomination, which is a major boost to your permanent residency application.

What is the role of the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB)?

The NANB is the professional regulatory body for nurses in the province. You must be registered and licensed with NANB to legally practice as an RN in New Brunswick. This process is separate from your immigration application and should be initiated early. It involves an assessment of your credentials, language skills, and may require passing a registration exam.

Are there specific financial incentives for nurses moving to New Brunswick?

Yes, New Brunswick and its regional health authorities frequently offer recruitment incentives to attract healthcare professionals, especially those willing to work in under-serviced or rural areas. These can include signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and tuition reimbursement. It is best to check the careers sections of Horizon Health and Vitalité Health for the most current offers.

How important are French language skills for a nursing career in New Brunswick?

As Canada's only officially bilingual province, French language skills are a tremendous asset. They are essential for working with the Vitalité Health Network and highly valued by the Horizon Health Network. Proficiency in French can expand your job opportunities significantly and may also provide additional points for certain NBPNP immigration streams, making your application more competitive.

Can my nursing license from another country be transferred directly to New Brunswick?

No, you cannot directly transfer an international nursing license. All internationally educated nurses must first have their credentials assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Following this, you must apply to the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) and meet all of their specific requirements, which may include competency assessments and examinations, before you can be licensed to practice.