NOC 31102TEER 1📍 New Brunswick

General practitioners and family physicians in New Brunswick

Complete immigration guide for General practitioners and family physicians to New Brunswick, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code

31102

TEER Level

TEER 1

University Degree

Median Wage

$95/hr

~$197,600/yr

Min CLB

CLB 7

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📖 Expert Overview

Immigrating to New Brunswick as a General Practitioner or Family Physician (NOC 31102) offers a direct path to permanent residency due to critical healthcare shortages. This TEER 1 occupation has high demand, especially in rural areas, and commands a median wage of $95/hour. Key pathways include the federal Express Entry system, particularly through healthcare-specific category-based draws, and the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). Securing a valid job offer from a New Brunswick health authority is paramount, as it significantly strengthens an application for both provincial nomination and Express Entry. Candidates must meet a minimum CLB 7 language proficiency and undergo mandatory licensing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick. This career path is ideal for qualified physicians seeking a high quality of life in a welcoming Canadian province.

📊 Job Market in New Brunswick

Demand

High

Salary Range

$150,000 - $250,000/year

Top Cities

Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John

The outlook for family physicians in New Brunswick is excellent. An aging population and a significant need for primary care in both urban and rural communities ensure sustained, long-term demand.

✅ 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

General practitioners and family physicians qualifies for the following category-based draws, which typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.

🏥Healthcare

💼 Related Job Titles

Family doctorGPWalk-in clinic physician

📚 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

Step 1: Medical Credential Assessment

Begin by having your medical degree and transcripts verified by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) through their physiciansapply.ca portal. This is a mandatory first step before you can proceed with licensing exams or immigration applications requiring credential evaluation.

Step 2: Provincial Licensing

Successfully pass the MCC Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I. Following this, you must apply for registration and licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (CPSNB), which will assess your qualifications and may require a period of supervised practice.

Step 3: Secure a New Brunswick Job Offer

Actively seek employment with one of New Brunswick’s two health authorities: Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network. A valid job offer is crucial for provincial nomination and adds significant points to your Express Entry profile, making it a near-essential component for success.

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

Create a profile in the federal Express Entry system. With your credentials, language test results (minimum CLB 7), and work experience, you may be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or be selected in a healthcare-specific category-based draw.

Step 5: Apply for Provincial Nomination and PR

With a job offer, apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), likely through the NB Skilled Worker Stream. A provincial nomination grants an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

🏛️ New Brunswick PNP Tips

For physicians targeting the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), the most effective strategy is to secure a valid job offer from either the Horizon Health Network or the Vitalité Health Network. This makes you a prime candidate for the NB Skilled Worker Stream. Proactively engage with their physician recruitment teams online. Highlight any French language proficiency, as New Brunswick is officially bilingual and skills in both languages are a significant asset, particularly for Vitalité. A job offer not only makes you eligible for the PNP but also demonstrates a strong intention to reside in the province.

📋 Licensing & Certification

Yes, licensure is mandatory. To practice as a family physician in New Brunswick, you must be licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (CPSNB). The process for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) involves several key steps: 1) Verifying your medical degree through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). 2) Passing the MCC Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I. 3) Meeting the CPSNB's specific English language proficiency requirements. 4) Undergoing a Pre-entry Assessment Program (PEAP) or other required period of supervised practice as determined by the College. Each step must be successfully completed before a full, independent practice license is issued.

💡 Practical Tips

✓Start the credential verification process with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) at least 12-18 months before your intended immigration date.
✓Network directly with physician recruiters at Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network through their official websites and virtual career fairs.
✓If you are bilingual, take both an approved English (IELTS/CELPIP) and French (TEF/TCF) language test to maximize your immigration points.
✓Prepare a customized CV that aligns with Canadian standards, highlighting your clinical experience, procedural skills, and any research or teaching background.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 'Return of Service' agreement required for physicians in New Brunswick?

Often, yes. Physicians who receive financial incentives, recruitment support, or a position in an underserved area through a provincial program are typically required to sign a Return of Service agreement. This legally commits them to practice in a specific community for a predetermined period, usually two to five years, ensuring healthcare stability in high-need regions.

How crucial is French language ability for a physician in New Brunswick?

While not mandatory everywhere, French proficiency is a major asset. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, the Vitalité Health Network serves Francophone communities and requires French-speaking physicians. Bilingualism also increases your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and makes you a more versatile and desirable candidate for positions across the province, especially in Moncton and northern regions.

Can I start the NBPNP application before I am fully licensed in New Brunswick?

You can begin the process, but your application's success hinges on your eligibility for licensure. Typically, you need a job offer to apply for the NBPNP, and a health authority will only extend an offer if they are confident you can meet the requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (CPSNB). You must demonstrate a clear path to licensure.

What are the main differences between working for Horizon Health vs. Vitalité Health Network?

The primary difference is language. Horizon Health Network is the anglophone health authority, operating facilities in major centres like Saint John and Fredericton. Vitalité Health Network is the francophone authority, serving communities like Moncton, Bathurst, and Edmundston. Your language skills will largely determine which network is a better fit for you.

Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for my job offer?

Generally, physicians are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement when applying for a work permit, provided they have a job offer from a provincial health authority and have received approval from the relevant provincial college. For permanent residence, an LMIA-exempt job offer can still add significant points to your Express Entry profile.