New Brunswick introduces targeted searches of Express Entry pool

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Express Entry candidates may now receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination from New Brunswick whether they've registered an Expression of Interest with the province or not.

In an update published Friday, July 26, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) said it "will, on occasion, invite candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool in response to provincial labour-market needs."

The Express Entry pool contains the profiles of candidates for three of Canada’s main economic-class immigration programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Candidates are ranked in the pool based on a score linked to their age, education, skilled work experience and proficiency in English or French, among other factors.

A provincial nomination results in an additional 600 points and effectively guarantees an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

Several popular Express Entry-linked nomination streams in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia employ targeted searches of the federal Express Entry pool, including Ontario's Human Capital Priorities Stream, the Alberta Express Entry Stream and Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream.

Express Entry candidates selected through New Brunswick's occasional searches will receive a Letter of Interest in their Express Entry accounts.

All candidates who receive an invitation to apply from New Brunswick in this manner will still have to meet the eligibility requirements for the NBPNP's Express Entry Labour Market Stream (EELMS).

New Brunswick will use this new approach in addition to the Expression of Interest (EOI)-based invitations issued through the EELMS.

"New Brunswick needs skilled foreign workers so it's not surprising to see it exploring new ways to invite Express Entry candidates," said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell, Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal.

"With more provinces now searching the Express Entry pool for eligible candidates, it's a good reminder to get in the pool if you aren't already."

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs