The requirements for becoming a New Brunswick resident vary depending on the immigration category that you have been granted.
To become a permanent resident of New Brunswick, you will need to demonstrate proof of your identity, and the means to support yourself and any dependants who immigrate with you. You must also show that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay or else apply for another permanent resident status. You can find more specific information about these requirements by consulting the New Brunswick Immigration Department website: http://www.gnb.ca/0062/immigrat/index_e.asp..
If you would like to come to New Brunswick as a temporary worker, a student, or as a refugee, you will need to apply for this status through the Canadian Visa Office in the country of your permanent residence.
Once you have arrived in New Brunswick and have satisfied the CBSA that you have a right to enter Canada, they will forward your information to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) so that they can process your application.
Steps to Becoming a Resident in New Brunswick
There are two steps to becoming a resident in New Brunswick:
You need to apply for permanent residence status, and then you also need to apply for your initial New Brunswick driver’s licence.
Obtaining Permanent Residence Status in New Brunswick
To apply for permanent resident status in New Brunswick, you will need to complete a number of forms. The forms must be filled out properly, and then sent to the appropriate address so that they can be processed by the Canadian immigration authorities. You can obtain the correct forms from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or their website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/forms/index_e.asp..
You will also need to provide the Canadian immigration authorities with documents that prove your identity and your ties to New Brunswick. These documents include:
– A valid passport or travel documents – Two identity photographs – A police certificate issued by the appropriate authority if you were a citizen of a country where you lived for six months or more in the last 5 years. This must be sent directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) by the national police force of that country – A copy of your birth certificate – Proof that you are leaving Canada at the end of your stay or, alternatively, proof that you have applied for another status as a permanent resident or temporary worker. You can obtain this proof from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). – If applying for permanent residence status on the basis of marriage, you will also need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
If you are applying to become a new New Brunswick resident by marrying a New Brunswick resident, be sure to inform Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) if any children are born in Canada at the time of the application. If you are married to someone who is not yet a citizen or permanent resident , you will not be permitted to immigrate until they become a citizen or permanent resident. You can find more information at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/welcome_e.asp..
What’s it Like Living in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is located on the east coast of Canada. It is the only province in Canada that is constitutionally bilingual.
The provincial government recognizes both English and French as official languages, and all government services are available in both languages.
You can learn more about life in New Brunswick on the government of New Brunswick site.
Living in New Brunswick with an Immigrant Visa
If you immigrate to New Brunswick by way of an immigrant visa, you will be given a “landing card” when you arrive at the airport.
This landing card will indicate whether you are exempt from obtaining a resident status certificate upon arriving in New Brunswick, or if you need to apply for one within 30 days of your arrival date.
To obtain a resident status certificate you can:
- Apply online here or fill out the appropriate forms and send them to one of the regional immigration offices listed on that same web page
- Contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) at 1-888-242-2100
New Brunswick Driver’s Licences to New Immigrants
If you are over 16 years old, you can apply for your New Brunswick driver’s licence once you have obtained your permanent residence status and have had a resident status certificate issued in your name.
You will be required to provide proof of your residency status, and you will also need to take various exams.
It is possible to obtain a New Brunswick driver’s licence in more than one language: if you are fluent in both languages, this can be done using a translator.
New Brunswick Driver’s Licence Prospects
A New Brunswick driver’s licence is valid for five years. If you have lived in the province for at least one year, and have had a New Brunswick resident status card issued in your name after applying for permanent residence, you are eligible to renew your licence without the need to take exams or go through any additional steps.
After five years, your licence will expire. You will be required to take the driver’s tests again once your New Brunswick license has expired. If you are moving to or from New Brunswick, you will need to make the appropriate changes on your New Brunswick driver’s licence.
Any person who has been in Canada for at least six months is eligible to apply for a New Brunswick driver’s licence after that period of time. A permanent resident of Canada who has been living in New Brunswick for at least six months may apply for a New Brunswick driver’s licence after one year from the date on which they obtained their permanent residence status (this is usually the date that their resident status card was issued).
