If your goal is to immigrate to Canada through an employer rather than relying solely on Express Entry, New Brunswick (NB) deserves serious consideration. While provinces like Ontario and British Columbia receive most of the attention, New Brunswick has quietly become one of Canada’s strongest destinations for foreign workers seeking permanent residence through employer-supported immigration programs.

The province continues to face labour shortages across healthcare, transportation, seafood processing, manufacturing, construction, information technology, and skilled trades. To fill these gaps, many employers actively recruit qualified international workers and support them through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Although employers do not “sponsor PR” directly, eligible designated employers can make qualifying job offers that support an application for permanent residence under these programs.

Whether you’re a truck driver, registered nurse, welder, industrial mechanic, software developer, electrician, or food processing worker, finding the right employer could become your first step toward building a long-term future in Canada.

In this guide, you’ll discover 10 of the top New Brunswick companies that frequently recruit foreign workers, the occupations they hire for, salary expectations, and practical advice to improve your chances of securing a qualifying job offer.

Why New Brunswick Is Becoming a Top Choice for Foreign Workers

Unlike Canada’s largest provinces, New Brunswick has a smaller population and an aging workforce. Many employers struggle to fill vacancies locally, especially in rural communities and specialized industries.

This has created opportunities for skilled international workers in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Trucking and logistics
• Manufacturing
• Seafood processing
• Construction
• Information technology
• Engineering
• Skilled trades

One advantage of New Brunswick is that many employers are already familiar with hiring international talent through provincial and Atlantic immigration programs, making the recruitment process smoother for eligible candidates.

Before You Apply: Know How PR Support Really Works

One of the biggest misconceptions among foreign workers is that Canadian companies simply “offer PR sponsorship.”

In reality, employers do not grant permanent residence. Instead, some employers are approved to hire through immigration pathways such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or participate in the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). If you receive a qualifying job offer and meet the program requirements, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence.

That is why your goal should not be to find any employer, but to target employers that regularly recruit internationally and are familiar with these immigration pathways.

1. J.D. Irving, Limited

One of the largest private employers in Atlantic Canada, J.D. Irving operates across transportation, forestry, shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and logistics.

Because of its size and diverse operations, the company frequently recruits skilled workers from outside Canada.

Positions commonly hired

• Truck Drivers
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Industrial Mechanics
• Welders
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Production Supervisors
• Forestry Workers

Average salary

CAD $50,000–$110,000 depending on occupation and experience.

Why it’s attractive

J.D. Irving has multiple business divisions and year-round recruitment needs, making it one of the first employers many foreign workers target when looking for opportunities in New Brunswick.

2. Cooke Aquaculture

Cooke Aquaculture is one of the world’s largest seafood companies and a major employer in Atlantic Canada.

The company operates fish farms, seafood processing facilities, transportation services, and hatcheries.

Positions commonly hired

• Seafood Processing Workers
• Aquaculture Technicians
• Industrial Mechanics
• Electricians
• Quality Assurance Technicians
• Truck Drivers
• Maintenance Workers

Average salary

CAD $42,000–$85,000

Why demand remains high

Seafood processing and aquaculture continue to experience labour shortages, creating opportunities for international workers with production, maintenance, and logistics experience.

3. Horizon Health Network

Healthcare remains one of New Brunswick’s fastest-growing sectors.

Horizon Health Network operates hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the province and regularly recruits internationally to address staffing shortages.

Frequently hired occupations

• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Medical Imaging Technologists

Average salary

CAD $65,000–$120,000

Why healthcare workers have an advantage

Healthcare occupations continue to receive priority under several provincial and federal immigration initiatives due to ongoing workforce shortages.

4. Vitalité Health Network

Vitalité Health Network serves many of New Brunswick’s Francophone communities and frequently recruits bilingual healthcare professionals.

If you speak both English and French, your employment prospects may be even stronger.

Common vacancies

• Registered Nurses
• Personal Support Workers
• Medical Laboratory Professionals
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists

Average salary

CAD $55,000–$115,000

Expert tip

French-language skills can provide an advantage in many parts of New Brunswick, particularly in communities with significant Francophone populations.

5. Irving Tissue

Irving Tissue manufactures paper products and continues expanding its production facilities.

Like many manufacturers, the company often recruits skilled trades professionals and production workers.

Typical positions

• Machine Operators
• Industrial Electricians
• Millwrights
• Maintenance Technicians
• Production Supervisors
• Quality Control Inspectors

Average salary

CAD $48,000–$90,000

Why this company stands out

Manufacturing employers often struggle to recruit experienced maintenance staff, making industrial trades among the strongest occupations for foreign workers.

What These Employers Have in Common

Although these companies operate in different industries, they share several characteristics that make them attractive to international applicants:

• Ongoing hiring due to labour shortages.
• Experience recruiting skilled workers.
• Operations in sectors supported by provincial immigration programs.
• Opportunities for long-term employment rather than seasonal work.
• Competitive salaries and career progression.

Rather than sending hundreds of generic applications, focus your efforts on employers like these that have recurring recruitment needs and align with your occupation.

6. Groupe Savoie Inc.

If you have experience in the forestry or wood manufacturing industry, Groupe Savoie is an employer worth watching. The company is one of New Brunswick’s leading hardwood manufacturers and regularly hires workers for its sawmills and production facilities.

As demand for Canadian wood products remains strong, the company continues to recruit employees with manufacturing and industrial experience.

Positions commonly advertised

• Industrial Mechanics (Millwrights)
• Maintenance Technicians
• Machine Operators
• Production Workers
• Electricians
• Welders
• Quality Control Technicians

Average Salary

CAD $48,000–$92,000 per year

Why foreign workers should consider Groupe Savoie

Many manufacturing employers in New Brunswick struggle to recruit skilled maintenance professionals locally. Applicants with experience in automated production systems, industrial maintenance, or mechanical repairs are often more competitive.

7. Ocean Steel & Construction Ltd.

Construction remains one of New Brunswick’s fastest-growing industries, driven by housing developments, infrastructure projects, and commercial expansion.

Ocean Steel & Construction, based in Saint John, is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest structural steel fabricators.

Frequently hired positions

• Welders
• Steel Fabricators
• Structural Ironworkers
• CNC Machine Operators
• Engineers
• Project Coordinators

Average Salary

CAD $58,000–$100,000

Expert Insight

Certified welders with experience in structural steel fabrication often have stronger employment prospects than applicants with only general welding experience.

8. McCain Foods (Florenceville-Bristol)

Although globally recognized for its frozen potato products, McCain Foods remains one of New Brunswick’s largest private employers.

The company recruits workers across manufacturing, engineering, food production, logistics, and maintenance.

Common occupations

• Industrial Electricians
• Production Supervisors
• Food Processing Workers
• Maintenance Mechanics
• Engineers
• Warehouse Operators
• Quality Assurance Specialists

Average Salary

CAD $46,000–$105,000

Why McCain is attractive

The company offers opportunities for both entry-level production employees and highly skilled professionals. Its international presence also provides long-term career growth.

9. Armour Transportation Systems

As e-commerce and freight volumes continue to grow, trucking companies remain among Canada’s largest employers of foreign workers.

Armour Transportation Systems operates throughout Atlantic Canada and regularly recruits experienced commercial drivers.

Typical vacancies

• Long-Haul Truck Drivers
• Fleet Mechanics
• Logistics Coordinators
• Dispatchers
• Warehouse Supervisors

Average Salary

CAD $60,000–$95,000

What employers look for

Successful applicants typically have:

• Commercial driving experience
• Clean driving records
• Strong safety awareness
• Willingness to travel long distances

10. Bulletproof Solutions

New Brunswick has quietly built a reputation as one of Canada’s growing cybersecurity hubs.

Bulletproof Solutions hires experienced IT professionals across several specialties.

Frequently recruited occupations

• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Software Developers
• Network Engineers
• Cloud Specialists
• IT Security Consultants

Average Salary

CAD $75,000–$140,000

Why technology professionals should pay attention

Although healthcare and skilled trades dominate provincial immigration discussions, New Brunswick’s technology sector continues expanding, creating excellent opportunities for highly skilled foreign workers.

Highest-Paying Occupations Among These Employers

If salary is an important consideration, these occupations typically offer some of the strongest earning potential.

Actual earnings vary depending on experience, certifications, overtime, union agreements, and employer.

Which Immigration Pathway Fits These Jobs?

Choosing the right immigration pathway is just as important as choosing the right employer.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Many employers in New Brunswick are designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program. This pathway allows designated employers to hire qualified foreign workers for positions they cannot easily fill locally. A qualifying job offer from a designated employer can support an application for permanent residence.

The AIP is commonly used in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Seafood Processing
• Transportation
• Skilled Trades

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

The NBPNP provides several streams for skilled workers whose experience matches the province’s labour market needs.

Occupations commonly supported include:

• Nurses
• Welders
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Truck Drivers
• Industrial Mechanics
• Information Technology Professionals

Program eligibility depends on the specific stream, the employer, and the applicant’s qualifications.

How to Get Hired From Outside Canada

One of the biggest mistakes foreign workers make is submitting hundreds of identical job applications.

A more strategic approach delivers better results.

Target Employers That Recruit Internationally

Focus on companies with ongoing labour shortages and experience hiring foreign workers rather than applying randomly.

Customize Every Resume

Your resume should clearly demonstrate:

• Relevant experience
• Technical skills
• Safety certifications
• Quantifiable achievements

For example, instead of writing:

Operated heavy machinery.

Write:

Operated CAT and Komatsu heavy equipment on commercial construction projects while maintaining a zero-incident safety record over four years.

Specific achievements help employers understand your value.

Include a Strong Cover Letter

Many applicants skip the cover letter entirely.

A short, personalized letter explaining:

• Why you’re interested in the company.
• Your relevant experience.
• Your willingness to relocate.
• Your long-term commitment to New Brunswick.

can help distinguish your application.

Earn Industry Certifications

Depending on your occupation, certifications such as:

• WHMIS
• First Aid/CPR
• Forklift Operator Training
• Red Seal (where applicable)
• Food Safety Certification

can improve your employability.

Improve Your Language Skills

Even when language requirements are modest, stronger English or French communication skills can increase your interview success and workplace performance.

Applicants who can communicate confidently often make a stronger impression on hiring managers.

7 Mistakes That Prevent Foreign Workers From Getting Hired

After years of following employer recruitment trends across Atlantic Canada, one pattern is clear: many qualified candidates are rejected not because they lack skills, but because they apply the wrong way.

Avoid these common mistakes if you’re serious about working in New Brunswick.

1. Applying to Every Job You See

Sending the same resume to 200 employers rarely works.

Instead, build a shortlist of 20–30 employers that regularly hire internationally and tailor each application to the specific role.

Employers can quickly identify generic applications.

2. Ignoring Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Designated Employers

Many applicants focus only on large Canadian companies.

A smarter strategy is to identify AIP-designated employers because these organizations are already familiar with hiring foreign workers and supporting immigration applications.

If your goal is permanent residence, these employers are often better targets than companies with no international recruitment experience.

3. Using a Non-Canadian Resume

A resume that works in another country may not appeal to Canadian employers.

A strong Canadian resume should:

• Highlight measurable achievements rather than job duties.
• Focus on the last 10–15 years of relevant experience.
• Be concise and easy to scan.
• Include keywords from the job posting.
• Avoid unnecessary personal details such as age, marital status, religion, or photographs unless specifically requested.

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4. Applying Without Researching the Employer

Before submitting an application, spend a few minutes learning about the company.

Ask yourself:

• What products or services does it provide?
• Does it have multiple locations?
• Is it currently expanding?
• Has it hired international workers before?

Candidates who demonstrate knowledge of the company often perform better during interviews.

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5. Overlooking Rural Opportunities

Many newcomers focus exclusively on larger cities.

However, some of the best immigration opportunities are found in smaller New Brunswick communities where employers face greater labour shortages.

Being open to rural locations can significantly increase your chances of receiving a qualifying job offer.

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6. Underestimating Soft Skills

Technical qualifications matter, but employers also value:

• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Safety awareness
• Problem-solving

Your cover letter and interview responses should demonstrate these qualities with real examples.

7. Falling for Job Offer Scams

Unfortunately, immigration-related fraud remains common.

Be cautious if someone:

• Guarantees permanent residence.
• Sells a Canadian job offer.
• Requests large payments for employment.
• Claims every employer can “sponsor” immigration.

Legitimate employers hire because they need qualified workers—not because applicants pay them.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting PR Through a New Brunswick Employer

If your long-term goal is permanent residence, think beyond simply finding a job. Build a strategy that aligns your skills with New Brunswick’s labour market.

Target Occupations Facing Long-Term Shortages

Some occupations consistently appear in recruitment campaigns because employers struggle to fill them locally.

These include:

• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Truck Drivers
• Welders
• Industrial Electricians
• Industrial Mechanics
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Engineers
• Software Developers
• Food Processing Workers

Workers in these occupations often have more opportunities than those in fields with a larger local labour supply.

Upgrade Your Skills Before Applying

Even one additional certification can improve your competitiveness.

Depending on your occupation, consider obtaining:

• Occupational Health and Safety training
• WHMIS certification
• First Aid and CPR
• Food Handling Certification
• Trade-specific credentials

Employers appreciate candidates who arrive prepared to integrate into the Canadian workplace.

Be Flexible About Your First Job

Many successful immigrants begin in a role that matches most—but not all—of their long-term career goals.

Once you’ve gained Canadian work experience, additional opportunities often become available through internal promotions or new employers.

Flexibility can make the difference between waiting years for the “perfect” opportunity and starting your Canadian career sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do New Brunswick companies sponsor permanent residence?

Employers do not grant permanent residence directly. However, many participate in programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or support eligible candidates through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), allowing qualified workers to apply for permanent residence.

Which industries hire the most foreign workers?

The strongest demand is generally found in:

• Healthcare
• Trucking and logistics
• Manufacturing
• Seafood processing
• Construction
• Skilled trades
• Information technology
• Engineering

Can I apply while living outside Canada?

Yes. Many New Brunswick employers recruit qualified candidates from overseas, particularly in occupations experiencing labour shortages.

Having relevant experience, a Canadian-style resume, and strong language skills can improve your chances.

Is French required?

Not always.

Many positions require English only, while bilingual (English and French) candidates may have an advantage in some regions, particularly in healthcare, customer service, and public-facing roles.

Which program is better: AIP or NBPNP?

There is no universal “best” option.

The right pathway depends on:

• Your occupation
• The employer
• Whether the employer is designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program
• Your qualifications and work experience

The pathway is determined by your specific circumstances rather than personal preference.

Final Thoughts

New Brunswick has quietly become one of Canada’s most promising provinces for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residence. While larger provinces often receive the spotlight, New Brunswick offers a combination of persistent labour shortages, employer demand, and immigration pathways that can make the journey to Canada more achievable for qualified applicants.

Companies such as J.D. Irving, Cooke Aquaculture, Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network, Irving Tissue, Groupe Savoie, Ocean Steel & Construction, McCain Foods, Armour Transportation Systems, and Bulletproof Solutions operate in industries where skilled workers remain in demand. These employers don’t “sell” or guarantee PR, but many have experience hiring international talent and may support eligible candidates through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) when program requirements are met.

If you’re applying from outside Canada, focus on quality rather than quantity. Research employers, tailor every resume and cover letter, strengthen your qualifications with relevant certifications, and target occupations where labour shortages are well documented. A strategic approach is far more effective than sending hundreds of generic applications.

With the right preparation, a genuine job offer from an eligible employer could be the first step toward building a successful career—and eventually a permanent future—in New Brunswick.