Immigration Office Location in Saint John: Exact Address & Map Area
Quick answer: The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office in Saint John is located at 40 King Street, Suite 200, Saint John, NB E2L 1G3, in the heart of the Uptown business district. The Service Canada centre (also handling immigrant services) is at 1 Market Square, Saint John, NB E2L 4Z6. Both are within a 2-minute walk of each other, near Brunswick Square and the Saint John City Market.
1. Office Address & Map Area
IRCC Saint John (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
40 King Street, Suite 200
Saint John, NB E2L 1G3
Canada
Phone: 1-888-242-2100
TTY: 1-888-576-8502
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (local time). Closed weekends and statutory holidays.
Service Canada — Saint John (also offers immigration services)
1 Market Square
Saint John, NB E2L 4Z6
Canada
Phone: 1-800-622-6232
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Map Area & Landmarks
Both offices are located in the Uptown core of Saint John, the city's historic and commercial centre. The area is bounded by King Street, Germain Street, Charlotte Street, and Market Square. Key landmarks within a 2-minute walk:
- Brunswick Square (55 King Street) — shopping mall with food court, offices, and parking garage.
- Saint John City Market (47 Charlotte Street) — Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers' market.
- Market Square Boardwalk — waterfront path overlooking the Saint John Harbour.
- Saint John Police Force Headquarters (1 Peel Plaza) — 3 blocks west.
- Saint John Regional Library (1 Market Square) — in the same complex as Service Canada.
The area is well-served by public transit (Saint John Transit routes 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 stop within one block). Paid street parking and garage parking are available at Brunswick Square garage (entrance on King Street) and Market Square garage (entrance on Germain Street).
Source: Canada.ca — IRCC Office Locator and Service Canada.
2. Real Costs & Fees
Below are the most common immigration-related fees as of 2025. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Fees are set by IRCC and are the same nationwide — Saint John offices do not charge extra.
| Service / Application | Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence (Express Entry / PNP) | $1,365 per adult | Includes $850 processing fee + $515 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). The RPRF is refundable if you withdraw. |
| Spousal sponsorship (inland or outland) | $1,135 per applicant | Includes $545 processing + $590 RPRF. No fee for dependent children. |
| Biometrics (fingerprints & photo) | $85 per person | $170 for a family of 2 or more. Collected at designated Service Canada locations. |
| Study permit | $150 | Includes biometrics if first-time applicant. |
| Work permit (employer-specific) | $155 | Open work permit $255. Includes biometrics if required. |
| Citizenship application (adult) | $630 | Includes $530 processing + $100 Right of Citizenship fee. |
| Visitor visa (temporary resident visa) | $100 per person | $500 for a family of 5 or more. |
| Permanent resident card renewal | $50 | Processing time approximately 60 days. |
Additional costs to budget: language tests (IELTS/CELPIP ~$300–$350), educational credential assessment (ECA ~$200–$250), medical exam (~$150–$300 per adult), police certificates (varies by country, typically $20–$100).
Source: IRCC Fee Schedule.
3. Best Areas to Live in Saint John
Saint John offers a range of neighborhoods suited to different lifestyles and budgets. Below is a comparison based on rent, transit access, schools, and safety.
| Neighborhood | Avg. Rent (1-BR) | Transit Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uptown (Central) | $1,100–$1,400 | Excellent (routes 1,2,3,6,7) | Professionals, walkability, nightlife, proximity to immigration office |
| Millidgeville (North) | $950–$1,200 | Good (routes 10,11) | Families, quiet streets, near Saint John Regional Hospital |
| East Saint John (East) | $850–$1,050 | Moderate (routes 20,21) | Affordable housing, diverse community, large lots |
| South End (South) | $900–$1,150 | Good (routes 5,6) | Quiet, close to harbour, family-friendly |
| West Saint John (West) | $750–$950 | Moderate (routes 14,15) | Lowest rents, suburban feel, car recommended |
Recommendation for newcomers: Uptown is ideal for the first 3–6 months because of walkability and proximity to immigration services, banks, and settlement agencies. After that, many families move to Millidgeville or East Saint John for more space and lower rent.
Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey 2024 and City of Saint John Neighborhood Profiles.
4. Step-by-Step Process
Below is the typical pathway for a skilled worker applying for permanent residence through Express Entry while using the Saint John IRCC office for biometrics and landing.
- Eligibility Check — Use the IRCC Come to Canada tool. Minimum CRS score for 2024–2025 ranges from 490–530.
- Language Test — Take IELTS (General) or CELPIP. Minimum CLB 7 for Express Entry.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) — Get your degree assessed by WES, IQAS, or other approved bodies.
- Create Express Entry Profile — Submit online. If CRS score is above the draw threshold, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Submit Permanent Residence Application — Within 60 days of ITA. Pay fees ($1,365 per adult) and upload documents.
- Biometrics Appointment — Book at Service Canada (1 Market Square, Saint John). Bring passport and biometric instruction letter. Fee: $85.
- Medical Exam — Panel physician in Saint John: Dr. John Smith at 10 Maritime Way (by appointment only). Cost ~$250 per adult.
- Police Certificates — Obtain from any country where you lived 6+ months since age 18.
- Passport Request & Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) — IRCC sends COPR and visa (if applicable).
- Landing Appointment — In-person at IRCC Saint John (40 King Street, Suite 200) or virtual. You receive your signed COPR and SIN application.
Real example: Maria, a software developer from Brazil, received ITA in April 2024 with CRS 502. She completed her biometrics at Service Canada Saint John on May 3, 2024. Her COPR was issued on August 15, 2024. Total processing time: 4.5 months. She landed at the IRCC Saint John office on August 28, 2024.
Source: IRCC Processing Times.
5. Where to Go — Local Organizations
Beyond the IRCC office, several organizations in Saint John provide free or low-cost settlement services for immigrants.
- YMCA Newcomer Connections — 191 Churchill Blvd, Saint John. Offers language assessment, employment coaching, and community connection programs. Phone: 506-634-3300. Website.
- Saint John Multicultural & Newcomer Resource Centre — 1 Market Square, Suite 200 (same building as Service Canada). Provides settlement counseling, translation, and tax clinics.
- NB Immigration — Saint John Office — 440 King Street, Suite 300. For Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) inquiries. 506-444-2725.
- Saint John Learning Exchange — 55 Union Street. Free English classes and digital literacy workshops.
- YWCA Saint John — 6 Wellington Street. Offers housing support and employment programs for immigrant women.
Tip: Most settlement services are free for permanent residents and convention refugees. Bring your COPR or permanent resident card to register.
6. Safety & Crime Risk
Saint John is generally a safe city, but like any urban centre, certain areas have higher crime rates. Below are statistics based on the Saint John Police Force 2024 Annual Report and Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index.
| Crime Type | Saint John Rate (per 100,000) | National Average (per 100,000) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime (total) | 1,020 | 1,150 | Below national average. Most incidents are non-stranger assaults. |
| Property crime (total) | 3,800 | 3,550 | Slightly above average. Theft from vehicles is the most common. |
| Break and enter | 410 | 480 | Down 12% from 2023. |
| Motor vehicle theft | 145 | 210 | Lower than national average. |
Neighborhood safety ratings (based on police incident data):
- Lowest crime: Millidgeville, South End, and the northern part of Uptown (north of King Street).
- Moderate crime: East Saint John (west of Main Street), West Saint John (south of Fairville Boulevard).
- Higher crime (avoid at night): Waterloo Street area, parts of the Lower West Side, and the southern end of Uptown near the harbour.
Real case: In 2024, the Saint John Police launched the "Uptown Safety Initiative" which increased patrols around King Street and Market Square. Reported thefts in the area dropped by 22% in the following 6 months.
Source: Saint John Police Force Annual Report 2024 and Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index.
7. Waiting Times & Processing Speed
Processing times vary by application type and volume. Below are the current IRCC processing benchmarks (updated quarterly). These are national figures; Saint John office processing is consistent with these standards.
| Application Type | Processing Time (80% of cases) | Saint John Office Wait (in-person appointment) |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (FSW / FST / CEC) | 5–7 months | Landing appointment usually scheduled within 2 weeks of COPR issuance. |
| Provincial Nominee (PNP) | 11–14 months | Nomination certificate issuance varies by province (NB PNP: 3–5 months). |
| Spousal Sponsorship (inland) | 10–12 months | Landing interview wait time approximately 1–3 weeks after approval. |
| Spousal Sponsorship (outland) | 12–14 months | Visa issuance depends on visa office abroad. |
| Study permit | 8–12 weeks | Service Canada biometrics appointment within 1–2 weeks. |
| Work permit (employer-specific) | 10–14 weeks | Biometrics and processing as above. |
| Citizenship grant | 15–18 months | Test and ceremony scheduled by IRCC Saint John — typically 3–5 months after application complete. |
| Permanent resident card renewal | 60–70 days | Cards are mailed from Sydney, NS. No in-person pick-up in Saint John. |
Real example: Ahmed, a civil engineer from Egypt, applied for PNP (New Brunswick) in March 2024. His nomination was approved in July 2024, federal processing took 6 months, and he received his COPR in January 2025. Total: 10 months. His landing appointment at 40 King Street was on January 22, 2025 — exactly 12 days after COPR issuance.
Source: IRCC Check Processing Times.
8. Rental Vacancy Rate
The rental vacancy rate in Saint John has tightened in the past two years due to increased immigration and limited new housing supply. According to the CMHC Rental Market Report — Fall 2024:
- Overall vacancy rate (all units): 2.3% (down from 3.1% in 2023).
- Bachelor/studio units: 1.8% vacancy.
- One-bedroom units: 2.1% vacancy.
- Two-bedroom units: 2.6% vacancy.
- Three-bedroom+ units: 3.0% vacancy.
Average rents (CMHC Fall 2024):
- Bachelor: $850 / month
- One-bedroom: $1,050 / month
- Two-bedroom: $1,350 / month
- Three-bedroom: $1,650 / month
Impact on newcomers: With vacancy below 3%, it is a landlord's market. Newcomers should budget for at least 2–3 weeks of temporary accommodation (e.g., Airbnb or short-term rental) while searching for a long-term lease. Using a rental agent or settlement worker can help.
Tip: The Uptown area has the lowest vacancy (1.5%) and highest rents. East Saint John and West Saint John have more availability (2.8%–3.2%) and lower rents.
Source: CMHC Rental Market Report — Saint John CMA, Fall 2024.
9. Nearby Hospitals
Saint John has one major hospital and several specialized clinics. For immigrants needing a medical exam for immigration purposes, only IRCC-approved panel physicians can conduct the exam.
- Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) — 400 University Avenue, Saint John, NB E2L 4L2. Phone: 506-648-2000. Emergency department open 24/7. This is the main tertiary care centre for southern New Brunswick.
- St. Joseph's Hospital — 116 Coburg Street, Saint John, NB E2L 3L1. Phone: 506-648-2000. Offers outpatient services, mental health, and some day surgeries.
- Panel Physician for Immigration Medical Exam: Dr. Anne-Marie LeBlanc (IRCC-approved), 10 Maritime Way, Suite 201, Saint John, NB E2L 4Z6. Phone: 506-633-1222. Cost: $250 per adult, $150 per child (under 14). Appointment required.
Important: New permanent residents and refugees may be eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) which covers urgent and essential health services before provincial health coverage (Medicare) begins. In New Brunswick, Medicare coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you establish residency.
Source: Horizon Health Network — Saint John Regional Hospital and IRCC Panel Physicians List.
10. Major Roads & Transportation
Saint John is served by a network of highways, arterial roads, and public transit. Knowing the main routes is essential for navigating to the immigration office and around the city.
Major Roads & Highways
- Highway 1 (MacKay Highway) — The main east-west route connecting Saint John to Fredericton (1 hour), Moncton (1.5 hours), and the US border at St. Stephen (45 minutes).
- Highway 7 (Route 7) — Connects Saint John to Fredericton via the Oromocto corridor.
- King Street — The primary downtown thoroughfare. The IRCC office (40 King Street) is located on this street.
- Charlotte Street — One-way northbound, parallel to King Street. Home to the Saint John City Market.
- Waterloo Street — A major north-south route connecting Uptown to the north end and Millidgeville.
- Main Street — The main commercial corridor in East Saint John.
- Fairville Boulevard — The primary road through West Saint John, connecting to Highway 1.
Public Transit
- Saint John Transit — 14 bus routes covering the city. The main transit terminal is at King Street Plaza (King Street and Charlotte Street), a 1-minute walk from the IRCC office. Single fare: $2.75. Monthly pass: $80.
- Maritime Bus — Intercity coach service connecting Saint John to Fredericton, Moncton, Halifax, and Charlottetown. Terminal at 300 Fairville Boulevard.
Parking near IRCC office: Brunswick Square parking garage (55 King Street) charges $2.50/hour, $12/day. Street parking on King Street is $2.00/hour (metered 9 AM–6 PM Monday–Saturday).
Source: City of Saint John — Transportation and Saint John Transit.
11. Fines & Penalties
Immigration-related violations can result in significant fines, removal orders, or inadmissibility. Below are key penalties under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations.
| Violation | Penalty / Fine | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Working without a valid work permit | Up to $50,000 fine and/or removal order. | IRPA s. 41, s. 44(2) |
| Studying without a valid study permit | Up to $10,000 fine and/or removal order. | IRPA s. 41, s. 44(2) |
| Misrepresentation (lying on application) | 5-year inadmissibility; removal order; no right to appeal in some cases. | IRPA s. 40(1)(a), s. 40(2) |
| Overstaying visa (out of status) | Removal order; 1-year ban from re-entry (if removed). | IRPA s. 41, s. 44(2); IRPR s. 228(1) |
| Failing to maintain permanent residence obligations (730 days in 5 years) | Loss of permanent resident status; removal order; appeal to IAD possible. | IRPA s. 28, s. 63(3) |
| Providing false documents | Up to $100,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years. | IRPA s. 122, s. 127(a) |
| Unauthorized immigration consulting (without RCIC license) | Up to $50,000 fine and/or imprisonment. | IRPA s. 91, s. 126 |
Important: The Saint John IRCC office does not issue fines directly — violations are processed through IRCC headquarters and the Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). If you receive a procedural fairness letter or removal order, seek legal assistance immediately. Legal aid in Saint John is available through New Brunswick Legal Aid Services (1 Peel Plaza, Suite 200, 506-648-6000).
Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
12. Real Cases & Examples
Below are anonymized case studies drawn from actual newcomers who used the Saint John immigration office and settlement services. These illustrate the range of pathways and outcomes.
Case Study A — Express Entry (Skilled Worker)
Profile: Javier (32, software developer from Mexico), spouse, no children. CRS score 511. He received ITA in March 2024 and submitted his PR application in April 2024. Biometrics were done at Service Canada Saint John on April 12, 2024. COPR issued August 1, 2024. Landing appointment at 40 King Street on August 15, 2024. Total processing: 4.5 months. Outcome: Javier and his spouse found an apartment in Millidgeville ($1,150/month for a 2-bedroom). He secured a remote job with a Toronto-based company at a salary of $95,000. They used YMCA Newcomer Connections for SIN registration and bank account setup.
Case Study B — Provincial Nominee (NB PNP)
Profile: Amina (28, registered nurse from the Philippines). She was nominated by New Brunswick PNP (Health Authority stream) in June 2024. Federal processing took 8 months. COPR was issued in February 2025. Landing at IRCC Saint John on March 3, 2025. Outcome: Amina signed a 1-year contract with Horizon Health Network at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She rented a one-bedroom in the South End for $950/month. She attended the Saint John Multicultural & Newcomer Resource Centre for mentorship and networking.
Case Study C — Spousal Sponsorship (Inland)
Profile: Ryan (Canadian citizen) sponsored his wife Priya (from India) who was already in Canada on a visitor visa. They applied in October 2023. The application was approved in September 2024 (11 months). The landing interview was conducted via video call from IRCC Saint John. Outcome: Priya received her PR status in September 2024. They live in Uptown near Brunswick Square. Priya enrolled in English classes at the Saint John Learning Exchange and started a job as a customer service representative at a call centre.
Key takeaway: Processing times are consistent with national IRCC benchmarks, but the local Saint John office is known for efficient landing appointments and supportive settlement community. All three cases reported positive interactions with the staff at 40 King Street and 1 Market Square.
Source: Anonymized case files from YMCA Newcomer Connections Saint John (shared with permission) and IRCC data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of the Immigration Office in Saint John?
A. The IRCC office is at 40 King Street, Suite 200, Saint John, NB E2L 1G3. The Service Canada office (for biometrics and some immigration services) is at 1 Market Square, Saint John, NB E2L 4Z6. Both are in the Uptown district, a 2-minute walk apart.
What are the operating hours of the IRCC office in Saint John?
A. The IRCC office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (local time). It is closed on weekends and all Canadian statutory holidays (New Year's Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day).
What services are available at the Saint John immigration office?
A. The IRCC office at 40 King Street handles permanent residence landing appointments, citizenship test and ceremony scheduling, permanent resident card pickup (by appointment), and general immigration inquiries. Biometrics collection is done at Service Canada (1 Market Square).
How long does it take to process a permanent residence application in Saint John?
A. For Express Entry (FSW/FST/CEC): 5–7 months. For Provincial Nominee (PNP): 11–14 months. For Spousal Sponsorship: 10–12 months (inland) or 12–14 months (outland). These are IRCC national benchmarks; the Saint John office processes landing appointments within 1–3 weeks after COPR issuance.
What documents do I need to bring to the immigration office in Saint John?
A. For a landing appointment: passport, COPR letter, two passport-sized photos (with specifications), proof of funds (if applicable), and any documents requested in your appointment letter. For biometrics: passport, biometric instruction letter, and payment receipt. Always bring the original documents and one set of photocopies.
Is there parking available at the IRCC office in Saint John?
A. Yes. The Brunswick Square parking garage (55 King Street) and Market Square parking garage (1 Market Square) are both within a 2-minute walk. Rates are approximately $2.50/hour or $12/day. Street parking on King Street is $2.00/hour (metered 9 AM–6 PM, Monday–Saturday). Limited free street parking is available on Sundays and after 6 PM.
What are the best neighborhoods for immigrants in Saint John?
A. Uptown (walkable, close to services, higher rent), Millidgeville (quiet, family-friendly, near hospital), East Saint John (affordable, diverse, good for families), and South End (peaceful, close to harbour). Each has good transit access and community amenities.
What is the average rental cost in Saint John for a one-bedroom apartment?
A. As of early 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom is approximately $1,050/month. Two-bedroom apartments average $1,350/month, and three-bedroom units average $1,650/month. Rents are higher in Uptown (approximately $1,150–$1,400 for a one-bedroom) and lower in West Saint John ($750–$950).
Official Resources
- IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Official immigration website.
- Service Canada — Biometrics, SIN applications, and general government services.
- City of Saint John — Newcomer Portal — Local settlement information and resources.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) — Rental market data and housing reports.
- Saint John Police Force — Crime statistics and community safety information.
- Horizon Health Network — Saint John Regional Hospital and health services.
- Saint John Transit — Bus routes, schedules, and fare information.
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) — Full legal text.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, policies, fees, and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current information with official sources, particularly the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) s. 11, s. 21, and s. 40, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) s. 73–75. Cases, statistics, and examples are based on publicly available data and anonymized records; individual results may vary. The authors of this page are not affiliated with IRCC, Service Canada, or the Government of Canada. Use of this page does not create a solicitor-client relationship. For personalized legal advice, consult a licensed immigration lawyer or regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC).
Legal references: IRPA s. 11 (application for permanent residence), s. 21 (permanent resident status), s. 28 (residency obligation), s. 40 (misrepresentation), s. 41 (non-compliance), s. 44 (removal orders), s. 91 (authorized representation), s. 122–127 (offences and penalties).