As of now, New Brunswick has announced a halt in endorsements for several occupations under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This means that foreign nationals hoping to apply for permanent residency in the province through this pathway may be affected, especially if their job offer falls under one of the restricted occupations. Let me walk you through the key changes and what they mean for you.
What’s Happening with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has made a significant shift in its endorsement process. As part of this change, employers in New Brunswick can no longer support foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residency if they are in one of the affected occupations. So, if you’re planning on using a job offer from a New Brunswick employer to apply for AIP, make sure your occupation isn’t impacted by this new policy.
Affected Occupations: What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re applying through the AIP, your job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick must come from a sector that still qualifies under the new rules. Effective immediately, the NBPNP will no longer endorse applications for certain occupations, particularly those in sectors like food and beverage. If your job offer falls within one of the affected National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, you can no longer use it to apply for AIP in New Brunswick.
However, if you already submitted an endorsement application before February 18, 2025, don’t worry—those will still be processed as usual. After that date, no new endorsement applications for these occupations will be accepted.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Changes in New Brunswick
This decision from New Brunswick is tied to Canada’s overall immigration strategy for 2025-2027. Due to a 50% reduction in provincial nominee program (PNP) allocations, the province received only 2,750 spaces for provincial immigration in 2025. Of those, 1,250 spaces are dedicated to the AIP. With this limited number, New Brunswick is prioritizing sectors that align with its immediate economic needs, such as healthcare, education, and construction.
Unfortunately, this shift has a notable impact on the food and beverage industry, which has historically been a major player in attracting skilled workers under the AIP. If your occupation falls within this sector, you might face challenges in applying under the current program.
What Is the AIP?
For those unfamiliar with the AIP, it is a unique, employer-driven pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Atlantic Canada, including New Brunswick. Through this program, candidates with a job offer from a designated employer can apply for permanent residency.
The benefits of the AIP are clear:
- Direct pathway to permanent residency
- Faster processing times
- No LMIA requirement (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
- Personalized settlement services
Am I Eligible to Move to New Brunswick Through the AIP?
To apply for permanent residency under the AIP, foreign nationals must meet certain criteria:
- Job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick
- Skilled worker status (either through work experience or recent graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada)
It’s important to note that only certain employers in New Brunswick are authorized to endorse positions for foreign nationals. You can find the list of designated employers [here].
Current Restrictions on Endorsements
As of the latest changes, the endorsement applications will only be accepted for positions in priority sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction trades
If your job offer falls outside of these sectors, it will be difficult to secure an endorsement for the AIP under the current rules.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are thinking about applying for permanent residency in New Brunswick through the AIP, you’ll need to ensure your job offer is from a designated employer in one of the priority sectors. If you’re in the food and beverage industry or another affected occupation, it’s important to explore alternative pathways or discuss options with your employer to adjust the offer.
While this may be disappointing for some, there’s still a clear pathway for those in sectors like healthcare, education, and construction. Staying informed and keeping up with any future updates from the NBPNP will help you navigate this shift.
Conclusion
With these new changes to the AIP, New Brunswick is focusing on responding to the reduced immigration targets and prioritizing the sectors most critical to its growth. If you’re planning to apply, make sure you understand the updated rules, check your eligibility, and confirm that your job offer falls under the designated priority sectors. For many, this will mean adjusting plans and considering other options, but for others in healthcare, education, and construction, the path forward remains open. Stay proactive and make sure your application is in the right place!
Need Assistance with Your AIP Application?
At NohProblem Consulting, we specialize in providing expert guidance to navigate the complex immigration landscape. Whether you’re seeking to apply under the AIP, need help with LMIA applications, or have questions about your eligibility, we’re here to help. Our experienced team has a proven track record of success, with a 97% LMIA approval rate and over 3,800 successful PR and TRV applications. Don’t let changes in the program catch you off guard—contact us today to ensure your application is on the right track!
Get in touch with NohProblem Consulting today and let us support your Canadian immigration journey!
