Breaking: Canadian Province New Brunswick Restricts AIP Job Endorsements

New Restrictions on AIP Endorsements

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has announced immediate changes to endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Certain occupations will no longer be eligible for endorsement, affecting both employers and foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.

Occupations No Longer Eligible for Endorsement

The following occupations are now excluded from AIP endorsements in New Brunswick:

Employers will no longer be able to support foreign nationals in these roles for permanent residency through the AIP.

Limited Processing for Select Occupations

Some occupations will continue to be processed if endorsement applications were submitted before February 18, 2025. However, no new applications will be accepted beyond this date for the following roles:

Applicants with pending endorsements before the deadline can expect normal processing.

Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP is an employer-driven pathway designed for skilled workers looking to settle in Atlantic Canada. To qualify, candidates must:

• Secure a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.

• Receive provincial endorsement of their job offer.

Advantages of AIP

• Direct path to permanent residency (PR).

• Eligibility for a two-year work permit.

• Faster processing times.

• No requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

• Access to individualized settlement services.

Eligibility for AIP in New Brunswick

Foreign nationals must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a skilled worker with experience inside or outside Canada.

• Be a recent graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.

Currently, endorsements in New Brunswick for candidates residing outside Canada will be accepted only in the following sectors:

• Healthcare

• Education

• Construction trades

New Brunswick's Response to Immigration Target Reductions

The federal Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27 has significantly reduced admissions for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), impacting New Brunswick's allocations:

• Total provincial spaces: 2,750

• NBPNP allocations: 1,500

• AIP allocations: 1,250

In response, New Brunswick is prioritizing high-demand sectors like healthcare, education, and construction.

Impact on Express Entry and PNP Programs

The New Brunswick Express Entry stream has also revised its list of eligible occupations. The following roles have been excluded from the NBPNP:

If your occupation is not listed above, you may still be eligible under the NBPNP Express Entry stream, provided you meet other criteria.

New Brunswick Express Entry Pathways

• Employment in New Brunswick Pathway: Requires a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a New Brunswick employer and at least 12 months of work experience in the province.

• New Brunswick Interests Pathway: Requires a Letter of Interest from the province in your federal Express Entry profile.

Alternative Immigration Options for New Brunswick

For those affected by these changes, alternative pathways to immigrate to New Brunswick include:

• Express Entry: A federal immigration system ranking candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

• New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot: A program connecting workers with participating employers such as Cooke Aquaculture, J.D. Irving Ltd., Groupe Savoie, Groupe Westco, Imperial Manufacturing Group, and McCain Foods Ltd.

Next Steps for Prospective Applicants

If your occupation is no longer eligible under the AIP or NBPNP, consider other options such as:

• Enhancing your CRS score (e.g., improving language skills, gaining Canadian work experience).

• Exploring Express Entry draws targeting French-speaking candidates.

• Applying for programs prioritizing in-demand sectors.

For more information, consult the latest updates from New Brunswick’s immigration authorities.