In a significant move, New Brunswick has announced it will cease endorsements for specific occupations under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), effective immediately. This change reflects the province’s evolving immigration landscape and aims to better align with its current labor market needs.
Affected Occupations
As of now, New Brunswick will no longer endorse applications under the AIP for the following occupations:
- Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC Code 12200)
- Administrative Assistants (NOC Code 13110)
- Shippers and Receivers (NOC Code 14400)
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC Code 60030)
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC Code 62020)
- Cooks (NOC Code 63200)
- Bakers (NOC Code 63202)
- Bartenders (NOC Code 64301)
- Other Customer Representatives (NOC Code 64409)
- Process Control and Machine Operators – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC Code 94140)
- Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC Code 94142)
These changes mean that foreign nationals seeking permanent residency through the AIP can no longer apply with job offers in these occupations. Employers in New Brunswick will also be unable to support foreign workers in these roles through the AIP.
Ongoing Endorsement Processing
While new applications for endorsement for these occupations will not be accepted, New Brunswick will continue to process applications for endorsements received before February 18, 2025. This means that employers and foreign nationals who have already submitted endorsement applications for the following occupations can still expect their applications to be processed as usual:
- Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC Code 60020)
- Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC Code 62010)
- Retail Salespersons and Visual Merchandisers (NOC Code 64100)
- Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC Code 64314)
Employers and foreign nationals who wish to apply for endorsement for these roles after February 18, 2025, will not be able to do so under the AIP.
What Does This Mean for Employers and Foreign Nationals?
For employers who wish to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residency through the AIP, the cessation of endorsements for the above occupations means they must reconsider their workforce needs and focus on occupations that are still eligible for endorsement under the program.
Foreign nationals interested in immigrating to New Brunswick through the AIP should be aware that only certain sectors are currently eligible for job offer endorsements. These sectors include Healthcare, Education, and Construction Trades. If you have already received a job offer in one of these sectors, you may still be eligible for a provincial endorsement.
Impact of Canada’s Immigration System Changes
The recent cuts to Canada’s immigration targets are contributing to adjustments within the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). The federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-27 has reduced admissions for the PNP by 50% compared to 2024’s allocation. This reduction has impacted New Brunswick’s immigration strategy, with only 2,750 spaces available for provincial immigration in 2025. These spaces are split between the NBPNP (1,500) and the AIP (1,250).
In response to these reductions, New Brunswick has prioritized sectors facing the most significant labor shortages, such as healthcare, education, and construction. As a result, industries like food and beverage processing, which traditionally saw higher levels of immigration, have been heavily affected by these changes.
Atlantic Immigration Program: Overview
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help skilled workers settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
For candidates to be eligible for the AIP, they must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. To immigrate through New Brunswick’s AIP program, foreign nationals must secure a job offer from a designated employer in the province.
Some benefits of the AIP include:
- Direct eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) status.
- A two-year work permit for successful candidates.
- Shorter processing times.
- Work permits that do not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Access to settlement services tailored to individual needs.
Eligibility for New Brunswick’s AIP
To qualify for the AIP, foreign nationals need to meet certain criteria, including having a job offer from a designated employer. Only designated employers in New Brunswick can endorse a foreign worker’s job offer, which is a critical step in the immigration process.
In addition to having a job offer from a designated employer, candidates must be:
- A skilled worker, whether their experience is within Canada or abroad, or
- A recent graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in the Atlantic provinces.
Currently, the AIP in New Brunswick is prioritizing applications in the following sectors:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction trades
These priority sectors are in urgent need of skilled workers, and foreign nationals applying for permanent residency in New Brunswick should focus on opportunities within these areas.
Alternative Immigration Pathways
For foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to New Brunswick but not meeting the requirements for the AIP, there are other immigration pathways to consider, such as:
Express Entry System
One of the most popular routes for skilled workers is through the Express Entry system. Express Entry is a federal immigration program where candidates create an online profile and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws. Additionally, candidates who meet certain criteria, such as proficiency in the French language, may receive priority through category-based draws.
Express Entry is available for skilled workers intending to reside anywhere in Canada, excluding Quebec.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is another option for foreign nationals wishing to settle in New Brunswick. The program provides opportunities for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with specific in-demand skills to gain permanent residency in the province.
Conclusion
With New Brunswick’s recent policy shift on the AIP and other immigration changes at the federal level, foreign nationals interested in settling in the province need to stay informed about the latest developments. Focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction will be key for those looking to qualify under the AIP.
For the most up-to-date information on available immigration pathways, including the NBPNP and other federal programs, consider consulting with an immigration consultant or legal professional to guide you through the process.
