New Brunswick Ceases Endorsements for Select Occupations Under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Introduction

In a significant update to its immigration policies, the province of New Brunswick has ceased endorsements for specific occupations under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This change, effective immediately, impacts employers and foreign nationals seeking permanent residency through this pathway.

Occupations No Longer Eligible for Endorsements Under AIP

Employers looking to support foreign nationals in obtaining permanent residency through the AIP can no longer do so for the following occupations:

This means that foreign nationals with job offers in these fields will no longer be eligible for permanent residency through the AIP in New Brunswick.

Occupations With Limited Endorsement Window

New Brunswick will process endorsements for the following occupations only if applications were submitted before February 18, 2025:

Applications received after this deadline will no longer be accepted under AIP for these occupations.

Why is New Brunswick Making These Changes?

The decision stems from adjustments in Canada’s overall immigration system. The federal Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27 has significantly reduced allocations to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) by 50% compared to 2024. New Brunswick has been granted only 2,750 provincial immigration spots for 2025, with allocations split between:

• NB PNP: 1,500 spots

• AIP: 1,250 spots

As a result, the province is prioritizing critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction over industries like food service and retail.

Real-Time Implications for Employers and Job Seekers

Impact on Employers

Employers in the affected industries must reassess their hiring strategies. Those relying on AIP for foreign workers must consider alternative immigration pathways such as the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) or the Express Entry system.

Impact on Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals who were planning to apply under the AIP in New Brunswick should explore alternative options:

1. Express Entry System – Candidates can create a federal Express Entry profile to apply under one of the three streams:

   • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

   • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

   • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

2. NB Express Entry Stream – Offers an opportunity for those with a job offer in New Brunswick.

3. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot – Limited to certain employers such as Cooke Aquaculture and McCain Foods.

Alternative Immigration Pathways for New Brunswick

1. Express Entry System

A highly competitive points-based system that prioritizes skilled workers based on factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and age.

2. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)

The NB PNP Express Entry stream can be a viable alternative, offering 600 additional CRS points for selected candidates. However, some occupations excluded from AIP are also restricted under NB PNP.

If your occupation is not listed above, you may still qualify under NB PNP if other eligibility criteria are met.

3. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot

This five-year pilot program connects foreign workers to participating employers. The following companies are part of this initiative:

• Cooke Aquaculture

• J.D. Irving Ltd.

• Groupe Savoie

• Groupe Westco

• Imperial Manufacturing Group

• McCain Foods Ltd.

Case Study: How These Changes Affect Real Applicants

Case 1: Restaurant Manager Seeking PR Through AIP

Maria, a restaurant manager, had a job offer in Moncton. Before this policy change, she could apply for PR through AIP. Now, her best option is to apply through NB PNP Express Entry stream, provided she meets the new criteria.

Case 2: Construction Worker Looking for PR

Ahmed, a construction worker, is unaffected by these restrictions. He can still apply through AIP as New Brunswick is prioritizing construction jobs under the new framework.

Case 3: Employer in the Food Industry

A bakery owner in Fredericton relied on AIP to hire skilled bakers from overseas. Due to the restrictions, they must now either hire local talent or seek alternative immigration routes such as the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot.

Conclusion

New Brunswick’s decision to limit endorsements for certain occupations under AIP reflects broader federal immigration policy changes. While this may challenge industries such as food services and retail, alternative pathways remain available for skilled professionals.

Foreign nationals and employers must stay informed about these evolving policies and explore Express Entry, NB PNP, and Critical Worker Pilot programs as potential alternatives.

Declaration

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Immigration policies are subject to change, and applicants should consult an authorized immigration consultant or the official government website for the latest updates.