The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in New Brunswick has announced that it will no longer be granting endorsements for certain occupations as of February 20,
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in New Brunswick has announced that it will no longer be granting endorsements for certain occupations as of February 20, 2025. Both employers and potential immigrants pursuing these positions are impacted by this decision.
Impacted Occupations:
No longer eligible for endorsement are the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
- Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
- Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110)
- Shippers and Receivers (NOC 14400)
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030)
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
- Bartenders (NOC 64301)
- Other Customer Representatives (NOC 64409)
- Process Control and Machine Operators – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 94140)
- Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
Furthermore, prior to February 18, 2025, endorsement applications for the following occupations will be processed, however new applications are no longer accepted.
- Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC 60020)
- Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Retail Salespersons and Visual Merchandisers (NOC 64100)
- Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC 64314)
With the federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27 reducing admissions allocations to Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) by 50% compared to 2024, this strategic move aims to prioritize industries like healthcare education, and construction. Therefore, 2750 spots for provincial immigration in 2025 have been allotted to New Brunswick, split between the AIP (1250) and the NB PNP (1500).
How New Brunswick is Dealing with Slashed Immigration Targets
With fewer immigration funds available, New Brunswick is concentrating on industries with severe labor shortages. The province wants to direct its few available spots toward sectors like healthcare education and construction by stopping support for specific AIP occupations. Despite the federal cuts this strategy guarantees that the most urgent labor market needs are met.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
An employer-driven immigration route called the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) aims to draw skilled workers to Atlantic Canada, which includes Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Candidates must obtain a job offer from a designated employer in these provinces to be eligible.
AIP has several benefits
- A clear route to Permanent residence.
- Qualifications for a two-year work permit.
- Quicker processing times.
- Exemption from the need for a labour market impact assessment (LMIA).
- Settlement services that are tailored to everyone.
It is crucial for individuals interested in the AIP to receive a job offer from a designated employer.
Eligibility to Move to New Brunswick Through the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Candidates must have received a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces to be eligible for the AIP.
Candidates need to fulfill certain requirements in addition to the job offer.
- Work Experience: Within the previous five years at least one year of full-time (or comparable part-time) skilled work experience is required.
- Education: At least a high school degree is required. To ensure that education received outside of Canada satisfies Canadian standards, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.
- Language proficiency: As shown by the results of standardized tests, proficiency in either French or English.
- Proof of Funds: Unless the individual is already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, proof of having enough money to support themselves and their family when they arrive in Canada.
In Atlantic Canada, international graduates from accredited post-secondary institutions may not be required to complete work experience.
What Other Options Are There for Immigrating to New Brunswick?
Prospective immigrants have several other options for settling in New Brunswick besides the AIP.
Express Entry System
Applications for permanent residence are handled by the federal immigration system, Express Entry under three primary economic programs.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For those with substantial overseas work experience in skilled occupations, there is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled craftsmen who have certifications or employment offers in Canada.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those who have worked in Canada for at least a year.
According to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers variables like age, education, and work history, candidates are ranked.
New Brunswick Express Entry stream
If you are eligible for Express Entry but have a low CRS score, you can apply for a provincial nomination through the NB PNP Express Entry stream. If you are selected, you will receive 600 extra CRS points.
A few but not all of the same professions as NB AIP have been left out of the NB PNP.
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
- Administrative assistants (NOC 13110)
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
- Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
You might qualify for the NB PNP if you meet the other requirements even if your occupation is not listed in the above table.
In the upcoming weeks, two pathways for the New Brunswick Express Entry stream will open for new Expressions of Interest.
Employment in New Brunswick is the pathway for the New Brunswick Express Entry stream
You must be eligible:
- Possess a full-time non-seasonal job or offer of employment from a company in New Brunswick.
- Have spent a minimum of 12 months residing and working in New Brunswick.
Pathway for New Brunswick Interests and New Brunswick Express Entry
- You need to have a letter of interest in your federal Express Entry profile to be eligible for this stream.
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
Additionally, the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot offers permanent residency.
You must have a job offer from one of the participating companies listed below to be eligible for this program.
- Aquaculture Cooke.
- D. Irving Ltd.
- Groupe Savoie.
- Groupe Westco.
- Imperial Manufacturing Group.
- McCain Foods Ltd.
A five-year pilot program called the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot aims to match employers with qualified applicants who have experience in particular industries.