Foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in New Brunswick are facing a major roadblock. As of April 4, 2025, New Brunswick has officially closed its intake for AIP endorsement applications. According to The Immigration Professional, this means that individuals can no longer apply for permanent residency through this stream in New Brunswick for the rest of the year.
Why Did New Brunswick Close AIP for 2025?
The province reached its annual allocation of 1,250 endorsement spots much earlier than expected. This closure comes five months ahead of last year’s schedule, which is largely due to two major factors:
- High Demand – The popularity of the program has increased dramatically.
- Federal Cutbacks – The Canadian federal government reduced the number of immigration spaces available to provinces in 2025 by 50%, impacting both Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the AIP.
These reductions stem from changes in Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to limit the overall number of new permanent residents.
What Does This Mean for Employers and Candidates?
Designated employers in New Brunswick will not be able to submit any new endorsement applications through the AIP until 2026. Also, no new employers will be designated under the program for the rest of the year.
However, if your endorsement application was submitted on or before April 4, 2025, it will still be processed. The Immigration Professional advises that if you’re a foreign worker already in the process, you don’t need to worry about the shutdown impacting your current application.
What Are the Options Now?
Even though New Brunswick has stopped accepting applications, the other three Atlantic provinces are still open:
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Each of these provinces has its own set of conditions and limitations, but designated employers in these regions can still submit endorsement applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is currently accepting applications for all National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes except NOC 62020 (Food Service Supervisors).
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
PEI is only accepting applications for three sectors:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Newfoundland and Labrador
This province has not yet announced any restrictions for 2025, making it a viable option for many foreign nationals and employers.
Understanding the AIP: A Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven stream that helps Atlantic provinces fill labor shortages by hiring skilled foreign workers and international graduates.
Here’s how it works:
- Employer Designation – A Canadian employer applies for designation to hire through the AIP.
- Job Offer & Endorsement – The designated employer gives a job offer and submits an endorsement application to the province.
- Endorsement Certificate – Once approved, the foreign worker receives a Certificate of Endorsement.
- Permanent Residency Application – The candidate can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
- Temporary Work Permit – While the PR application is processed (average time: 11 months), the candidate can apply for a temporary work permit tied to their designated employer.
This program has been particularly attractive because it does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), simplifying the process for employers.
Why the Program Is So Competitive in 2025
The early closure in New Brunswick is a result of:
- Increased interest from both employers and foreign workers.
- Reduced federal allocations.
- Earlier 2025 limitations on specific occupations by New Brunswick.
In February, New Brunswick had already restricted AIP endorsements for certain roles, narrowing the pool of eligible applicants. As a result, applications surged in the early part of the year, exhausting the province’s 1,250 spots by April.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re a skilled worker, international graduate, or employer affected by New Brunswick’s AIP closure, don’t panic. The Immigration Professional recommends considering the following actions:
- Look into Atlantic Immigration Programs in other provinces like Nova Scotia, PEI, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that may be better suited to your background.
- Review LMIA-based work permit options as a temporary pathway while waiting for PR.
For personalized guidance, BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professional. They offer expert support to help you choose the right immigration path and prepare your documentation to maximize success.
