The Immigration Professional is closely monitoring important immigration policy changes across Canada. One major update that impacts both employers and prospective immigrants is the recent announcement from New Brunswick. As of April 4, 2025, the province has officially closed intake for its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for the rest of the year.
This move affects skilled foreign workers and employers alike, altering the pathway to Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the AIP. If you’re exploring immigration options, Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professional for personalized guidance.
What Has Changed in New Brunswick’s AIP?
New Brunswick has officially reached its cap of 1,250 endorsement spaces for 2025 under the Atlantic Immigration Program. As a result:
| Affected Stakeholders | Impact |
|---|---|
| Foreign Nationals | Cannot apply for AIP through New Brunswick in 2025. |
| Designated Employers | No endorsement applications accepted after April 4, 2025. |
| New Employers | Will not receive AIP designation until 2026. |
| Applications Before April 4 | Will still be processed normally. |
The program closed significantly earlier than in 2024, when intake stopped in September. This early closure signals growing competition for a limited number of immigration spots.
Why Did New Brunswick Close the Program Early?
Several factors contributed to the early closure:
- Federal Cap Reduction: In 2025, the Canadian government reduced provincial immigration allocations by 50%, leaving New Brunswick with fewer spots.
- Targeted Occupation Restrictions: In February 2025, the province already removed several job categories from eligibility.
- High Demand: Increased interest from foreign nationals and employers created intense competition for available spaces.
These changes are part of a wider immigration policy shift, tied to the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to manage the number of newcomers entering Canada each year.
Can You Still Apply for the AIP in Other Provinces?
Yes. The Atlantic Immigration Program is still active in three other provinces:
| Province | AIP Intake Status | Notable Restrictions |
| Nova Scotia | Open | NOC 62020 (Food Service Supervisors) not eligible |
| Prince Edward Island | Open | Only healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors eligible |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Open | No major restrictions as of now |
The Immigration Professional advises eligible applicants to consider applying through these provinces, where opportunities are still available.
Understanding the AIP Process: How Does It Work?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration stream that allows skilled foreign workers and international graduates to settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
| Step | Description |
| 1. Employer Designation | Employers must apply to become “designated” by the province to hire foreign workers under AIP. |
| 2. Job Offer | Designated employers extend job offers to qualified foreign nationals. |
| 3. Endorsement Application | Employers submit endorsement applications to the provincial government. |
| 4. Certificate Issued | If approved, the foreign worker receives a Certificate of Endorsement. |
| 5. PR Application | With the certificate, the applicant submits a PR application to IRCC. |
| 6. Temporary Work Permit | While awaiting PR, applicants can apply for a work permit tied to the AIP employer. |
How Long Does Processing Take?
Currently, AIP permanent residency applications take approximately 11 months to process.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help transitioning to another stream or province, don’t hesitate to Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professional. Our experts can help you explore alternatives through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or Express Entry.
What Are the Alternatives?
If New Brunswick is no longer an option for you in 2025, consider these other Canadian immigration pathways:
| Immigration Pathway | Key Features |
| Express Entry | Federal system for skilled workers with options like FSWP, CEC, and FSTP |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Province-specific options aligned with local labor market needs |
| Study Permit to PR Route | Study in Canada, gain work experience, and apply through CEC or PNPs |
| Employer-Specific Work Permits | Temporary work permit sponsored by a Canadian employer |
