New Brunswick Closes Intake for Atlantic Immigration Program
In a significant move affecting immigration pathways to Canada, New Brunswick has announced the closure of its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) to new applicants for the remainder of 2025. The province reached its maximum allocation of 1,250 endorsements on April 4, 2025, prompting the immediate suspension of new applications.
As of now, no new endorsement applications for permanent residency can be submitted through New Brunswick’s AIP for the rest of the year. Additionally, no new employers will be designated under the program during this period. However, applications submitted on or before April 4, 2025, will continue to be processed as usual.
This suspension follows earlier restrictions introduced in February 2025, when New Brunswick stopped accepting AIP endorsement applications for certain occupations, including accounting technicians, administrative assistants, food and beverage service managers, cooks, and bakers. This move reflected the province’s strategic prioritization of key sectors amid limited allocations.
Employers seeking to make new endorsement applications after the cap was reached will not be approved, and new employer designations under AIP are entirely on hold until 2026. This decision underscores New Brunswick’s efforts to align its immigration strategy with its labor market needs, particularly in high-priority sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction trades.
While the AIP intake is closed, New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) remains open, offering alternative pathways for eligible candidates. In June 2025, the province received an additional 1,500 provincial nominations, raising its annual PNP allocation to 4,250. This provides opportunities for immigrants to apply through specific NBPNP streams, including those aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system.
Foreign nationals still interested in applying through the AIP may explore opportunities in the other three Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador—which have not yet reached their AIP allocations for 2025. Each province has its own set of guidelines and restrictions:
- Nova Scotia is accepting endorsements for all job offers except those under NOC 62020 (food service supervisors).
- PEI is only accepting endorsements for workers in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing in 2025.
- Newfoundland and Labrador is still processing all AIP applications and has not announced any occupational restrictions as of this time.
The Atlantic Immigration Program remains a vital pathway for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. It requires a job offer from a designated employer, provincial endorsement, and either relevant work experience or recent graduation from a post-secondary institution in the endorsing province. Known for its streamlined process, the AIP offers quicker processing times and exemption from the federal Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
For the remainder of 2025, New Brunswick’s AIP is no longer available to new applicants. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore provincial nominee streams or consider opportunities in other Atlantic provinces.
Changes and Priorities in 2025
In 2025, New Brunswick has narrowed its focus under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) due to a federal reduction in overall immigration allocations. This shift has led the province to prioritize addressing labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction trades. By focusing on these high-priority areas, New Brunswick aims to align its immigration strategy with its specific labour market needs.
As part of this strategic adjustment, certain sectors were restricted from participating in the AIP. Endorsements for lower-priority occupations were either paused or closed entirely. This decision reflects the province’s efforts to maximize the impact of its limited allocations and address critical labour gaps in essential industries.
Atlantic Immigration Program in Other Provinces
While New Brunswick’s AIP is closed to new applicants for the remainder of 2025, foreign nationals still interested in applying through the program may explore opportunities in the other three Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador. Each province has its own set of guidelines and restrictions for 2025:
- Nova Scotia is accepting endorsements for all job offers except those under NOC 62020 (food service supervisors).
- PEI is only accepting endorsements for workers in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing in 2025.
- Newfoundland and Labrador is still processing all AIP applications and has not announced any occupational restrictions as of this time.
Summary of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program remains a vital pathway for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Obtain a job offer from a designated employer.
- Receive an endorsement from the province.
- Demonstrate either relevant work experience or recent graduation from a post-secondary institution in the endorsing province.
The AIP is known for its streamlined process, offering several advantages to applicants. These include quicker processing times, direct settlement support, and exemption from the federal Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This allows eligible candidates to begin working in Canada while awaiting permanent residency approval.
For the remainder of 2025, New Brunswick’s AIP is no longer available to new applicants. However, interested candidates are encouraged to explore provincial nominee streams or consider opportunities in other Atlantic provinces. The program is expected to reopen in 2026, offering new chances for foreign nationals to pursue permanent residency in New Brunswick.
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Conclusion
New Brunswick’s decision to close its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) intake for the remainder of 2025 marks a strategic alignment with its labor market needs and federal allocation limits. While this closure may present challenges for some applicants, the province’s focus on high-priority sectors like healthcare, education, and construction trades underscores its commitment to addressing critical labor shortages. With the Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) still active and additional allocations available, New Brunswick continues to offer pathways for immigration. For those still interested in the AIP, exploring opportunities in other Atlantic provinces or waiting for the program’s reopening in 2026 may be viable options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) completely closed in New Brunswick?
No. While New Brunswick has closed its AIP to new applicants for 2025, applications submitted on or before April 4, 2025, will still be processed. The program is expected to reopen in 2026.
What are my alternatives if I want to immigrate to New Brunswick?
You can explore the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), which offers several streams, including those aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system. Additionally, you can consider applying through the AIP in other Atlantic provinces such as Nova Scotia, PEI, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Are other Atlantic provinces still accepting AIP applications?
Yes. Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador are still accepting AIP applications, though each province has specific guidelines and restrictions. For example, PEI is only accepting endorsements for healthcare, construction, and manufacturing workers in 2025.
When will New Brunswick’s AIP reopen?
New Brunswick’s AIP is expected to reopen in 2026. The province will resume accepting new applications and employer designations at that time.
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