New Brunswick has recently made significant changes to its immigration policies under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Effective immediately, the province has ceased endorsing applications for a range of occupations under this program. The AIP has been a crucial pathway for skilled workers to obtain Canadian permanent residency in Atlantic Canada. However, these changes are likely to impact foreign nationals planning to move to the province, as well as the employers who rely on this program to meet labor shortages.
Key Occupations Affected by New Brunswick’s AIP Changes
New Brunswick has announced that it will no longer endorse applications for several key occupations. These include jobs in the food service industry, customer service, and manufacturing. Below is a list of occupations that will no longer be eligible for AIP endorsements:
- Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC Code 12200)
- Administrative Assistants (NOC Code 13110)
- Shippers and Receivers (NOC Code 14400)
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC Code 60030)
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC Code 62020)
- Cooks (NOC Code 63200)
- Bakers (NOC Code 63202)
- Bartenders (NOC Code 64301)
- Other Customer Representatives (NOC Code 64409)
- Process Control and Machine Operators – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC Code 94140)
- Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC Code 94142)
Foreign nationals looking to apply for permanent residency through the AIP will no longer be able to do so if they hold job offers in the above occupations in New Brunswick. Employers offering positions in these fields will also be unable to support foreign nationals in their immigration process under the AIP.
Transition Period for Certain Occupations
While New Brunswick has made these changes, the province will still process applications for occupations received before February 18, 2025. For positions such as Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC Code 60020), Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC Code 62010), and Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC Code 64314), endorsements will continue for applications submitted prior to this date. However, after February 18, no new applications for endorsement in these occupations will be accepted.
Immigration Under the AIP: A Quick Overview
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a key immigration pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency through job offers from designated employers in Atlantic Canada. The program is tailored for skilled workers who want to live and work in the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
For foreign nationals to qualify for AIP, they must have a job offer from a designated employer and obtain provincial endorsement for that job. Once endorsed, they can apply for permanent residency with faster processing times and fewer barriers, such as the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The AIP offers several benefits:
- Direct access to permanent residency (PR).
- Eligibility for a two-year work permit.
- No requirement for an LMIA.
- Faster processing times.
- Access to individualized settlement services.
Impact of Reduced Immigration Targets
The changes to the AIP come amidst broader adjustments to immigration targets, particularly those related to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). The federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 has cut the number of immigration spaces allocated to provincial nominee programs by 50% compared to 2024, with New Brunswick receiving only 2,750 spaces for the year. These spaces are divided between the NB PNP (1,500) and the AIP (1,250).
As a result, New Brunswick has had to make difficult decisions about which sectors to prioritize for immigration. The province has chosen to focus on industries like healthcare, education, and construction, while placing limitations on other sectors, such as the food and beverage industry, which has been particularly affected.
Pathways for Immigrants to New Brunswick
For individuals looking to move to New Brunswick, several options remain available, even with these restrictions under the AIP. These include:
- Express Entry
- The Express Entry system is another pathway for skilled workers to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Candidates who create a profile in the Express Entry system can be considered for PR through three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Candidates with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- The New Brunswick Express Entry Stream allows candidates with low CRS scores to apply for provincial nomination, which provides an additional 600 CRS points. Applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a job offer from a New Brunswick employer and living in the province for at least 12 months.
- New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
- The Critical Worker Pilot connects skilled workers with employers in specific sectors like aquaculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Participating employers include McCain Foods and J.D. Irving Ltd.
Conclusion: What This Means for Potential Immigrants
For those seeking to immigrate to New Brunswick under the Atlantic Immigration Program, it is important to note that job offers in certain occupations are no longer eligible for provincial endorsement. However, there are still viable pathways available through the Express Entry system, the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, and the Critical Worker Pilot.
New Brunswick is focusing its efforts on prioritizing critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction, ensuring that skilled workers in these fields continue to have opportunities for immigration. If you’re considering moving to New Brunswick, be sure to stay updated on the latest immigration policies and explore the best options for your skills and experience.
For further information on the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program, make sure to check the official provincial resources and government websites.