New Brunswick Introduces Work Permit Support for AIP Applicants
In a much-welcomed move, Immigration New Brunswick has announced a new policy to help foreign workers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) who are at risk of losing their legal work status in Canada.
Due to extended processing times for AIP Permanent Residency (PR) applications, many endorsees were facing the possibility of their work permits expiring before their PR files were finalized. To address this, New Brunswick will now issue letters of support for C18 closed work permits — giving AIP workers the ability to continue working legally while waiting for their PR decisions.
This update provides critical relief for hundreds of skilled workers and employers in the province’s healthcare, IT, and service sectors who depend on continued work authorization.
Why This Measure Was Needed
Since October 2025, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reported a sharp increase in processing times for AIP applications — from 13 months to 37 months.
Under the current rules, the standard work permit for AIP candidates is valid for two years, but AIP endorsees are not eligible for Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP). This means that if a candidate’s permit expires before PR approval, they risk losing their work authorization and status — potentially forcing them to stop working or even leave Canada.
By introducing the C18 closed work permit support letter, New Brunswick ensures that AIP participants can continue working for their designated employers throughout the extended PR processing period.
Who Qualifies for the New Brunswick Support Letter?
This new measure applies specifically to AIP endorsees — foreign nationals who have received a certificate of endorsement from New Brunswick under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
To qualify, applicants must:
✅ Hold an active endorsement from a New Brunswick employer.
✅ Have an expiring work permit while their PR application is still being processed.
✅ Maintain the same job and employer listed in their endorsement.
AIP candidates are also required to notify Immigration New Brunswick of any employment changes — including job loss, change in employer, or role modifications — as these can affect endorsement validity.
Applicants can request their C18 support letter by completing the official Post-Endorsement Request Form available through Immigration New Brunswick. Once received, they can apply to IRCC for their new work permit.
About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal–provincial initiative designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Atlantic Canada, which includes:
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New Brunswick
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Nova Scotia
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Prince Edward Island
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Newfoundland and Labrador
The AIP is employer-driven, meaning candidates need a full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. Applicants must also meet certain requirements in work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
Once a candidate meets all conditions, the province issues a Certificate of Endorsement, which can be used to apply for Permanent Residency with the IRCC.
AIP also allows candidates to apply for a temporary work permit, enabling them to start working while waiting for their PR decision. With current PR processing times extending beyond two years, New Brunswick’s latest support letter offers critical stability for endorsed workers.
Impact on Employers and Workers
This move demonstrates New Brunswick’s strong commitment to supporting both employers and international workers. Many industries in the province — including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and technology — rely heavily on international talent through AIP.
By providing a legal pathway to maintain work authorization, the province is preventing potential labour shortages while ensuring that international workers do not face unnecessary disruption in their Canadian journey.
Other Atlantic provinces are expected to monitor this development closely, with speculation that Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador may soon adopt similar policies.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
At ICC Immigration, we understand how vital it is to maintain your status and stability in Canada while pursuing Permanent Residency. Our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and legal professionals provide expert guidance through every step of your immigration process.
Here’s how we can help:
🏡 Permanent Residency Applications
Whether you apply through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Atlantic Immigration Program, ICC Immigration ensures that your application is complete, compliant, and strategically positioned for approval.
💼 Work and Study Permits
We assist in obtaining temporary work or study permits to help you build your career or education pathway in Canada, eventually leading to a Permanent Residency application.
👨👩👧 Family Sponsorships
If you have family members in Canada, our experts help you reunite with your loved ones through efficient and transparent sponsorship programs.
⚖️ Expert Legal Advice
Immigration rules can change quickly. Our consultants provide up-to-date legal advice to help you stay compliant and maximize your chances of success.
Instead of relying on uncertain or risky routes such as asylum claims, ICC Immigration empowers you to choose a stable, legal pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada — ensuring long-term security and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
New Brunswick’s new C18 closed work permit support is a lifeline for AIP applicants struggling with prolonged PR processing times. It reinforces the province’s proactive approach to retaining skilled talent and supporting both international workers and employers.
If you are an AIP endorsee, or if you’re exploring Permanent Residency pathways in Canada, ICC Immigration can help you identify your best options, handle documentation, and navigate the complex Canadian immigration process with confidence.