The province of New Brunswick has announced the closure of its application intake for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for the rest of 2025. The decision, which took effect on April 10, marks a pause in one of the region’s key immigration pathways designed to attract skilled foreign workers to Atlantic Canada.
The move is expected to shift focus toward other immigration streams available through the province’s broader immigration strategy while also allowing time to manage existing applications and nominations.
Why the AIP Intake Was Closed
According to provincial immigration authorities, the decision to suspend new AIP applications is largely administrative. New Brunswick has reached its federal allocation of endorsement spaces under the AIP for 2025. These endorsement spaces are essential to processing new candidates under the program, and once filled, no further applications can be accepted until the following year.
The closure reflects the growing popularity and demand for immigration to Atlantic Canada, particularly New Brunswick, which continues to attract foreign talent due to its quality of life, affordable living costs, and job opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration initiative introduced to address labor shortages in the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program allows designated employers in these provinces to hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions. Unlike some other immigration programs, the AIP provides a more streamlined path to permanent residency for qualified candidates, often without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Employers under the program are expected to support new hires through a settlement plan, helping newcomers transition smoothly into life and work in Atlantic Canada.
Who is Affected by the Closure?
The suspension applies only to new applications submitted through the AIP after April 10, 2025. Candidates who submitted their complete applications before this date will still be processed under the existing system. Employers that have already endorsed candidates prior to the cutoff date can continue moving forward with those applications.
However, individuals and employers hoping to apply through the program for the first time in 2025 will need to consider alternative immigration pathways until the program reopens in 2026.
Alternatives for Immigration to New Brunswick
Although the AIP intake has been halted, there are several other pathways available for skilled workers and employers in New Brunswick:
1. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
This is a key alternative for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs looking to settle in the province. The NBPNP offers several streams, including:
- Skilled Worker Stream: For candidates with a job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
- Express Entry Stream: For those already in the federal Express Entry pool who meet the province’s labor market needs.
- International Graduate Stream: For recent graduates from New Brunswick post-secondary institutions.
2. Federal Express Entry System
Foreign workers can still pursue permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system, which includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination from New Brunswick through NBPNP receive 600 additional points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employers in New Brunswick may continue to fill labor gaps by hiring workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Although this program requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment, it remains a viable option for short-term hiring needs.
What This Means for Employers and Job Seekers
For employers in New Brunswick, the suspension of AIP applications means they will need to pivot toward other employer-driven streams such as the NBPNP’s Skilled Worker Stream or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet their labor needs.
Job seekers aiming to immigrate to New Brunswick should review eligibility for other provincial streams and prepare their documentation accordingly. Staying flexible and informed about available programs is key to navigating the current immigration landscape.
When Will the AIP Reopen?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is expected to resume accepting new applications in 2026, once a fresh allocation of endorsement spaces is granted by the federal government. While no specific reopening date has been announced, those interested in the program are encouraged to monitor updates from New Brunswick’s immigration office and plan ahead for future application cycles.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of the Atlantic Immigration Program in New Brunswick highlights both the program’s success and the growing demand for immigration to the province. While it may be a setback for some aspiring newcomers, it also reflects the importance of planning and staying up to date with changing immigration policies.
For now, hopeful immigrants and employers in New Brunswick still have access to a range of alternative pathways to meet their immigration and workforce goals. By exploring options such as the NBPNP and federal Express Entry system, individuals can continue their journey toward settling and building a future in Atlantic Canada.
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