New Brunswick Closes Atlantic Immigration Program for 2025

Bad news if you were planning to immigrate to Canada through New Brunswick in 2025.
New Brunswick has officially closed its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for the rest of the year.

Let’s break down what this means in simple terms.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The AIP is a special pathway to get Canadian permanent residency (PR) through one of the four Atlantic provinces:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island (PEI)

This program helps employers hire skilled foreign workers when they can’t find workers locally.

To apply, you must:

• Get a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province
• Receive an endorsement certificate from the province
• Apply for PR to the Canadian government (IRCC)

Why Did New Brunswick Close the AIP?

Here’s what happened:

• New Brunswick reached its 2025 AIP limit of 1,250 spots.
• They hit the cap early on April 4, 2025, much earlier than last year (which was in September).
• The federal government reduced immigration allocations to provinces this year, so fewer PR spots were available.
• To manage the situation, New Brunswick stopped taking new endorsement applications and also stopped designating new employers under the AIP.

What If You Already Applied?

Good news if you applied on or before April 4, 2025:

• Your endorsement application will still be processed.
• There’s no change to your status if it was already submitted on time.

Can I Apply in Other Atlantic Provinces?

Yes! You still have options in these provinces:

1. Nova Scotia
   • Accepting most job roles except food service supervisors (NOC 62020).
2. Prince Edward Island (PEI)
   • Only accepting job offers in:
     • Healthcare
     • Construction
     • Manufacturing
3. Newfoundland and Labrador
   • Still open, and no job restrictions have been announced yet.

Why Is the AIP So Competitive Now?

Here’s why more people are applying and spots are running out fast:

• Provinces got 50% fewer immigration spots from the federal government in 2025.
• The total number of PR admissions for Canada was reduced, affecting every province.
• This led provinces to tighten rules and prioritize local labour market needs.

How Long Does AIP Processing Take?

Once you get your endorsement certificate, you can:

• Apply for permanent residency (processing time: about 11 months).
• Apply for a temporary work permit to start working in Canada while waiting.

Don’t Qualify for AIP?

You may still be eligible to move to Canada through Atlantic Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which offer other PR pathways.

Ask Kubeir can help you check your eligibility for:

• Express Entry-linked PNPs
• Skilled worker programs
• Study or visitor visa options

Q1: I got a job offer in New Brunswick after April 4, 2025. Can I still apply under AIP?
👉 No. New Brunswick stopped accepting endorsement applications after April 4.

Q2: What if my employer in New Brunswick isn’t designated yet?
👉 New Brunswick is not accepting new employer designations in 2025.

Q3: Can I apply under AIP in Nova Scotia or PEI instead?
👉 Yes, but check if your job offer matches their current eligibility:

• Nova Scotia excludes food service supervisors.
• PEI only allows workers in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing.

Q4: Is the AIP better than regular PNPs?
👉 Not necessarily. Both can lead to PR. AIP is employer-driven and may be faster, but PNPs offer more flexibility in job types and provinces.

Q5: Can I work in Canada while waiting for PR under AIP?
👉 Yes! You can apply for a temporary work permit linked to your job offer.

✅ Final Thoughts from Ask Kubeir

If you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada through the Atlantic provinces, act fast—spots fill up quickly! Even though New Brunswick is closed for now, other provinces are still open and could be a perfect match for your skills.

💬 Still unsure?
Book a consultation with Ask Kubeir today and we’ll guide you to the best immigration pathway.

Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!

📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.

📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”

📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services:

• (+𝟭) 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟳𝟳𝟳-𝟯𝟳𝟳𝟳 (Canada)
• +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.