New Brunswick has announced a significant policy shift in its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) by ceasing endorsements for several occupations. Effective immediately, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) will no longer endorse applications for certain jobs under the AIP.
This decision comes in response to Canada's revised immigration targets for 2025, which have substantially reduced provincial nominee allocations. As a result, several occupations in the food, administration, and retail sectors have been excluded from the AIP endorsement process in New Brunswick.
List of Occupations No Longer Eligible for AIP Endorsement
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative Assistants | 13110 |
| Shippers and Receivers | 14400 |
| Restaurant and Food Service Managers | 60030 |
| Food Service Supervisors | 62020 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Bakers | 63202 |
| Bartenders | 64301 |
| Other Customer Representatives | 64409 |
| Process Control and Machine Operators – Food and Beverage Processing | 94140 |
| Fish and Seafood Plant Workers | 94142 |
Foreign nationals seeking Canadian permanent residency through the AIP will no longer be able to use job offers in these occupations for endorsement in New Brunswick.
Transition Period for Certain Occupations
Some occupations will still be considered if applications are submitted before February 18, 2025. However, no new applications will be accepted for endorsement.
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers | 60020 |
| Retail Sales Supervisors | 62010 |
| Retail Salespersons and Visual Merchandisers | 64100 |
| Hotel Front Desk Clerks | 64314 |
Employers and applicants who have already submitted endorsement applications before this date will still be processed as usual. However, individuals who have not yet applied will not be able to submit new endorsements under these NOCs.
Why is New Brunswick Making these Changes?
Limiting endorsements for certain occupations aligns with Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which has reduced PNP admissions by 50% for 2025. New Brunswick was allocated only 2,750 spaces for provincial immigration this year, with 1,500 spaces for NBPNP and 1,250 for the AIP.
New Focus on Key Sectors
To manage these reductions, New Brunswick will prioritize applications in crucial sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction trades
This shift in focus means that the food and beverage sector, as well as administrative and retail occupations, have been significantly affected.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a streamlined immigration pathway designed to help skilled workers and international graduates obtain permanent residency in Atlantic Canada, which includes:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Key Benefits of the AIP:
- Direct pathway to permanent residency
- Shorter processing times
- No LMIA requirement
- Two-year work permit option
- Personalized settlement support
Am I Still Eligible for the AIP?
To qualify for the New Brunswick AIP, candidates must:
- Have a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick.
- Be either:
- A skilled worker with experience inside or outside Canada.
- A recent graduate from an accredited post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- Have an endorsement from the provincial government.
Alternative Immigration Pathways to New Brunswick
If your occupation is no longer eligible under the AIP, you may still explore other immigration programs:
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system is one of the fastest ways to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which factors in:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency
Express Entry Programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
A high CRS score or eligibility for a category-based draw (such as for French language proficiency) can improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
2. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
If you have a low CRS score, you can apply for a provincial nomination through NBPNP Express Entry, which adds 600 points to your CRS score, boosting your chances of securing PR.
Some occupations are excluded from the NBPNP as well:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative Assistants | 13110 |
| Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers | 60020 |
| Restaurant and Food Service Managers | 60030 |
| Retail Sales Supervisors | 62010 |
| Food Service Supervisors | 62020 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Bakers | 63202 |
If your job is not listed above, you may still qualify for NBPNP Express Entry if you meet other eligibility criteria.
3. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
Another pathway to PR is through the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot, a five-year initiative aimed at attracting workers in specific industries.
Participating Employers:
- Cooke Aquaculture
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- Groupe Savoie
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing Group
- McCain Foods Ltd.
To be eligible, you must have a job offer from one of these companies.
How Can Visa Solutions 4u Help?
Visa Solutions 4u is here to guide you through Canada’s changing immigration landscape. Our experts help applicants:
- Assess eligibility for New Brunswick immigration programs
- Improve CRS scores for Express Entry
- Find job opportunities with designated employers
- Prepare strong visa applications to increase approval chances
Why Choose Visa Solutions 4u?
- Expert guidance on Canada’s evolving immigration policies
- Personalized consultation for PR applications
- Assistance in securing job offers in high-demand sectors
- Step-by-step support for a seamless immigration process
With new PNP and AIP restrictions, choosing the right immigration pathway is more crucial than ever. Contact Visa Solutions 4u today to secure your future in Canada!
