New Brunswick Supports AIP Workers Amid PR Delays

New Brunswick Offers Work Permit Support to AIP Endorsees Facing Delays

If you’re in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and your work permit is about to expire before your permanent residence (PR) application is processed, there’s some welcome news from New Brunswick. The province has stepped up to support AIP endorsees by issuing letters that will allow them to stay employed while waiting out the longer processing times.

Key Highlights

• New Brunswick is now issuing letters of support for expiring AIP work permits
• This applies to C18 closed work permits for candidates waiting on PR approval
• The move helps endorsed candidates maintain legal status and continue working
• Processing times for AIP applications have surged from 13 to 37 months
• Endorsees must report employment changes to Immigration New Brunswick
• The Atlantic Immigration Program is a key pathway to permanent residence in Atlantic Canada

Why New Brunswick Is Stepping In

Longer processing times have become a serious concern for newcomers through the AIP. What used to take just over a year is now stretching to more than three years. Since the beginning of October 2025, AIP application processing times have ballooned from 13 months to a staggering 37 months, according to IRCC’s updated tool.

For most AIP candidates, their work permits are valid for only two years. Here’s the tricky part: AIP participants aren’t eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which is often used by other federal immigration applicants to stay in Canada while waiting for permanent residency. That leaves many endorsees stuck in limbo, facing the risk of losing both their legal status and their livelihood.

To tackle this, New Brunswick is now offering letters of support for C18 closed work permits. These letters allow endorsees to apply for a new work permit that ties them to their current employer, helping them legally remain in Canada and continue their work while their PR applications are being processed.

How It Works: C18 Closed Work Permits

The C18 closed work permit is not your typical open permit—it’s employer-specific. That means you can’t job hop, but you can stay employed in your endorsed role. If you’re already endorsed through the AIP and your work permit is about to expire, you can request a support letter by filling out a Post-Endorsement Request Form with Immigration New Brunswick.

Once you receive that letter, you can submit a new work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It’s a lifeline for many who would otherwise be forced to stop working or even leave the country while waiting for their PR status to come through.

Important: If you experience any changes in your job—like a switch in position, employer, or if you lose your job—you must inform Immigration New Brunswick. These changes could affect your endorsement certificate and your eligibility for continued support.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The AIP is a federal immigration program designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates. It’s a permanent residence pathway tailored for the four Atlantic provinces:

• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

To qualify, candidates must:

• Have a full-time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
• Meet certain work experience, education, and language requirements
• Show proof of settlement funds (unless already living and working in Canada)

If you meet the criteria, your employer helps you create a settlement plan and applies for a provincial endorsement. Once endorsed, you can apply for permanent residence and get a temporary work permit to start working while your PR application is in the queue.

In 2025, due to shifting PR quotas and tighter provincial nomination limits, many provinces have started prioritizing specific occupations under the AIP—think healthcare, trades, and tech. So, if you’re in a high-demand field, your odds could be even better.

What This Means for AIP Candidates

This move by New Brunswick is a big relief for AIP participants whose futures in Canada were uncertain due to permit expiry and PR delays. It gives them a chance to stay, work, and continue integrating into their communities without interruption.

That said, it’s still unclear whether other Atlantic provinces—like Nova Scotia or PEI—will introduce similar support measures for their AIP candidates. For now, New Brunswick is leading the way in protecting its endorsees.

Final Thoughts

Navigating immigration can be stressful enough without the added worry of losing your work status. If you’re an AIP endorsee in New Brunswick, this new support policy is definitely something to take advantage of. It’s a proactive step by the province that reflects its commitment to retaining skilled newcomers and supporting its local workforce.

Are you exploring pathways to permanent residence in Canada? You might also want to check out the Manitoba PNP as another strong option worth considering.

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

If you’re unsure about your next steps or want to know your eligibility for provincial immigration programs, we’ve got you covered. Book a consultation or use our free assessment tool to get started today.

Your Canadian dream is still within reach—don’t let processing delays hold you back!