Immigration Announcement
Immigration New Brunswick Offers Work Permit Extension Support for Atlantic Immigration Program Endorsees
In a proactive move to assist applicants affected by extended IRCC processing times, Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) has announced a new support measure for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) endorsees who need work permit extensions.
Many foreign workers currently endorsed under the Atlantic Immigration Program are facing challenges as their permanent residence (PR) applications remain in processing queues longer than expected. To bridge this gap, Immigration NB is now issuing letters of support for C18 closed work permits, allowing eligible workers to continue working in Canada while awaiting a final PR decision.
This initiative provides much-needed relief for both employees and employers across New Brunswick, ensuring workforce stability and continuity within the province’s labour market.
Why Work Permit Extensions Are Needed Under the AIP
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of Canada’s key regional immigration pathways, designed to help employers in Atlantic provinces — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates for long-term positions.
However, due to ongoing processing delays at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), many endorsed candidates are facing situations where their work permits may expire before their permanent residence applications are finalized.
Unlike other PR applicants, AIP candidates are not eligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This means they cannot automatically extend their work authorization while waiting for a PR decision, creating uncertainty for workers and employers alike. To address this, Immigration New Brunswick has stepped in with a temporary yet effective solution.
What Is the C18 Closed Work Permit?
The C18 work permit is a closed employer-specific permit issued under the Atlantic Immigration Program to allow endorsed candidates to work for the employer who provided their endorsement.
With ImmigrationNB’s support letter, eligible applicants can now apply to extend their C18 work permit while their PR application continues to be processed.
Key Details of the C18 Work Permit Support Initiative
- Eligibility: Must be a current AIP endorsee with a valid endorsement certificate.
- Purpose: To extend work authorization during PR processing delays.
- Permit Type: Closed work permit — tied to the same employer and job position listed in the endorsement.
- Support Document: ImmigrationNB-issued Letter of Support confirming ongoing eligibility and endorsement validity.
This measure ensures that AIP candidates can continue working legally in New Brunswick without disruption.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities
Immigration NB has made it clear that transparency and communication are vital. Any changes in employment status must be reported immediately to maintain program eligibility.
Endorsees and employers are required to notify ImmigrationNB in the following situations:
- Termination or job loss.
- Change of employer or work location.
- Modification of job duties, title, or wage.
Failure to report these changes can result in the withdrawal of the endorsement and potential refusal of the PR application. Employers must also ensure that job offers remain genuine, full-time, and non-seasonal, consistent with the terms outlined in the endorsement certificate.
How Immigration New Brunswick Is Supporting the AIP Workforce
This initiative reflects Immigration NB’s ongoing efforts to support endorsed workers and employers under the AIP amid federal processing delays. By providing these letters of support, the province ensures that:
- Skilled workers remain legally employed in New Brunswick.
- Employers retain access to qualified talent in critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
- The provincial labour market remains stable and responsive to industry needs.
The move also aligns with the province’s broader immigration goals to attract and retain newcomers who contribute to economic growth and community development across New Brunswick.
What AIP Endorsees Should Do Next
If you are an AIP endorsee whose work permit is expiring while waiting for your PR decision, you should:
- Contact your employer to confirm that your position remains active.
- Request a Letter of Support from Immigration New Brunswick through official channels.
- Apply for a C18 closed work permit extension through IRCC before your current permit expires.
- Keep ImmigrationNB informed about any employment or address changes during this period.
Being proactive helps ensure you remain in valid status and can continue working without interruption.
The Atlantic Immigration Program continues to play a crucial role in filling labour shortages across Atlantic Canada. New Brunswick, in particular, relies on AIP candidates to sustain its fast-growing economy and support essential services. With this new extension policy, endorsed workers can continue contributing to their communities while maintaining progress toward permanent residency. Employers, in turn, benefit from continuity in staffing, reduced turnover, and long-term workforce planning.
This initiative is a strong example of how provincial and federal collaboration can protect both immigrant workers and local economies during times of administrative delay.
Stronger Support for AIP Endorsees in New Brunswick
The Immigration New Brunswick work permit extension support marks an important step in safeguarding the future of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) participants. By issuing letters of support for C18 closed work permits, the province ensures that endorsed candidates can continue to live and work in New Brunswick while awaiting their permanent residence approval, reducing stress for newcomers and stabilizing the local workforce. For applicants, this is the time to stay informed, maintain open communication with employers, and ensure that all documentation from endorsement certificates to permit extensions is in order.
