New Brunswick Suspends Atlantic Immigration Program Endorsements for 2024

New Brunswick has announced a temporary suspension of new endorsement applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), effective from September 18, 2024. The decision follows the province reaching its AIP endorsement cap for 2024, meaning no additional endorsement applications will be accepted for the remainder of the year. However, businesses can still submit Employer Designation applications, ensuring that employers remain actively involved in the program during the pause.

About Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) serves as a key route to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates wanting to live and work in New Brunswick or other Atlantic provinces. Through this program, New Brunswick employers can hire qualified international candidates to fill roles for which local talent may not be available. To qualify, candidates need an endorsement from a designated employer, confirming that they are the right fit for both the job and the province.

Despite the halt on endorsement applications, New Brunswick is still welcoming Employer Designation applications. This enables businesses to prepare for future recruitment opportunities under the AIP once it resumes. Employers interested in becoming designated can express their interest via the New Brunswick Immigration Portal (INB). The designation process allows businesses to recruit skilled international workers and bring them onboard when the program reopens.

How to Become a Designated Employer

The Employer Designation process involves a few key steps that companies must follow:

Step 1: Employers need to log into the INB portal to submit an EOI with relevant business details and job information.

Step 2: Once the application is reviewed, eligible employers may receive an ITA to proceed with the designation process.

Step 3: After receiving an ITA, employers must complete the required paperwork and training to gain designation status.

Step 4: After designation, employers can endorse foreign candidates who are then eligible to apply for permanent residency.

New Brunswick has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and the temporary pause is likely just a small break in the larger recruitment effort. The province is expected to resume endorsements once new allocations become available. For now, both employers and applicants should stay engaged with the program and be ready for future opportunities as they arise.

This pause will help the province effectively manage its immigration targets and streamline existing applications. While this halt may be temporary, potential immigrants can use this time to prepare for the program’s reopening or explore alternative immigration pathways in New Brunswick.