Immigration New Brunswick is offering work permit support to Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) endorsees facing potential work authorization issues due to extended processing times.
The province has announced that it can now issue support letters for AIP endorsees whose work permits are expiring before their permanent residence (PR) applications are finalized.
The support letters will be for C18 closed work permits, enabling endorsees to maintain employment while awaiting the processing of their PR applications.
AIP endorsees are required to keep Immigration New Brunswick informed of any changes in their employment status, as this could impact their eligibility and necessitate updates to their endorsement certificates.
Endorsees needing a support letter for a C18 closed work permit should reach out to Immigration New Brunswick using the Post-Endorsement Request Form.
Armed with these support letters, AIP endorsees can submit their work permit applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Reasons for the Current Initiative
Since October 2025, the processing time for AIP applications has surged from 13 months to 37 months, as per IRCC’s latest processing time tool.
The standard work permit granted to AIP candidates is valid for up to two years, and they are ineligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) program, putting them at risk of losing status and work authorization if their permit expires before their PR application is processed.
The new work permit aims to ensure endorsees can retain work authorization throughout the extended processing period.
It remains to be seen if other AIP-participating provinces will adopt similar measures for endorsees.
Understanding the AIP
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residency in Atlantic Canada, encompassing New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Applicants must secure a full-time job offer from a designated employer in the province and meet specific criteria related to work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
Due to reduced provincial nominations in 2025, provinces are prioritizing certain occupations and sectors under the AIP.
Successful candidates are entitled to a settlement plan facilitated by their employer upon meeting the stipulated requirements.