Immigration New Brunswick (INB) confirmed on October 22 that it has endorsed 63 applications through two recent rounds of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) held September 25 and October 2. The selections cover a broad mix of sectors, with construction, manufacturing and health care topping the list. Under AIP rules, once a provincial endorsement is issued, the foreign worker can apply for a federal work permit tied to the designated Atlantic employer and later submit a permanent-residence application. New Brunswick paused new employer designations earlier this year to clear a backlog but says the latest rounds show the province is once again “open for business” to vetted employers facing persistent labour shortages. The news matters for companies in Atlantic Canada that struggle to fill mid-skilled roles. Unlike many provincial nominee programs, the AIP does not require labour-market impact assessments, offers faster processing and supports accompanying family members from day one. INB officials report that 91 percent of AIP newcomers remain in the province after three years, a key statistic as Atlantic premiers lobby Ottawa for higher allocations in the 2027-29 immigration levels plan. Employers interested in the next AIP intake should ensure they are designated by INB and have robust settlement plans, a recurring pain point cited in recent audits. Immigration lawyers caution that endorsement caps may tighten if federal temporary-resident ceilings remain low. For mobility managers, the update provides an immediate pathway to place international hires in Atlantic facilities ahead of peak 2027 project cycles, particularly in shipbuilding, forestry and seafood processing.
Source: CIC News
