New Brunswick Offers Lifeline to AIP Applicants at Risk of Losing Work Status
Immigration New Brunswick (INB) has announced new support measures for foreign workers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) who are at risk of losing their work authorization due to extended permanent residence (PR) processing times.
What’s New
The province confirmed that it can now issue letters of support for AIP endorsees whose work permits are set to expire before their PR applications are finalized.
These letters will allow endorsees to apply for a C18 closed work permit, enabling them to continue working for their endorsed employers while their PR applications are being processed.
Important Conditions
AIP endorsees must notify Immigration New Brunswick of any change in their employment situation — such as a new employer, position change, or job loss — since these changes could affect their eligibility or require an update to their endorsement certificate.
To receive a letter of support, endorsees must submit a request through the Post-Endorsement Request Form.
Once the letter is received, the endorsee can apply for the new work permit directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Why This Measure Was Introduced
Processing times for AIP PR applications have recently tripled, increasing from 13 months to 37 months (as of October 2025), according to IRCC’s official tool.
Because standard AIP work permits are valid for only two years and endorsees are not eligible for Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP), many workers risked losing their status and work authorization before their PR decisions were made.
The new C18 closed work permit is meant to bridge this gap, ensuring that endorsed workers can legally continue employment in Canada throughout the longer processing period.
About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers in Atlantic Canada, which includes:
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
To qualify, applicants must:
Have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
Meet the required work experience, education, language, and settlement fund standards.
Successful candidates receive a certificate of endorsement from the province, which allows them to:
Apply for permanent residence with the federal government.
Obtain a temporary work permit to start working while waiting for PR processing.
Looking Ahead
It remains uncertain whether other Atlantic provinces will introduce similar measures. However, New Brunswick’s move could set a precedent for additional provincial support to help endorsed candidates maintain their legal status and employment stability.