The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a direct permanent residency (PR) pathway for skilled workers and international graduates from the recognized Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Atlantic Canada who want to settle in New Brunswick permanently.
What is Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) ?
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal–provincial immigration pathway designed to connect designated employers in Atlantic Canada with skilled workers and international graduates, providing them the opportunity to settle and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces.
Atlantic Provinces
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
How To Get PR in AIP in NB ?
Atlantic Immigration Program is one of the easiest way to get your Canadian permanent residency (PR) in New Brunswick however you need the support from the designated employer to initiate the PR process.
These are the important steps you have to keep in mind in AIP application process:
- Get full time, non seasonal job offer from designated NB employer.
- After receiving the job offer submit your settlement plan to local recognised settlement agencies.
- When you get your settlement plan, submit your endorsement application to NB government.
- If approved, the candidates get a Certificate of Endorsement.
- With Endorsement Certificate, applicant can apply for permanent residency (PR)
- You also have the option to apply for work permit/extension of work permit with the support letter.
The process is smooth and step by step without the requisite of LMIA, in addition to above mentioned steps, federal government can request additional documents from either you or your employer.
Can you Apply AIP in New Brunswick?
2025 Allocation: Quota hit in Record time
NB AIP has reached cap on April 4, 2025. This closure of AIP is part of the broader trend: the federal government immigration level plan 2025- 27 set PNP and AIP allocations 50% lower than in 2024. This cut by federal government led to provinces decreasing their provincial quotas.
This pushed New Brunswick to manage AIP and PNP spots carefully.
New Brunswick Labor Market Competition
The early NB AIP closure underscores excessive demand from both employers who need talent in important sectors such as healthcare, education and construction and skilled immigrants seeking quicker path to permanent residency in New Brunswick via AIP.
Official Communication from New Brunswick
Immigration New Brunswick has issued multiple notices about the program pause and advised applicants to maintain legal work status throughout the processing period:
- No new endorsements or employer designations under the AIP will be accepted for 2025.
- Completed application submitted by April 4 remain active.
- Applications submitted later are considered closed.
- Applicants are responsible for maintaining valid work authorization throughout
AIP is paused for 2025 but will open again in next year 2026. Keep your applications ready in advance so that you can take advantage of early application.
How to submit AIP Endorsement via INB Portal?
Step 1: Employer instructs the applicant to register on INB Portal
- Contact the foreign worker or graduate (Applicant)
- Provide:
- The INB Employer Number
- A PDF copy of the signed letter of offer or contract of employment signed between employer and employee.
Applicant must take these steps:
- Register at the INB portal
- Enter the INB Employer Number when prompted
- Upload the letter of offer/contract
- Send a Request for Approval to the employer’s INB account
This step links the applicant’s profile with the employer’s account in the INB system.
Step 2 : Prepare and Upload Documents for Endorsement
Employer Responsibilities:
- Complete and Sign the following documents:
- Provincial Endorsement Application Form
- Federal IMM 0157 Form (Offer of Employment to a Foreign National)
- Gather Supporting Documents:
- Signed employment contract or job offer letter
- Proof of recruitment efforts (e.g., job advertisements)
- Employer’s Designation Letter (from the province)
- Obtain Applicant’s Settlement Plan:
- Share required forms with applicant to complete settlement plan
- Applicant will need the IMM 0157 form and Designation Letter
- Upload All Documents in INB Portal:
- Once everything is ready, upload them in your Employer Dashboard
- Send an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to the applicant
Step 3 : Applicant accepts ITA and Completes Application
Applicant logs in to the INB portal and accept the Invitation to Apply, clicks continue on the dashboard to start the endorsement application and complete all profile application.
Upload these Documents:
- Language Test Results (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF)
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) or Canadian credentials
- Letters of Employment (to show work experience)
- Passport ID Page
- Work Permit (if applicable)
Step 4: Monitor the Application Progress
Both the employer and the applicant can track the status of the application:
- Employers can view all active endorsement applications in their Employer Dashboard
- Applicants can see updates and requests in their personal dashboard
Checklist of Required Documents-AIP-Endorsement
| For Employers | For Applicants |
|---|---|
| INB Employer Number | INB Portal Registration |
| Signed Letter of Offer | Language Test (IELTS/TEF) |
| Completed IMM 0157 Form | ECA or Canadian Education |
| Proof of Recruitment | Resume and Employment Letters |
| Intercultural Competency Training Certificate | Passport & Work Permit |
| Employer Designation Letter | Completed Settlement Plan |
Important Reminders
- Atlantic Immigration Program is paused in New Brunswick for 2025 however you can prepare your documents for 2026
- This Atlantic Immigration Program is still open in other 3 Atlantic provinces.
- AIP is paused for 2025 meanwhile you can apply in New Brunswick PNP.
