NEW BRUNSWICK ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM PAUSED AFTER REACHING THE 2025 QUOTA

The Province of New Brunswick has announced the temporary suspension of its participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), effective April 4, 2025, after reaching its full quota for the year in just the first quarter. This suspension means that no new endorsement applications or employer designations will be accepted under the program until further notice.

According to the official statement, all applications received prior to April 4 will continue to be processed under regular timelines. However, any applications submitted after this cut-off date will not be considered. This abrupt pause signals the strong demand and popularity of the AIP both among employers in the Atlantic region and among foreign nationals seeking a streamlined pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a key federal-provincial initiative designed to address labour shortages in Canada’s Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick. It allows designated employers to hire eligible foreign workers and international graduates without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Its success is rooted in its employer-driven model and simplified processing, which has made it especially attractive to both businesses and skilled immigrants.

Implications of the Suspension

New Brunswick reaching its AIP quota so early in the year underscores several critical realities:

  • High employer demand for foreign talent in the region

  • Growing interest among immigrants in settling in Atlantic Canada

  • Limited provincial allocations under the current federal immigration targets

Although this is a temporary suspension, it reflects the tightened immigration landscape in Canada, following the federal government’s revised Immigration Levels Plan (2025–2027), which introduced reduced targets and greater focus on permanent residence for those already in Canada.

What Can Applicants Do Now?

If you were considering the AIP as your preferred pathway, you still have options. While new AIP applications are on hold, other provincial and federal immigration programs remain active, including:

  • The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

  • Express Entry-linked streams

  • Employer-specific work permits and pathways through the Global Talent Stream

  • Opportunities in other Atlantic provinces that may still have room in their AIP quotas

We Can Help You Navigate These Changes

At Global Opportunities, we specialize in helping clients understand and adapt to Canada’s evolving immigration system. Whether your plans involved the AIP or another pathway, our expert guidance can ensure you don’t miss a chance to build your future in Canada.

Book a consultation today to find out which active immigration programs best match your profile. Let us help you explore alternatives and take the next step with confidence.

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