{"id":3705,"date":"2025-10-27T12:37:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T16:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/?p=3705"},"modified":"2025-10-27T12:37:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T16:37:15","slug":"new-brunswick-introduces-critical-work-permit-support-for-aip-pr-applicants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/?p=3705","title":{"rendered":"New Brunswick Introduces Critical Work Permit Support for AIP PR Applicants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fredericton, New Brunswick \u2014<\/strong> In a major relief for skilled workers awaiting permanent residence under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)<\/strong>, the Government of New Brunswick<\/strong> has announced a new measure allowing eligible applicants to maintain their right to work while their PR applications<\/strong> are still in process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With federal processing times<\/strong> for AIP applications recently increasing dramatically, this initiative serves as a vital safeguard<\/strong> for workers who are at risk of losing their legal work status and income stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New Brunswick Steps In to Protect AIP Workers<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Under this new policy, Immigration New Brunswick (INB)<\/strong> will now issue letters of support<\/strong> to AIP endorsees whose work permits are set to expire before their permanent residence is finalized.
These letters allow applicants to apply for a C18 closed work permit<\/strong>, ensuring they can legally continue working for their designated employer during the prolonged processing period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This measure is designed specifically for AIP endorsees<\/strong> who already hold valid job offers from designated employers in New Brunswick and whose endorsement certificates<\/strong> remain active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AIP workers must promptly report any employment-related changes \u2014 such as job loss, change of employer, or position \u2014 since these can affect their endorsement status and overall eligibility for continued support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why the Support Was Urgently Needed<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Processing delays for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)<\/strong> applications have grown sharply since October 2025.
According to recent federal data, average processing times have increased from 13 months to 37 months<\/strong>, leaving many skilled workers in uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because AIP candidates are not eligible<\/strong> for the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)<\/strong> program \u2014 which allows other PR applicants to continue working while waiting \u2014 many were facing the risk of losing work authorization once their two-year employer-specific permit expired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new provincial measure bridges this gap, giving endorsees the ability to retain valid work status<\/strong> and continue contributing to the province\u2019s economy while awaiting final PR decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Apply for the New Brunswick Support Letter<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

AIP endorsees who need a letter of support<\/strong> for a C18 work permit must submit a Post-Endorsement Request Form<\/strong> to Immigration New Brunswick.
Once received and approved, the province will issue the letter, which the applicant can then use to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)<\/strong> for the new work permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This step ensures that the applicant remains legally employed and maintains continuous status in Canada throughout their PR process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Impact Across Atlantic Canada<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It remains uncertain whether other Atlantic provinces \u2014 Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador<\/strong> \u2014 will implement similar policies.
However, New Brunswick\u2019s proactive approach highlights a growing need for regional governments to support foreign workers facing bureaucratic delays beyond their control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This move also reflects the province\u2019s ongoing commitment to labour market stability<\/strong> and immigrant retention<\/strong>, as AIP workers play a crucial role in filling essential jobs across healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Atlantic Immigration Program<\/strong> is a collaborative initiative<\/strong> between the federal government and four Atlantic provinces. It provides a pathway to permanent residence<\/strong> for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who have a full-time job offer<\/strong> from a designated employer<\/strong> in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To qualify under the AIP, candidates must meet specific criteria, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n