New Brunswick will help AIP applicants whose work permits are about to expire while they wait for their permanent residency approval.
New Brunswick has announced new support for workers waiting on permanent residence (PR) under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The province will now issue special letters that allow eligible applicants to keep working even if their current permits are about to expire.
This measure comes as many workers face uncertainty because of long federal processing delays. With these letters, endorsed AIP candidates can apply for a new type of work permit, known as a C18 closed work permit. This will let them stay employed with their current companies while waiting for their PR applications to finish processing.
The province introduced the policy after reports of significant delays in PR application processing. According to the latest figures, wait times have jumped sharply—from about 13 months earlier this year to nearly 37 months now.
Most AIP work permits last up to two years. Since AIP candidates do not qualify for the federal Bridging Open Work Permit program, many risk losing both their jobs and legal status before receiving their PR approval.
The new initiative gives workers a way to stay legally employed and avoid disruptions to their lives and livelihoods. “This step will help endorsed workers continue their employment safely while waiting for their applications to be processed,” said an official from Immigration New Brunswick.
To get this support, AIP endorsees must fill out a Post-Endorsement Request Form and contact Immigration New Brunswick. Once approved, they will receive a letter of support from the province. With that letter, they can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for their new work permit.
Candidates must also keep the province updated about any employment changes, such as switching jobs or losing work. These updates are important because they can affect eligibility and may require changes to the endorsement certificate.
The Atlantic Immigration Program helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled workers from abroad for permanent residence. It includes four provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
To qualify, applicants must have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. They also need to meet certain conditions for education, work experience, language ability, and settlement funds.
Once approved by the province, candidates receive an endorsement certificate. This certificate lets them apply for permanent residence with the federal government. While waiting for PR approval, they can work in Canada under a temporary permit connected to their endorsement.
It is not yet clear if other Atlantic provinces will introduce similar measures. However, New Brunswick’s move may encourage others to follow, as it helps fill local job shortages and supports international workers during long waiting periods.
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