New Brunswick Moves 203 AIP Candidates Closer to PR

New Brunswick has selected 203 foreign workers for the next stage of immigration processing through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The province conducted three selection rounds on October 2, 9, and 29, 2026, targeting workers across several industries facing labour needs.

The latest selections bring the province's total to 898 AIP applications chosen for processing across nine announced selection rounds this year.

Unlike provincial nominee draws, which invite candidates to submit applications, AIP selections determine which previously submitted endorsement applications will move forward for review.

Workers From Eight Sectors Selected

The October draws covered eight occupational categories, including construction, health care, manufacturing, transportation, professional and IT services, education, social and community services, sales and services, and other skilled trades.

New Brunswick established application cut-off dates of October 1, 9, and 28 for the respective draws, with each deadline set at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.

To qualify for consideration under the AIP, candidates must have a valid job offer from an employer officially designated by the province.

What Happens After Selection?

Being selected for processing does not automatically grant permanent residence.

The province must first review and approve the worker's endorsement application. Successful applicants receive an endorsement certificate, allowing them to submit their permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Endorsed candidates may also qualify for a two-year, employer-specific work permit while their permanent residence application moves through the federal immigration system.

Workers who submit a work permit application before their existing authorization expires may be eligible to continue working under maintained status.

They must remain in Canada while awaiting a decision and continue following the conditions attached to their previous work permit.

AIP Selections Reach 898 in 2026

New Brunswick has reported nine announced AIP selection rounds covering applications processed throughout 2026.

The latest October selections account for 203 applications, while earlier rounds included 63 applications from September 25 and October 2, 60 on September 10, and 68 across August 10 and 20.

Other selections included 114 applications on July 22, 97 on June 3, 50 on May 1, 118 on April 1, and 125 between March 3 and 6.

Together, these rounds account for 898 applications selected for provincial endorsement processing.

New Restrictions on AIP Applications

In an update issued October 14, New Brunswick confirmed that endorsement applications remain open for most eligible occupations.

However, four occupations are excluded: fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142), food service supervisors (62020), restaurant and food service managers (60030), and shippers and receivers (14400).

The province also continues to restrict applications involving candidates living outside Canada.

Such applications are accepted only through government-led recruitment initiatives focused on health care, education, and construction.

These conditions highlight the importance of checking provincial eligibility rules before pursuing an AIP endorsement.

For candidates already working in New Brunswick, the latest selections represent another opportunity to advance their immigration applications, although final approval remains subject to provincial endorsement and federal assessment.