Maple News reports that New Brunswick has officially closed its intake for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for the remainder of 2025. The province reached its annual limit of 1,250 endorsement spots on April 4, effectively suspending new applications for the rest of the year.
This closure affects both foreign nationals looking to apply for permanent residency through the AIP in New Brunswick and employers hoping to recruit international talent under the program. No new endorsements will be approved, and no additional employers will receive AIP designation in New Brunswick for 2025.
However, Maple News can confirm that endorsement applications submitted on or before April 4 will still be processed. Applicants in that group are not impacted by the new restriction and can expect continued processing under the regular timelines.
Launched as a way to attract skilled workers to Canada’s Atlantic region, the AIP allows designated employers to hire foreign nationals for positions that cannot be filled locally. Once endorsed, candidates can apply for permanent residency through an expedited process.
While New Brunswick’s stream has now closed, prospective immigrants can still explore opportunities through the AIP in other Atlantic provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) are all still accepting endorsement applications under their respective AIP streams.
It’s worth noting, however, that while these three provinces remain open, they may have their own eligibility criteria, and some restrictions may apply. Interested candidates and employers should consult the latest program guidelines to ensure compliance.
With New Brunswick reaching its allocation relatively early in the year, Maple News notes this is a signal of both the AIP’s growing popularity and the province’s proactive approach to managing immigration numbers.
As AIP continues to evolve, Maple News will provide ongoing updates and insights for employers and foreign nationals navigating Atlantic Canada’s immigration pathways.