Maple News reports that Immigration New Brunswick has introduced a vital measure to support foreign workers endorsed under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), as they face unprecedented delays in permanent residence processing times.
To help AIP endorsees maintain legal work status in Canada, the province can now issue Letters of Support specifically for the C18 closed work permit. This permit allows foreign nationals to continue working for their designated employers while they wait for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to approve their PR applications.
This intervention comes in response to a significant increase in AIP application processing times. As of October 2025, IRCC updated its estimated wait from 13 months to a staggering 37 months. Since standard work permits under the AIP are typically valid for up to two years, this development has left many workers in limbo, risking the loss of their legal status and ability to work in Canada.
AIP candidates are not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), a pathway normally used by PR applicants to extend work status. Therefore, the province’s decision to support C18 permits fills a critical gap and offers much-needed security to these applicants and their employers.
To obtain a Letter of Support, applicants must reach out to Immigration New Brunswick using the Post-Endorsement Request Form. It’s also essential for AIP endorsees to report any changes in their employment situation—including a job loss, title change, or employer switch—as those changes may affect their endorsement certificate and overall eligibility.
Once equipped with the Letter of Support, endorsees can apply for the C18 work permit through IRCC. This ensures continuity of employment while their permanent residence is being processed.
This move underscores New Brunswick’s commitment to retaining international talent and supporting businesses that rely on skilled foreign workers. However, it remains uncertain whether other Atlantic provinces participating in the AIP will implement similar accommodations.
The Atlantic Immigration Program aims to address labor shortages across Atlantic Canada by facilitating pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals with job offers in the region. As backlogs grow, localized adaptations like New Brunswick’s initiative may become increasingly essential.
Maple News will continue monitoring the situation as AIP stakeholders advocate for wider measures at both provincial and federal levels.