Immigration New Brunswick has announced that it will provide work permit support for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) endorsees who are at risk of losing their work authorization because of longer processing times.
The province can now issue letters of support to AIP endorsees whose work permits are set to expire before their permanent residence applications are finalized.
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These letters will allow applicants to apply for C18 closed work permits. This type of work permit allows them to continue working for their endorsed employers while waiting for their permanent residence applications to be processed.
AIP endorsees must inform Immigration New Brunswick about any changes to their employment, such as changing employers, job positions, or losing employment. These changes can affect eligibility and may require a new endorsement certificate.
To obtain a letter of support for a C18 closed work permit, endorsees must complete and submit the Post-Endorsement Request Form to Immigration New Brunswick. Once they receive the letter, they can apply for their work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Reason for the New Measure
Since October 2025, the processing time for AIP applications has increased from 13 months to 37 months, according to the federal processing time tool.
Standard AIP work permits are valid for up to two years. Because AIP endorsees are not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, many could lose their legal status and work authorization if their work permit expires before their permanent residence is approved.
The new C18 work permit option is designed to help endorsees maintain valid work authorization during this extended processing period.
It is not yet known if other Atlantic provinces participating in the AIP will introduce similar measures.
About the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for the Atlantic provinces of Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
To qualify, candidates must have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. They must also meet requirements related to work experience, education, language ability, and settlement funds.
Because of a decrease in provincial nominations in 2025, some provinces are prioritizing specific occupations and sectors under the program.
Eligible candidates receive a settlement plan organized by their employer. Once endorsed, they are given a certificate of endorsement from the province, which allows them to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.
While their permanent residence application is being processed, AIP endorsees can apply for a temporary C18 closed work permit, which allows them to continue working in Atlantic Canada.
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