New Brunswick helps AIP applicants keep work status amid delays, i.e., Immigration New Brunswick has announced a new measure to support foreign workers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) who risk losing their work authorization because of extended processing times for permanent residence (PR) applications.
The province will now issue letters of support to AIP endorsees whose work permits are close to expiring before their PR applications are finalized. These letters will help applicants maintain their legal status in Canada while they wait for a decision.
New Support Measure For AIP Endorsees
According to Immigration New Brunswick, the new letters of support will allow eligible AIP endorsees to apply for C18 closed work permits, which let them continue working for their endorsed employers while their PR applications are still being processed.
AIP candidates are required to inform the province about any employment changes, such as a new employer, position, or loss of employment. Such updates can affect eligibility and may require endorsement certificates to be modified.
Those in need of a C18 work permit support letter must submit a request through the Post-Endorsement Request Form available on Immigration New Brunswick’s website.
Once the letter is issued, endorsees can forward it along with their work permit applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Why New Brunswick Introduced This Step?
Processing delays under the AIP have increased significantly in recent months. As of October 2025, the processing time for AIP PR applications has jumped from 13 months to 37 months, according to IRCC’s updated processing time tool.
Normally, the standard work permit issued to AIP participants is valid for up to two years. However, because AIP endorsees do not qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), many workers were at risk of losing their legal right to work before their PR was approved.
The introduction of the C18 work permit support letters will help these workers maintain their employment and stay in Canada lawfully until their PR applications are processed.
It remains uncertain whether other Atlantic provinces participating in the program will follow New Brunswick’s lead and introduce similar measures for their endorsees.
Understanding The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
As New Brunswick helps AIP applicants keep work status amid delays, let us understand what is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Well, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence designed for the four Atlantic provinces of Canada:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
To qualify for the program, foreign nationals must receive a full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. They must also meet the program’s requirements for work experience, education, language ability, and settlement funds.
Each province may prioritize specific occupations or sectors based on labour market needs, especially amid reduced provincial nomination quotas in 2025.
Candidates who meet the requirements and secure an endorsed job offer receive a certificate of endorsement, which they can then use to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.
During the PR processing period, successful applicants are also eligible for the temporary work permit; and now, thanks to this new measure, can obtain continued authorization to work even if delays occur.
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