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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
Overview of Expanded Access to the Atlantic Immigration Program
New Brunswick has announced a significant easing of restrictions on its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), opening new opportunities for retail and hospitality workers. Effective October 14, 2026, the province allows designated employers to seek provincial endorsement for workers in four previously excluded retail occupations. This expansion follows earlier changes in September that reopened the program to many hospitality positions.
Retail Occupations Reinstated for AIP Endorsement
The most recent changes permit employers to submit endorsement applications for workers in the following four retail roles:
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
- Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Retail and wholesale buyers (NOC 62101)
- Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100)
Previously, workers in these occupations were ineligible for endorsement under New Brunswick AIP regulations, regardless of their status under federal criteria. Their inclusion makes it possible for candidates already employed in these fields to seek provincial endorsement, provided they meet all federal requirements, have qualifying job offers from designated employers, and fulfill other eligibility rules.
September Changes Reopened Pathway for Hospitality Workers
On September 14, 2026, New Brunswick removed broad AIP restrictions that covered the accommodation and food services sector. This action restored application opportunities for many hospitality roles, including chefs, cooks, bakers, hotel front desk clerks, and certain service positions. However, restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030) and food service supervisors (NOC 62020) remain specifically excluded, along with occupations classified as TEER category 5 under federal guidelines.
Current List of Excluded Occupations
As of the latest update, New Brunswick’s aip exclusion list now contains only four occupations:
- Shippers and receivers (NOC 14400)
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
- Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142)
Additionally, TEER category 5 occupations remain ineligible for the program nationwide. Removing a role from the provincial exclusion list does not automatically guarantee eligibility for all applicants, especially those in lower-skilled positions under federal criteria.
Restrictions on Overseas Applicants Remain in Place
Despite the expansion in eligible aip retail occupations and openings for aip hospitality workers, New Brunswick continues to restrict AIP endorsement applications from foreign nationals living outside Canada. Such applications are generally only considered under government-led recruitment initiatives in the health care, education, and construction sectors. Consequently, the greatest immediate benefits of these changes apply to temporary foreign workers and other eligible candidates already residing in the province.
Pause on New Employer Designation Applications
The government is not currently accepting new employer designation applications under the AIP until the end of 2026. Only businesses that already hold AIP designation can participate in the endorsement process for new candidates. The pause ensures the program aligns with provincial economic and immigration priorities but limits immediate program participation for employers not already designated.
Endorsement Application and Selection Process
Meeting fundamental aip eligibility and obtaining a qualifying job offer do not guarantee selection for permanent residence under the program. New Brunswick employs a selective aip selection process due to high demand and limited immigration allocations. Preference is given to candidates with strong ties to the province, longer work histories in New Brunswick, and those in priority sectors like health care, education, or construction.
Atlantic Immigration Program: How It Works
The AIP is an employer-driven initiative available in four Atlantic provinces, requiring a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer and fulfillment of federal requirements, including language proficiency, minimum education, a settlement plan, and sufficient settlement funds. Endorsed candidates can submit permanent residence applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and may qualify for temporary work permits while waiting for permanent status.
Conclusion: Implications for Workers and Employers
These recent changes to the new brunswick aip regulations mark a step toward broader access for retail and hospitality workers seeking permanent residence. Existing designated employers can now retain more eligible international workers. However, continuing restrictions—including the pause on new employer participation, stringent selection criteria, and ongoing limitations for overseas applicants—mean not all interested parties will benefit immediately.
Source: immigration.ca.
