New Brunswick, a key province in Canada’s Atlantic region, has recently made significant changes to its immigration policies under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). As of February 18, 2025, the province will no longer endorse applications for specific occupations, impacting international job seekers and students, including many from India. This decision is part of broader immigration adjustments in response to reduced federal targets for provincial immigration.
This article explores the implications of these policy changes, alternative immigration pathways for prospective applicants, and insights into Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
Occupations No Longer Eligible Under New Brunswick’s AIP
Effective immediately, the following occupations will no longer be considered for endorsement under New Brunswick’s AIP:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accounting technicians and bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative assistants | 13110 |
| Shippers and receivers | 14400 |
| Restaurant and food service managers | 60030 |
| Food service supervisors | 62020 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Bakers | 63202 |
| Bartenders | 64301 |
| Other customer representatives | 64409 |
| Process control and machine operators (food and beverage processing) | 94140 |
| Fish and seafood plant workers | 94142 |
These occupations have historically been popular among international workers, including many Indians seeking to build their careers in Canada’s food service and hospitality industries. The removal of these job categories signals a shift in immigration priorities, with a renewed focus on high-demand sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction.
Reason Behind the Policy Shift
Reduced Immigration Targets
The federal Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27 has significantly cut admissions allocations for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) by 50% compared to 2024. New Brunswick, which previously had higher allocations, now has only 2,750 spaces in 2025, split as follows:
- NB PNP: 1,500 spots
- AIP: 1,250 spots
This drastic reduction has led to the province prioritizing economic sectors deemed critical to long-term growth and stability.
Focus on High-Demand Sectors
With limited immigration spots, New Brunswick has chosen to concentrate on occupations that align with its labor market needs. The province will continue processing endorsements for some occupations if applications were submitted before February 18, 2025. However, no new applications will be accepted under the following NOCs:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
| Retail and wholesale trade managers | 60020 |
| Retail sales supervisors | 62010 |
| Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers | 64100 |
| Hotel front desk clerks | 64314 |
Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed for skilled workers and international graduates who wish to settle in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island). Benefits of AIP include:
- Direct eligibility for permanent residency (PR)
- Two-year work permit eligibility
- Faster processing times
- No requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Personalized settlement services
To qualify, candidates must secure a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick or other Atlantic provinces.
Who Can Still Apply?
Currently, New Brunswick only accepts endorsement applications for foreign nationals in:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction trades
These industries are expected to see increased hiring opportunities, making them viable options for Indians considering migration to Canada.
Alternative Immigration Pathways for Indian Applicants
For those affected by these changes, alternative programs may provide a viable route to Canadian permanent residency.
1. Express Entry System
The Express Entry system remains one of the most popular immigration pathways. It covers three primary streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled professionals with work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For those with prior Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For tradespeople.
A high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score improves an applicant’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Enhancing factors such as French language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and education from a Canadian institution can boost CRS scores.
2. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)
Indians with a low CRS score can still secure PR through the NB PNP Express Entry Stream, which awards 600 additional CRS points for successful nominations. However, like AIP, NB PNP has also removed endorsements for many occupations in food service and retail industries.
3. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)
This five-year employer-driven pilot program aims to fill labor gaps in New Brunswick. Job seekers must secure an offer from one of the following participating employers:
- Cooke Aquaculture
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- Groupe Savoie
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing Group
- McCain Foods Ltd.
New Brunswick’s recent changes to AIP endorsements indicate a strategic realignment of its immigration priorities. While this shift limits opportunities for workers in food service and retail, it opens doors for professionals in healthcare, education, and construction. Indian students and workers aiming for Canada should consider alternative immigration programs, including Express Entry and the NB PNP, to maximize their chances of securing permanent residency.
As Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve, staying updated with the latest requirements and seeking professional guidance can significantly enhance one’s chances of successfully immigrating to New Brunswick or other provinces.
