What changes are coming to New Brunswick's Atlantic Immigration Program?

This update is part of the Provincial nominee draws hub, with the Permanent residence guide. New Brunswick has eased restrictions under the Atlantic Immigration Program, allowing more foreign workers to be considered for permanent residence. Effective October 14, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick will accept endorsement applications for eligible occupations, with only four occupations remaining explicitly excluded. This update follows an earlier relaxation of restrictions in September 2026 and reverses several limitations introduced in February 2026. The province continues to prioritize applicants with strong ties to New Brunswick, as well as those working in health care, education, and construction.

Which occupations are now eligible for endorsement applications?

Designated employers can now submit Atlantic Immigration Program endorsement applications for eligible foreign workers in all occupations except four specific ones. The four occupations that remain excluded are Shippers and receivers, Restaurant and food service managers, Food service supervisors, and Fish and seafood plant workers. This change means several occupations previously excluded from consideration can now qualify, including retail and wholesale trade managers, retail sales supervisors, retail and wholesale buyers, and retail salespersons. Occupations in the accommodation and food services sector, such as cooks, chefs, and hotel staff, were previously excluded, but that restriction was lifted in September 2026. Occupations classified under TEER category 5 are ineligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program.

What does this mean for foreign workers in New Brunswick?

The easing of restrictions opens the door for more foreign workers to be considered for permanent residence in New Brunswick. However, becoming eligible to submit an endorsement application does not guarantee selection or approval. New Brunswick will prioritize applicants based on how long they have been employed in the province, their economic establishment and attachment to the province, and whether they work or have a job offer in a priority sector, particularly health care, education, or construction. This means foreign workers already living and working in New Brunswick may have an advantage over applicants with limited connections to the province. The broader occupational eligibility announced on October 14, 2026, only benefits foreign workers already residing in Canada, as New Brunswick limits endorsement applications for positions offered to applicants outside Canada to three sectors: health care, education, and construction.

What should applicants do next?

Individuals whose occupation was previously excluded should check whether they now qualify and whether their employer is already designated under the program. New Brunswick will prioritize applicants based on three main factors: how long they have been employed in New Brunswick, their economic establishment and attachment to the province, and whether they work or have a job offer in a priority sector, particularly health care, education, or construction. Applications that remain unselected in the candidate pool system expire after 365 days. If an individual has an expiring work permit, they should not assume that submitting an endorsement application will allow them to continue working legally. Affected workers and employers are encouraged to explore federal options, including work permits supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, where applicable.