The Canadian province of New Brunswick has announced a temporary pause on new endorsement applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) effective September 18, 2024. The update comes in light of the fact that the province has already reached its allocation for 2024, so no more applications for endorsements will be accepted for the rest of the year. However, the province will continue to accept Employer Designation applications, permitting businesses to stay involved in the program even during the pause.
A Quick Glimpse into the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a permanent residency pathway to skilled foreign workers and international graduates who are looking to work and settle in New Brunswick and other Atlantic provinces. Through this program, an employer based in New Brunswick can hire qualified professionals for jobs they are not able to fill locally. For a candidate to be eligible, they must have an endorsement from a designated employer, demonstrating that they are the right fit for the job and the province.
Employer Designation Still Open
While new endorsement applications are being paused by the province, New Brunswick is still accepting expressions of interest from employers looking to become designated. The designation offers a business an opportunity to recruit skilled foreign workers once the program resumes. If you are an employer looking to become designated under AIP, you can submit an expression of interest through the New Brunswick Immigration Portal (INB). This process involves providing company details, job information, and a commitment to all the program’s requirements.
Steps to Apply for Employer Designation
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): An employer can log into the INB portal and submit the EOI with relevant business and job details.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): After evaluation, an eligible employer may be invited to continue with the designation process.
- Submit Designation Application: An employer is required to complete the necessary documentation and training to become designated, which permits them to hire foreign workers under the AIP.
- Candidate Endorsement: Once designated, an employer can endorse candidates, who can then apply for permanent residency.
Why the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Pause Matters
The temporary pause in new endorsement applications emphasizes the popularity of the Atlantic Immigration Program and New Brunswick’s demand for a skilled workforce. The halt allows the province to manage its immigration targets while ensuring a smooth process for existing applications. For potential immigrants, this is an opportunity to prepare for future openings and explore other immigration pathways available in the province.
Despite the halt, New Brunswick has always been a welcoming destination for immigrants. The province continues to invite qualified talent and will likely resume its endorsement process in the near future. Employers and applicants must remain engaged with the program and be ready to make the most of new opportunities when the program reopens.
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