As of November 15, 2024, New Brunswick has paused several permanent residence pathways, citing that 2024 candidate allocations for the year have been met. These temporary suspensions will affect candidates seeking opportunities under three major immigration streams:

1. 1. The New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
   2. The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot
   3. The Exploratory Visit Connection under the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative

New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Paused until: End of 2024

The province has stopped accepting Employer Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). However, applications submitted by candidates with full Employer Designation or those who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are still being processed. AIP remains a significant immigration pathway for skilled workers who wish to settle in Atlantic Canada. To qualify, candidates require a job offer from a designated employer within the region.

While New Brunswick’s AIP is on hold, interested candidates can consider similar programs in other Atlantic provinces such as:

• • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island

Stay updated by monitoring New Brunswick’s immigration website for potential changes or announcements.

New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot

Paused until: End of 2024

This pilot program, designed for international graduates of specific private career colleges in New Brunswick, is no longer issuing nomination certificates for the year. However, candidates who have already received an ITA can proceed with their full nomination application.

• • Candidates whose eligibility period expires (90 days) before nominations resume in January 2025 will need to explore alternative pathways.
  • The program focuses on graduates from one-year or two-year programs in priority fields such as IT, cybersecurity, health, and supply chain management.

For graduates not eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), this program has been a critical pathway. While on hold, candidates are advised to explore other provincial or federal immigration options.

Exploratory Visit Connection under the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative

Paused until: Further Notice

The Exploratory Visit Connection, part of the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative, has also been suspended. No new ITAs will be issued under this connection.

What Happens to Current EOIs?

• • EOIs already in the system remain valid for 365 days and may still be considered if the program reopens within that timeframe.
  • EOIs submitted before March 12, 2024, will not be considered, even if the stream resumes.

This stream has been especially popular among French-speaking candidates outside of Canada, requiring an in-person exploratory visit to New Brunswick to explore employment opportunities.

Why the Suspensions?

Temporary closures like these are common as provincial immigration programs often hit their annual allocation goals before year-end. While this can be disappointing for candidates, it ensures that the province can process applications efficiently and maintain program integrity. Interested individuals should check back early in 2025 for updates on these programs. In the meantime, exploring alternative pathways in other provinces or federal immigration programs could be a strategic move.