New Brunswick Immigration Update 2026: 898 AIP Applications Selected for Processing This Year

The Government of New Brunswick has selected 203 applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), allowing eligible foreign workers to move forward to the next stage of the Canadian permanent residence process.

The province conducted three selection rounds on October 2, October 9, and October 29, 2026, targeting workers across several industries, including construction, health care, manufacturing, education, and information technology.

With these latest selections, New Brunswick has now selected 898 AIP applications for processing across nine announced selection rounds in 2026.

The Atlantic Immigration Program provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for eligible foreign workers who have qualifying job offers from designated employers in Atlantic Canada.

New Brunswick AIP Draw Results: October 2026

New Brunswick selected 203 applications during three selection rounds in October 2026.

The province also announced specific cut-off dates for each round.

Draw Date	Application Cut-off Date
October 2, 2026	October 1, 2026
October 9, 2026	October 9, 2026
October 29, 2026	October 28, 2026

The cut-off time for all three rounds was 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (AST).

These selections allow applications already submitted under the AIP to proceed to provincial processing.

Unlike the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), which issues invitations to apply, the AIP selection process determines which submitted endorsement applications will move forward for assessment.

Being selected for processing does not automatically guarantee endorsement or permanent residence approval.

Which Occupations Were Selected in the Latest New Brunswick AIP Draws?

The October 2026 AIP selection rounds included workers from eight occupational categories.

These categories were:

1. Construction: Workers employed in the construction industry.
2. Education, Social and Community Services: Professionals working in education and community support services.
3. Health Care: Workers in health-related occupations.
4. Manufacturing: Employees working in manufacturing industries.
5. Other Trades: Workers employed in various trade occupations.
6. Professional and IT: Professionals working in specialized and information technology roles.
7. Sales and Services: Workers employed in sales and service-related occupations.
8. Transportation: Workers employed in the transportation sector.
   
   

The selection of applications from these occupational categories reflects New Brunswick’s focus on addressing its labour market needs through immigration.

New Brunswick Has Selected 898 AIP Applications in 2026

With the latest October selection rounds, New Brunswick has recorded a total of 898 applications selected for processing under the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2026.

The following table provides a breakdown of the announced selection rounds.

Selection Dates	Applications Selected
October 2, 9 and 29, 2026	203
September 25 and October 2, 2026	63
September 10, 2026	60
August 10 and 20, 2026	68
July 22, 2026	114
June 3, 2026	97
May 1, 2026	50
April 1, 2026	118
March 3–6, 2026	125
Total	898

The October selection rounds represent the largest combined number of applications selected in the announced 2026 AIP selection results.

It is important to understand that these figures represent applications selected for processing, not permanent residence approvals.

What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven immigration pathway that helps eligible foreign workers and international graduates obtain permanent residence in Canada's Atlantic provinces.

The program operates in four provinces:

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

Through this program, eligible candidates with qualifying job offers from designated employers can apply for provincial endorsement.

Once an endorsement is approved, candidates may submit their permanent residence applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How Does the Atlantic Immigration Program Work in New Brunswick?

Foreign workers interested in applying for Canadian permanent residence through New Brunswick’s AIP must follow the required immigration process.

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer

Candidates must have a qualifying job offer from an employer designated by the Government of New Brunswick under the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Step 2: Submit an Endorsement Application

The employer supports the candidate in submitting the required provincial endorsement application.

Step 3: Application Selection and Processing

New Brunswick selects applications from its AIP candidate pool based on provincial priorities, labour market requirements, and available immigration allocations.

Step 4: Receive an Endorsement Certificate

Applicants whose endorsement applications are approved receive a provincial endorsement certificate.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence

After receiving provincial endorsement, eligible applicants can submit their permanent residence applications to IRCC.

The final decision on permanent residence is made by the federal government.

Can AIP Candidates Apply for a Work Permit?

Yes. Foreign workers who receive provincial endorsement under the Atlantic Immigration Program may be eligible to apply for a two-year, employer-specific work permit.

This work permit can allow eligible candidates to work in Canada while their permanent residence applications are being processed.

Workers who submit a qualifying work permit application before their current work permit expires may benefit from maintained status.

Under maintained status, eligible workers can continue working under the conditions of their previous work permit while waiting for a decision, provided they remain in Canada and meet the applicable requirements.

However, receiving an AIP endorsement does not automatically extend an existing work permit or authorize employment. Candidates must ensure they maintain valid immigration status and work authorization.

New Brunswick Updates AIP Eligibility Rules in October 2026

On October 14, 2026, New Brunswick announced changes to the occupational restrictions under its Atlantic Immigration Program.

Following the update, the province began accepting endorsement applications for all otherwise eligible occupations, except four specific occupations.

The following occupations remain excluded:

Occupation	NOC Code
Fish and Seafood Plant Workers	94142
Food Service Supervisors	62020
Restaurant and Food Service Managers	60030
Shippers and Receivers	14400

Candidates employed in these occupations are currently not eligible to submit AIP endorsement applications under New Brunswick's updated restrictions.

The province has also confirmed that occupations classified under TEER 5 are not eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Special Restrictions for Applicants Outside Canada

New Brunswick has maintained additional restrictions for foreign nationals who are currently residing outside Canada.

Under the province's updated rules, AIP endorsement applications involving job offers to foreign nationals living outside Canada remain limited to government-led recruitment initiatives in three sectors:

1. Health Care
2. Education
3. Construction
   
   

This means that applicants residing outside Canada generally cannot access New Brunswick's AIP through other sectors unless the applicable provincial restrictions change.

Foreign workers should carefully review these requirements before pursuing an AIP application.

What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers Seeking Permanent Residence?

The selection of 203 additional AIP applications shows that New Brunswick continues to process immigration applications to meet its workforce requirements.

For foreign workers who already have qualifying job offers from designated employers, the program may provide an opportunity to pursue Canadian permanent residence.

However, applicants should understand that:

• A job offer from a designated employer is essential.
• Provincial endorsement is required before applying for permanent residence.
• Selection for application processing does not guarantee approval.
• Certain occupations remain excluded from AIP endorsement applications.
• Foreign nationals outside Canada face additional recruitment restrictions.
  
  

Candidates must meet all applicable federal and provincial eligibility requirements before proceeding with their applications.