Atlantic Immigration Program 2025 Changes

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has undergone significant changes in 2025 that directly impact employers, foreign workers, and immigration consultants across Canada's Atlantic provinces. With reduced federal allocations and high application volumes, each province has implemented unique strategies to manage their programs. Here's what you need to know about the latest developments.

Program Pauses and Allocation Limits

New Brunswick: Full Pause in Effect

Effective April 4, 2025, New Brunswick has paused the Atlantic Immigration Program for the remainder of the year. This pause affects:

• Acceptance of new endorsement applications

• New invitations to employers to become designated employers under the AIP

  
  

Important: Full applications submitted on or before April 4, 2025, will continue to be processed. Applications submitted after this date have been closed.

Nova Scotia: Selective Processing

As of July 16, 2025, Nova Scotia is receiving more applications than they can approve for 2025. The province has implemented a prioritization system to manage the high volume.

Prince Edward Island: Three Priority Sectors Only

Effective January 24, 2025, PEI announced significant restrictions due to high application volumes and reduced federal allocation. The province will only accept new endorsement application packages for workers in three high-demand sectors for the remainder of 2025:

• Healthcare

• Construction

• Manufacturing

  
  

Foreign nationals working in other sectors may still submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program.

Newfoundland and Labrador: EOI Model with Priority Processing

Newfoundland and Labrador has not paused its AIP but has adopted significant changes:

Effective February 19, 2025: The province implemented an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for both its PNP and AIP. Foreign nationals cannot apply directly but must first submit an EOI and receive an invitation before being included in an AIP Endorsement application.

Who Gets Priority in 2025?

Nova Scotia's Priority Framework

Top Priority:

• People already living and working in Nova Scotia with work permits expiring in 2025

  
  

International Applicants:

• Healthcare sector workers (NAICS 62)

• Social assistance sector workers (NAICS 62)

• Construction sector workers (NAICS 23)

  
  

Limited Processing: Most applications from outside Canada in non-priority sectors will not be processed at this time. However, exceptions may be made for employers in the Atlantic Immigration Program hiring in specific high-demand occupations.

Prince Edward Island's Priority Sectors

PEI has narrowed its focus to three critical sectors:

• Healthcare

• Construction

• Manufacturing

  
  

Newfoundland and Labrador's In-Demand Occupations

The province has published a comprehensive list of in-demand occupations that are exempt from provincial labour market testing and will receive priority processing:

Healthcare Sector (Public and Private Providers):

• Physicians

• Nurse Practitioners

• Registered Nurses

• Licensed Practical Nurses

• Medical Physicists

• Pharmacists

• Physiotherapists

• Occupational Therapists

• And other healthcare professionals

  
  

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sector:

• Software Engineers and Designers

• Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers

• Web Designers and Developers

• Database Analysts and Data Administrators

• Information Systems Analysts and Consultants

• Computer Network Technicians

• User Support Technicians

  
  

Aquaculture Sector:

• Fishing Masters and Officers

• Aquaculture Managers

• Fishing Vessel Skippers and Fishermen/women

• Fish Hatchery Workers

  
  

Sector-Specific Restrictions

Food Service Industry Pause

Both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have implemented restrictions on food service occupations:

Nova Scotia has temporarily paused:

• Atlantic Immigration Program applications for NOC 62020 (food service supervisors)

• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSEEE) stream for work experience with NOC 62020

  
  

Additional Restrictions:

• As of April 17, 2024, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) paused intake of new applications from the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72)

• Candidates employed in accommodation and food service occupations with an employer outside of NAICS 72 may still apply to NSNP streams

  
  

Processing Time Challenges

Extended Wait Times

Due to high application volumes, processing times are significantly longer than usual for 2025. Immigration New Brunswick has stated they:

• Cannot provide processing times for individual applications

• Cannot guarantee that applications will be evaluated or approved before work permits expire

  
  

Critical Reminder: Applicants are responsible for maintaining their authorization to work throughout the immigration process.

Work Permit Extension Support

New Support for AIP Endorsees

Recognizing the longer processing times at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Immigration New Brunswick now offers:

Letter of Support for C18 Closed Work Permit:

• Provides a temporary solution while AIP endorsees await final decisions on permanent residence applications

• Available to endorsees whose current work permits are expiring

  
  

Important Note: AIP endorsees are not eligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) program.

Employment Change Requirements

Immigration New Brunswick must be informed of any changes in an AIP endorsee's employment situation, including:

• Loss of employment

• Change of employer

• Change in position

These changes may affect program eligibility, and endorsement certificates may need to be updated.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Planning

Nova Scotia's 2026 Priorities

The province has already announced its focus for 2026:

Primary Priority:

• Workers in healthcare, social assistance, and construction with permits expiring in 2026

Additional Priorities:

• Will be set once Nova Scotia receives its 2026 allocation from the federal government

  
  

What This Means for Applicants

If You're Already in Canada

If you're currently working in any of the Atlantic provinces with an expiring work permit in 2025, you remain a top priority. Ensure your application is complete and submitted as early as possible.

If You're Applying from Outside Canada

Your application will likely only be processed if you work in priority sectors:

Nova Scotia: Healthcare, social assistance, construction New Brunswick: Program paused for 2025 Prince Edward Island: Healthcare, construction, manufacturing Newfoundland and Labrador: Healthcare, ICT, aquaculture (and other in-demand occupations)

Applications in other sectors may face significant delays or may not be processed in 2025.

If You're an Employer

Designated Employers:

• New Brunswick is not accepting new designation applications for the remainder of 2025

• Nova Scotia continues to accept applications but with significant processing delays

• PEI is accepting applications only for healthcare, construction, and manufacturing positions

• Newfoundland and Labrador requires EOI submission before endorsement applications

  
  

Endorsement Applications:

• Must be submitted with complete documentation

• Priority given to positions in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, ICT, and aquaculture depending on the province

  
  

Provincial Comparison at a Glance

New Brunswick: Fully paused; no new applications accepted after April 4, 2025

Nova Scotia: Selective processing; prioritizing workers with expiring permits and healthcare/construction/social assistance sectors

Prince Edward Island: Limited to three sectors only (healthcare, construction, manufacturing)

Newfoundland and Labrador: Active with EOI model; priority processing for healthcare, ICT, and aquaculture

Key Takeaways

1. Act Quickly: If you're eligible and in a priority sector, submit your application as soon as possible

2. Maintain Status: Ensure you have valid work authorization throughout the process

3. Stay Informed: Monitor your provincial immigration profile regularly for updates

4. Plan Ahead: If you're not in a priority sector, consider alternative immigration pathways or wait for 2026 allocations

5. Report Changes: Inform immigration authorities immediately of any employment changes

6. Know Your Province: Each Atlantic province has different priorities and restrictions, understand your specific province's requirements

   
   

Need Expert Guidance?

The Atlantic Immigration Program remains one of Canada's most valuable pathways to permanent residence, but navigating the 2025 changes requires expertise and careful planning. Working with a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can help ensure your application is properly prepared and submitted according to current priorities.

At Crossing Oceans Immigration Services, we specialize in Atlantic Immigration Program applications across all four Atlantic provinces and stay current with all program changes. Whether you're an employer seeking to hire foreign workers or an individual pursuing permanent residence, we can help you understand your options and navigate this complex process.

Contact us today:

• Email: info@crossingoceansimmigration.com

• Book a consultation

  
  

This information is current as of November 2025. Immigration policies and program details are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official government sources or consult with a licensed immigration professional.