How to Immigrate to New Brunswick Through the Atlantic Immigration Program

Updated on January 8, 2026 by canadian immigration experts

Are you looking to kick-start your new life in Canada? New Brunswick might be your perfect destination with growing job opportunities, welcoming communities, and a clear path to permanent residence through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). 

You can be a highly skilled worker, a fresh international graduate, or simply someone with superior intermediate skills, and the AIP will match you with potential employers in Canada, and help you settle down in the province.

We will go through all the ways of immigrating to New Brunswick with the help of the AIP in detail in the following blog, discuss the requirements that you need to meet, and give you some insider information on applying.

Way 1: Skilled Worker Stream

This stream is a major pathway for foreign nationals with work experience (at least one year in most cases) and an offer from a Chosen New Brunswick company in their skilled field of occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under Canada’s NOC/TEER system). This stream is ideal if:

• You have solid professional experience in your field.
• You’ve received a full‑time permanent job offer from a New Brunswick employer authorized to hire through the AIP.
• You want to pursue permanent residence directly and settle long‑term.

It’s employer‑driven, meaning the process begins with a New Brunswick employer seeking to fill a local labour gap that can’t be met by the local workforce. Once you secure that job offer, the employer initiates an endorsement application on your behalf.

Note: AIP 2025 intake is currently paused in New Brunswick, so new endorsement applications aren’t being accepted until future allocation cycles resume. 

Always check the official immigration page before preparing documentation.

Way 2: International Graduate Stream

The International Graduate Stream under the AIP supports young professionals who completed postsecondary education in Atlantic Canada and now want to remain in New Brunswick to work and settle. 

Qualification Essentials:

• A credential (degree, diploma, certificate) from a recognized institution in one of the Atlantic provinces. 
• A full‑time job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick,  ideally in a role related to your studies or skills.
• Proof of adequate language ability and legal status to apply.

This pathway is particularly appealing because it often removes the strict work experience requirement many skilled streams demand.

How It Works:

• Complete your program at an Atlantic Canadian institution.
• Secure a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick.
• The employer seeks provincial endorsement for your PR application.
• You file your PR application with IRCC upon endorsement.

Way 3: Intermediate-Skilled Worker Stream

The Intermediate-Skilled Worker Stream under the Atlantic Immigration Program targets candidates with experience in in-demand roles that are not considered high-skill but are critical for New Brunswick’s labor market. These are typically NOC TEER C jobs, which include occupations like:

• Healthcare aides or personal support workers
• Tradespeople (electricians, welders, carpenters)
• Food service supervisors and technicians

This stream is particularly useful for people who have strong work experience but may not have a university degree. It addresses labor gaps in essential services that are vital to community wellbeing.

Eligibility Requirements:

• A valid full-time, permanent job offer from a designated New Brunswick employer in an intermediate-skilled occupation.
• Minimum one year of work experience in the relevant field.
• Proof of language proficiency, usually at CLB 4 or higher, depending on the role.
• Ability to settle and financially support yourself and any dependents in New Brunswick.

Way 4: Express Entry Linked AIP (if applicable)

For candidates who already have an Express Entry profile, New Brunswick offers the chance to receive a provincial nomination through the Atlantic Immigration Program. This pathway combines federal Express Entry points with provincial selection, giving you an advantage for permanent residence.

Eligibility & Benefits:

• Must have a valid Express Entry profile (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class).
• Employers in New Brunswick must provide a job offer and obtain provincial endorsement.
• Nomination provides 600 extra CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for PR.

Way 5: Employer-Driven Nominations

Many employers in New Brunswick have an issue of hiring locally. This Atlantic Immigration Program gives a pathway for nomination of foreign workers in the lists of high-demand occupations to the designated employers for either skilled or intermediate-skilled positions.

Key Points:

1. Central to it is usually the employer, who makes the request for endorsement applications.
2. Employers provide labour market information that proves the position cannot be filled locally.
3. It includes a clear pathway to PR, supported at the provincial level with guidance to the applicants. Application Steps
4. Apply to designated employers for jobs.
5. The employer then issues a request for endorsement to the New Brunswick government.
6. The applicant submits a PR application with IRCC upon approval.

Conclusion 

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers skilled workers, international graduates, and intermediate-skilled candidates multiple avenues to immigrate to New Brunswick. From employer-driven endorsements to Express Entry-linked nominations, the program aims to match labor market needs with qualified international talent, while also providing a clear pathway to permanent residence. 

First, check your eligibility, align your skill sets with labor market requirements, and get your application ready with due preparation. Your future in this welcoming Canadian Atlantic province may start today.