New Brunswick AIP Draw 2026: 63 Selected Amid New Immigration Restrictions

October 23, 2026
CIC News Update
Canada, New Brunswick, PNP
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New Brunswick has selected 63 applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for endorsement processing in two rounds held on September 25 and October 2, 2026. The latest update comes as the province introduces changes to eligible occupations and continues to prioritise its immigration needs.

For foreign workers hoping to settle in Atlantic Canada, these developments highlight why a suitable job offer, occupation eligibility, and the latest provincial rules matter when planning an immigration application.

Also Read New Brunswick Selects 63 Applicants for AIP in October 2026

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Key Details of the Latest Draw

The 63 selected applicants will move forward to the endorsement-processing stage. This is an important step in the AIP pathway, but selection does not automatically mean endorsement approval or Canadian permanent residence.

New Brunswick assessed applications submitted by the specified cut-off dates:

September 25 round: Applications submitted by September 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
October 2 round: Applications submitted by October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AST.

Applicants whose submissions are approved can receive a provincial endorsement certificate, which allows them to proceed with their federal permanent residence application, subject to the applicable requirements.

New Brunswick AIP Selection History for 2026

The province has conducted 10 AIP-specific selection rounds during 2026. Following the October 2 round, 695 applicants had been selected for endorsement application processing.

Selection date	Applications selected
September 25 and October 2	63
September 10	60
August 10 and August 20	68
July 22	114
June 3	97
May 1	50
April 1	118
March 3–6	125

Unlike some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, these AIP rounds select existing applications to move into endorsement processing. They should not be interpreted as invitations issued to submit a new application.

October 14 Changes: Occupation Eligibility Gets Tighter

New Brunswick has adjusted which occupations it will accept for AIP endorsement applications from October 14, 2026. Applications in otherwise eligible occupations may be considered, except for the following excluded roles:

Excluded occupation	NOC code
Fish and seafood plant workers	94142
Food service supervisors	62020
Restaurant and food service managers	60030
Shippers and receivers	14400

The province has also restricted applications for candidates living outside Canada to government-led recruitment initiatives in healthcare, education, and construction.

These changes make it especially important for prospective applicants to confirm their occupation and location eligibility before proceeding.

What Applicants Need to Qualify for the AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for eligible skilled workers and international graduates who intend to live in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

For New Brunswick applicants, a key requirement is a valid job offer from an employer designated by the provincial government to participate in the AIP. Meeting this requirement alone does not guarantee selection or endorsement; applicants must also satisfy the relevant program criteria.

New Brunswick announced on September 14 that its pause on new employer designation applications would continue through the end of 2026. The province is using this period to reassess existing designated employers and its immigration priorities.

Can Selected Applicants Apply for a Work Permit?

Some AIP applicants may qualify for an employer-specific work permit while their permanent residence process is underway. Where the applicable conditions are met, this permit may be valid for up to two years.

Applicants already in Canada may also qualify for maintained status if they submit an eligible application before their current work permit expires. Whether they can continue working, and under what conditions, depends on their individual circumstances and the rules that apply to their application.

A work permit is not automatic simply because an application has been selected for endorsement processing. Applicants should confirm their eligibility and required documentation before relying on this option.

Conclusion

The latest selection results show that New Brunswick continues to advance AIP applications while refining its approach to occupations, overseas recruitment, and employer participation. With new restrictions now in effect, candidates should avoid relying on older eligibility information.

Before pursuing the Atlantic Immigration Program, check whether your occupation is eligible, whether you have a job offer from a designated employer, and whether you meet the current provincial and federal requirements.

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