Starting February 3, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick has suspended new employer designation applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program while implementing sweeping reforms across three key immigration pathways.

The province is introducing a candidate pool system for AIP endorsement applications, in which monthly selections prioritize provincial labour market needs rather than processing applications chronologically.

Simultaneously, significant occupational restrictions now apply to both the New Brunswick Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams, particularly affecting the accommodation and food services sector.

Applications in the pool remain valid for 365 days, after which unselected candidates must resubmit them in full.

These measures reflect New Brunswick's strategic response to nationwide reductions in immigration and aim to better align newcomers' skills with the province's evolving economic priorities.

#new_brunswick_immigration, #atlantic_immigration_program, #aip, #nb_skilled_worker, #express_entry, #canada_immigration, #new_brunswick_pnp, #labour_market_priorities, #employer_designation, #nbpnp, #provincial_nominee_program