New Brunswick AIP Update: More Occupations Eligible as of October 14, 2026

Good news for workers and employers in New Brunswick. Immigration New Brunswick has removed more restrictions under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). That opens the door to endorsement for many more occupations. Here's what changed, who benefits, and what's still limited.

What changed

As of October 14, 2026, candidate endorsement applications under the AIP in New Brunswick can be submitted for all occupations except these four:

• NOC 14400 – Shippers and receivers
• NOC 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers
• NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors
• NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers

TEER 5 occupations are still not eligible under the program.

Under the province's previous notice from September 14, 2026, more occupations were restricted. Based on a comparison of the two notices, the October update appears to reopen endorsement for several retail-related occupations. These include retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020), retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010), retail and wholesale buyers (NOC 62101), and retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100).

Who it affects

Workers already in New Brunswick benefit most. If you work for a designated employer in an occupation that is no longer restricted, you may now be considered for endorsement.

Candidates outside Canada still face limits. Endorsement applications for positions offered to foreign nationals living outside Canada remain limited to recruitment initiatives led by the Government of New Brunswick in:

• Health care
• Education
• Construction

Employers should note that intake of new employer designation applications remains paused for the rest of 2026 (effective September 14, 2026). If your business isn't already designated, you can't apply for designation right now.

Selection isn't guaranteed. Immigration New Brunswick says that meeting the eligibility requirements doesn't guarantee your application will be selected for processing. Demand continues to exceed the available endorsement allocations. The province says it prioritizes candidates who show a strong likelihood of long-term establishment and retention, based on:

• How long you've worked in New Brunswick
• Your economic establishment and attachment to the province
• Whether you work, or have a job offer, in a priority sector (health care, education or construction)

What to do next

1. Check your NOC code. Confirm your job's NOC and TEER level against the job duties, not just the job title.
2. Talk to your employer. AIP endorsement goes through a designated employer. Make sure your employer is designated and willing to support your endorsement.
3. Strengthen your file. Gather evidence of your time working in New Brunswick and your ties to the province, such as your lease, community involvement and tax filings.
4. Meet the other AIP requirements. Occupation eligibility is only one part. Language, education, settlement funds (if needed) and job offer requirements still apply.
5. Watch for updates. New Brunswick has changed its AIP rules several times in 2026, so check the province's Important Notices page often.

Official sources

• Government of New Brunswick – Immigration: Important notices
• IRCC – Atlantic Immigration Program

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