On February 3, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick announced multiple changes to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. (NBPNP), including new candidate pools, pauses on certain applications, and broad restrictions for accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) and selected retail-related occupations.
- New Brunswick has tightened AIP and NBPNP intake, especially for accommodation. and food services (NAICS 72) and several retail-related NOC codes, effective February 3, 2026.
- AIP endorsements now use a candidate pool, and new AIP employer designation applications are temporarily paused.
- If you work in a restricted occupation, you may need to reconsider your pathway or employer strategy before submitting a new application or EOI.
New Brunswick immigration changes on February 3, 2026: AIP and NBPNP restrictions
On February 3, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) published a series of “Important notices” that significantly change how the. province will handle employer-driven immigration under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
These changes affect both employers and foreign nationals, especially those in accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) and a list of retail and related occupations.
What exactly did New Brunswick announce?
Effective February 3, 2026, ImmigrationNB introduced several measures:
Effective February 3, 2026, ImmigrationNB introduced several measures:
- A new candidate pool system for AIP endorsement applications, with selections based on provincial priorities rather than first-come, first-served.
- A temporary pause on accepting new AIP employer designation applications.
- Restrictions on AIP endorsements for many accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) jobs, plus additional barred occupations in other sectors.
- Matching restrictions under the NB Skilled Worker stream and NB Express Entry. stream, limiting expressions of interest (EOIs) and invitations to apply (ITAs) for certain occupations.
New candidate pool for AIP endorsements
New Brunswick will now place AIP endorsement applications into a pool instead of processing them strictly in the order received. Each month, ImmigrationNB will select applications from this pool based on provincial priorities.
Applications that are not selected will automatically expire after 365 days, and a new complete endorsement application would be needed for further consideration.
This change allows New Brunswick to manage overall application volumes and respond more flexibly to labour market. needs, but it also means that eligibility alone no longer guarantees processing of an AIP endorsement application.
Temporary pause on new AIP employer designations
ImmigrationNB has temporarily stopped accepting new AIP employer designation applications. During this pause, the province will reassess existing designated employers and review priorities to ensure closer alignment with program goals and economic needs.
Current designated employers can still submit endorsement applications, but new employers who are not. yet designated will be unable to enter the AIP until this pause is lifted.
Restrictions for accommodation and food services (NAICS 72)
New Brunswick has introduced broad restrictions on positions in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72) under both the AIP and NBPNP streams.
- AIP endorsements: ImmigrationNB is not considering AIP endorsement applications for positions in NAICS 72, covering occupations such. as restaurant and food service managers, food service supervisors, chefs, cooks, bakers, hotel front desk clerks, and related roles.
- NB Skilled Worker stream: ImmigrationNB is not considering EOIs or issuing ITAs under this stream for candidates working in NAICS 72,. for a similar list of occupations plus additional roles such as food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and light-duty cleaners.
- NB Express Entry stream: ImmigrationNB is not considering EOIs or issuing ITAs under this. stream for candidates working in NAICS 72 in many of the same food service–related occupations.
However, in each case, the notices specify that candidates in these types of. jobs may still be able to apply if they are employed by a. business that is not classified under NAICS 72 (for example, a cook working.
in an institutional setting whose employer’s main activity is not accommodation or food services).
Additional occupations no longer considered, regardless of sector
Beyond NAICS 72, ImmigrationNB has identified several occupations that will not be considered for. AIP endorsements or NBPNP EOIs/ITAs, even if they are outside accommodation and food services.
The lists vary slightly between AIP, NB Skilled Worker, and NB Express Entry, but they generally include:
Retail and wholesale trade managers
- Retail and wholesale trade managers
- Retail sales supervisors and retail salespersons
- Retail and wholesale buyers and butchers (retail/wholesale)
- Customer service representatives, cashiers, shelf stockers, and service station attendants
- Shippers and receivers
- Fish and seafood plant workers and labourers in food, beverage, and seafood processing
These exclusions apply even when the employer is in a different NAICS sector, signaling. a broader shift away from lower-wage, high-turnover roles in the province’s employer-driven immigration programs.
Restrictions for candidates outside Canada under AIP
For AIP endorsement applications, New Brunswick has also limited positions offered to foreign nationals residing outside Canada. For out-of-country candidates, endorsement applications are now restricted to recruitment initiatives led by the Government of New Brunswick in three priority sectors:
- Health care
- Education
- Construction trades
Employers and candidates in other sectors may need to rely on existing in-Canada workers or consider alternative immigration pathways.
Summary table: programs and new restrictions
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| Program / Stream | Main change | Who is restricted? |
|---|---|---|
| AIP – Endorsements | New candidate pool; no endorsements for NAICS 72; extra barred occupations; limits for applicants outside Canada | NAICS 72 jobs; listed retail/processing roles; many out-of-country candidates outside priority sectors |
| NBPNP – Skilled Worker | No EOIs/ITAs for NAICS 72 and additional retail/processing occupations | Candidates in affected NOC codes, especially in accommodation, food services, and certain retail roles |
| NBPNP – Express Entry | No EOIs/ITAs for NAICS 72 and selected retail occupations | Express Entry candidates in specific food service and retail occupations |
Who is most affected by these changes?
The impact will depend heavily on your situation:
- If you work in accommodation or food services (NAICS 72) in New Brunswick: You may no longer be. considered for AIP endorsements or NBPNP nominations under the listed streams if your employer is also in NAICS 72. You should confirm your employer’s NAICS code and review alternative pathways.
- If you are in one of the listed retail or processing occupations: You may. be ineligible for AIP endorsements and/or NBPNP EOIs/ITAs, even if your employer is outside NAICS 72.
- If you are outside Canada: Under AIP, your options may now. be limited to health care, education, or construction recruitment missions led by New Brunswick.
- If you already have a nomination or endorsement: The notices emphasize that withdrawing an existing New Brunswick nomination or AIP endorsement to. reapply under another NB program is not permitted, and holders are expected to submit their permanent residence application to IRCC before their certificate expires.
If you are already in the INB pool or submitted an application
The notices clarify that ImmigrationNB cannot guarantee that an application will be evaluated or approved before. a work permit expires, and that applicants are responsible for maintaining valid work authorization throughout the process.
One possible interpretation is that even if your occupation remains eligible, you should not assume. a quick decision or rely on a future nomination or endorsement to maintain your status.
Instead, you may need to explore extensions or alternative status options in advance.
Practical next steps for candidates and employers
Depending on your situation, you may consider the following actions:
- Confirm your occupation and your employer’s NAICS code. This determines whether the new restrictions apply to you.
- Review your current pathway. If you are affected, assess other New Brunswick. programs or federal pathways such as Express Entry, family sponsorship, or other provinces’ PNPs.
- Maintain valid status in Canada. If your work permit is expiring, speak with an immigration professional about extension options or alternative status strategies.
- Employers should plan recruitment strategy. Designated employers may need to shift hiring toward priority. sectors or different occupations and be prepared for longer timelines due to the new AIP pool.
Internal and external resources
For deeper background on specific pathways and strategies, you may wish to review:
Key official sources for these February 3, 2026 changes include ImmigrationNB’s “Important notices” page and program stream pages:
- Immigration New Brunswick – Important notices
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream – official page
- New Brunswick Express Entry stream – official page
Should you change your strategy now?
For many candidates in restricted occupations, New Brunswick may no longer be a viable short-term option under AIP or NBPNP. Others may still qualify but will face more uncertainty due to the new candidate pool and selection-based approach.
One option is to treat these changes as a prompt to diversify your plans: consider other provinces, review your NOC classification and work experience,. and verify whether you might fit better under a different stream or federal pathway, always starting from the official program guides and your specific facts.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
If you are unsure how these changes affect your case, especially if your status. is expiring or you are in a restricted occupation, consider getting a personalized assessment.
Book a consultation to review your options under the latest New Brunswick and federal rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this affect an existing New Brunswick nomination or AIP endorsement?
The February 3, 2026 notices focus on new applications, EOIs, ITAs, and endorsements. They also state that if you already have a New Brunswick NBPNP nomination or AIP endorsement, you are expected to apply for. permanent residence with IRCC before your certificate expires and that withdrawing a certificate to reapply under another NB program is not permitted.
Can I still apply if I work in a listed occupation but my employer is not NAICS 72?
Yes, in some cases. The notices state that candidates in listed “accommodation and food services” type jobs may still submit AIP endorsements. or NBPNP EOIs if their employer is not directly in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72). However, this does not override the separate list of occupations barred regardless of. sector, so you must check both your NOC and your employer’s NAICS code.
What if I already submitted an EOI or endorsement application before February 3, 2026?
The notices do not provide detailed retroactivity rules for applications already in the system. They do clarify that ImmigrationNB cannot guarantee processing before a work permit expiry and that applicants must maintain their own authorization to work.
One possible interpretation is that existing files may still be assessed under the new priorities and restrictions, but outcomes are not guaranteed.
Are these changes Canada-wide or only for New Brunswick?
These February 3, 2026 changes are specific to New Brunswick’s role in the Atlantic Immigration Program and its own provincial nominee program. Other provinces and territories may set different criteria for their PNPs, and federal programs such as Express Entry remain under IRCC’s authority. Always review each province’s official website and IRCC’s official pages for up-to-date rules.
Do I still have options if I’m in a restricted occupation?
Often, yes. While New Brunswick has tightened its use of certain occupations, you may be able to:
- Qualify under a different occupation that better reflects your actual duties.
- Gain experience or an offer in a different role or sector.
- Explore other provinces’ PNPs or federal pathways not affected by these New Brunswick-specific restrictions.
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Because each case is fact-specific, a detailed review of your work history, education, and current status is recommended before making major changes.
