New Brunswick's AIP: Factors That Determine Occupation Eligibility
April 24, 2025
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If you are considering immigrating to Canada and wish to settle in New Brunswick, understanding how occupation eligibility for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) works is essential. As one of the four Atlantic provinces participating in the AIP, New Brunswick is key in selecting candidates whose skills match its current labor market needs. However, not all jobs are treated equally, and eligibility can depend on several important factors. Whether you are a skilled worker or an international graduate, staying informed about what New Brunswick is looking for is essential.
This guide discusses the main factors determining occupation eligibility under New Brunswick’s AIP.
Pause on Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Applications For 2025
As of April 4, 2025, Immigration New Brunswick (NB) has announced a temporary pause on accepting new endorsement applications and invitations for employers to become designated under the AIP for the remainder of the year due to the full allocation for 2025 being reached. While this pause is in effect, the information provided herein remains relevant for understanding the program's general eligibility criteria and future application periods. Applications submitted on or before April 4, 2025, will continue to be processed.
Which Factors Determine Occupation Eligibility for New Brunswick’s AIP?
Occupation eligibility for New Brunswick’s AIP is a multi-factored assessment that considers the type of job offer, its alignment with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, wage standards, and whether the occupation is designated or regulated within the province.
A Genuine and Full-Time Job Offer
The very foundation of an AIP application rests upon a valid job offer from a designated New Brunswick employer. This offer cannot be just any position; it must meet the following specific criteria.
Full-time
The employment must consist of at least 30 work hours per week, translating to at least 1,560 hours annually. This requirement ensures that the position offers stable and substantial employment.
Non-seasonal
The role must be year-round, without any extended breaks in employment. Any period during which Employment Insurance (EI) is received is considered a break and renders the position ineligible under the AIP. This stipulation aims to attract individuals seeking long-term employment in New Brunswick.
Genuine and Unconditional
The job offer must be genuine and reflect a real need within your New Brunswick employer’s organization. It should be unconditional, based solely on the applicant’s qualifications and not dependent on other external factors.
Employer Support
The New Brunswick employer must demonstrate a willingness to support the foreign national's AIP application. This underscores the collaborative nature of the program, requiring active participation from local businesses.
Your New Brunswick employer must provide a formal job offer, contract, or reference letter, along with the mandatory NB-004 Employment Information form, as part of the application. These documents serve as evidence of the employment terms and your New Brunswick employer's commitment.
The NOC System: Classifying Occupations
The NOC system is a critical framework Immigration NB uses to categorize and assess occupations within the Canadian labor market. Each occupation is assigned a unique four or five-digit NOC code based on its duties, skills, aptitudes, and work environment.
Matching Duties and Responsibilities
Applicants must identify the correct NOC code that accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the job offered in New Brunswick. The supporting documentation provided must demonstrate this alignment. Immigration NB looks at this match to ensure that the job offer corresponds to a recognized occupation within the Canadian labour market.
Assessing Labor Needs and Applicant Suitability
Immigration NB uses the NOC system to evaluate whether the employer's need for a foreign worker is genuine and whether the applicant possesses the skills and experience necessary to perform the job duties effectively. This helps ensure that the AIP facilitates recruiting individuals who can contribute meaningfully to New Brunswick's economy.
Potential Restrictions Based on Labor Market Conditions
It is important to recognize that Immigration NB retains the discretion not to accept specific NOC codes. This decision is informed by an assessment of New Brunswick's standard Canadian labour market conditions, the current volume of applications in specific sectors, the province's annual nomination allocations under the AIP, and any other relevant factors determined by the Government of New Brunswick.
Government-Led Recruitment and Priority NOC Codes
In certain cases, job offers resulting directly from recruitment missions started by the Government of New Brunswick receive specific attention under the AIP. These priority occupations often align with sectors experiencing significant labour shortages within the province. As of the current guidelines, these priority NOC codes fall within the following sectors outlined in the table below.
| Priority New Brunswick AIP Sectors | Occupations | NOC Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses | 31301 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 32101 | |
| Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment | 32109 | |
| Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations | 33101 | |
| Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates | 33102 | |
| Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services | 33109 | |
| Home Support Workers, Caregivers, and Related Occupations | 44101 | |
| Education | Secondary School Teachers | 41220 |
| Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers | 41221 | |
| Social and Community Service Workers | 42201 | |
| Early Childhood Educators and Assistants | 42202 | |
| Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 | |
| Construction Trades | Construction Managers | 70010 |
| Home Building and Renovation Managers | 70011 | |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical trades, and Telecommunications Occupation | 72011 | |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers | 72014 | |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic trades | 72020 | |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 72102 | |
| Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 | |
| Electricians (except Industrial and Power System) | 72200 | |
| Industrial Electricians | 72201 | |
| Carpenters | 72310 | |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | |
| Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 | |
| Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | 72402 | |
| Crane Operators | 72500 | |
| Concrete Finishers | 73100 | |
| Plasterers, Drywall Installers, and Finishers and Lathers | 73102 | |
| Roofers and Shinglers | 73110 | |
| Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers | 73200 | |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | 73400 | |
| Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers | 75110 | |
| Material Handlers | 75101 |
Job offers falling under these specific NOC codes, arising from government-led recruitment efforts, are likely to receive priority consideration under the AIP.
Competitive Base Wage
Ensuring fair compensation for foreign workers is a key principle of the AIP. The base wage offered by the New Brunswick employer must meet specific criteria.
Within Regional Wage Ranges
The base wage must fall within the range of wages earned by workers in the same occupation within the specific region of New Brunswick where the job is located. Immigration NB relies on labour market information from Canada’s Job Bank, the Government of Canada's official job board, to determine these prevailing wage rates.
Consistent with Employer Pay Structure
The offered wage must also align with the employer's existing pay scale for similar positions within their organization. This prevents discrepancies and ensures equitable treatment of all employees.
It is important to understand that Immigration NB solely considers the base wage. Additional forms of compensation, such as bonuses, commissions, tips, overtime pay, housing allowances, or room and board, are not factored into the assessment of wage eligibility.
Designated or Regulated Occupations: Licensing and Certification
Certain professions in New Brunswick are designated or regulated, meaning that individuals working in these occupations must hold specific licenses or certifications to practice legally. Suppose the job offer falls under a designated or regulated occupation.
In that case, the foreign national must possess the appropriate and valid license or certificate that permits them to work in that role within the province. New Brunswick employers are expected to assist potential candidates in understanding and obtaining the necessary credentials. Failure to possess the required licensing will make the job offer ineligible under the AIP.
Other Eligibility Requirements for New Brunswick’s AIP
While the nature of the job offer and its corresponding occupation are central to eligibility, applicants must also meet other fundamental requirements under New Brunswick’s AIP.
Work Experience
Applicants need at least one year of paid work experience (minimum 1,560 hours) within the past five years, either in Canada or abroad. This experience must be related to the New Brunswick position offered (same or related NOC code). It can be accumulated with one or more employers over at least 12 months. Proper documentation, generally reference letters detailing job duties, duration, and hours worked, is essential.
Education
The applicant's education level must meet the requirements for the offered position as determined by the NOC system. Official certificates, diplomas, or degrees, along with transcripts, are required. If the education was obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization, valid for less than five years, must be provided.
Language Skills
Fluency in either English or French is required. Applicants must undergo an approved language test and achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 score in all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Intent to Reside in New Brunswick
Applicants must genuinely intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick and demonstrate their ability to establish themselves economically within the province. Evidence of this intent can include current or future employment, past or present residency, ties to the province (education, family), steps to settle permanently, community involvement, and a commitment to prioritizing New Brunswick over other parts of Canada.
Age
To be eligible for the New Brunswick AIP, applicants must meet a minimum age requirement. Specifically, you must be at least 19 years old when you submit your application. This age criterion ensures that applicants are of working age and can contribute to the province's economy.
FAQs
Can I Switch Employers After Arriving in New Brunswick Under the AIP?
Yes, you can switch employers, but the new employer must also be designated under the AIP. You may need to obtain a new endorsement from the province to continue with your immigration process.
What Happens if My Job Offer Becomes Invalid During the Application Process?
If your job offer is withdrawn or the employer loses their designation, your application could be delayed or refused. You would need to secure a new job offer from another designated New Brunswick employer to proceed.
Can International Graduates of New Brunswick Institutions Apply Under the AIP?
Yes, international graduates from eligible New Brunswick institutions can apply without prior work experience. To qualify, they must still receive a valid job offer from a designated New Brunswick employer.
Are Certain NOC Categories Prioritized Over Others?
Yes, New Brunswick prioritizes occupations in NOC Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) levels 0, 1, 2, and 3, generally requiring post-secondary education or training. However, TEER 4 and 5 jobs may also be eligible if there is demonstrated demand.