New Brunswick has temporarily paused several immigration pathways as it has reached its candidate allocation limit for the year. This announcement, effective November 15, impacts key programs designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to the province. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the paused pathways, their implications, and alternative options for prospective immigrants.
Paused Immigration Pathways in New Brunswick
The following immigration streams have been suspended, with specific details on their status and requirements:
1. New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Paused Until: End of 2024
The Atlantic Immigration Program, a popular pathway for skilled workers, has stopped accepting Employer Expressions of Interest (EOIs). However, the province will continue processing:
- Applications for candidates who have already submitted full Employer Designation applications.
- Candidates with an Employer Invitation to Apply (ITA) who submit their Employer Designation application.
The AIP allows skilled workers to settle in Atlantic Canada, provided they have a job offer from a designated employer in the region. Prospective immigrants are encouraged to explore similar programs in neighboring provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, where the AIP remains open.
2. New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot
Paused Until: End of 2024
This program, tailored for international graduates of specific one- and two-year programs, has also ceased issuing new nomination certificates. While candidates with existing ITAs can still submit their full nomination applications, those whose 90-day eligibility period expires before January will no longer qualify under this stream.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Graduates of select private career colleges in New Brunswick.
- Occupations in high-demand fields, including IT, business administration, supply chain management, cybersecurity, education, and health.
Notably, this pilot targets graduates ineligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), offering a valuable alternative pathway for permanent residency.
3. Exploratory Visit Connection (New Brunswick Strategic Initiative)
Paused Until: Further Notice
The Exploratory Visit Connection, designed for French-speaking foreign nationals, has been suspended indefinitely. While new ITAs will not be issued, EOIs already submitted remain valid for 365 days and may be processed if the stream reopens during this time.
Key restrictions include:
- EOIs submitted before March 12, 2024, will not be considered.
- Candidates must have completed an in-person exploratory visit of at least five full business days within the past year to be eligible.
Alternative Connections Available Under This Initiative:
- Job Offer Connection: Candidates with a job or genuine offer from a New Brunswick employer.
- Priority Connections:
- Recent graduates from Université de Moncton or Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) within six months.
- Remote workers residing in New Brunswick for at least 12 months and working for a Canadian company outside Quebec.
- Candidates receiving a Letter of Interest (LOI) from a New Brunswick Immigration Officer.
What This Means for Applicants
The temporary suspension of these programs underscores a common trend in provincial immigration systems, where pathways close once annual allocation limits are reached. Candidates affected by these pauses should:
- Monitor Program Updates: Keep an eye on New Brunswick’s immigration website for reopening announcements in early 2025.
- Explore Alternative Programs: Consider other provincial and federal pathways, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams in neighboring provinces or federal programs like Express Entry.
Alternative Pathways to Consider
For those looking to settle in New Brunswick or elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, here are some viable options:
- Express Entry Programs: A federal system for skilled workers, offering pathways like the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
- Other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Explore opportunities in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, which continue to operate similar streams.
- Federal Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Available in other Atlantic provinces for skilled workers with job offers from designated employers.
Key Takeaways
While the suspension of these pathways might seem discouraging, it is a temporary measure. New Brunswick remains committed to welcoming skilled workers and international graduates through its immigration programs. By staying informed and exploring alternative options, prospective immigrants can still achieve their goals of settling in Canada.
Keep checking back for updates and prepare for the reopening of these streams in 2025!
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