Effective September 14, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick removed the restriction on the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72) under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Occupations in this sector that are not on the restricted list below are eligible for AIP endorsement applications again.
Occupations now eligible (examples)
| Occupation | NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Cook | 63200 | 3 |
| Chef | 62200 | 2 |
| Baker | 63202 | 3 |
| Bartender | 64301 | 4 |
| Hotel front desk clerk | 64314 | 4 |
TEER 4 job offers must be for permanent employment with no set end date. TEER 0 to 3 job offers must last at least one year from the time the candidate becomes a permanent resident.
Occupations that remain restricted
The official New Brunswick notice lists these occupations as still restricted:
- Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
- Retail salespersons (NOC 64100)
- Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142)
Occupations outside AIP
TEER 5 occupations such as food and beverage servers (NOC 65200), kitchen helpers (NOC 65201) and light duty cleaners (NOC 65310) are not eligible for AIP, regardless of this change. IRCC accepts AIP job offers in TEER 0 to 4 only.
What this reopening means
Foreign workers already employed by a designated AIP employer in New Brunswick in one of the eligible occupations can once again apply for endorsement toward permanent residence through AIP.
What this reopening does NOT mean
- It does not open a pathway to hire new workers from overseas. Endorsement applications for positions offered to foreign nationals living outside Canada are limited to recruitment initiatives led by the Government of New Brunswick in health care, education and construction.
- New employer designation applications remain paused for the remainder of 2026.
- Meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection. Allocations are limited, and priority factors include the length of employment in New Brunswick and demonstrated economic establishment.
Who should check their eligibility
- Workers already employed in New Brunswick as a cook, chef or other TEER 0 to 4 hospitality role — you may be able to apply for endorsement now.
- Food service supervisors and restaurant managers — these occupations remain restricted, so other pathways need to be considered.
- Employers hoping to bring in new hospitality workers from abroad — this update does not apply to you. LMIA-based work permits remain the relevant pathway for net-new overseas hires.
Questions
If you would like to know whether this applies to your situation, please contact lmia@nohproblem.com (employers) or document@nohproblem.com (workers).
Sources
- Government of New Brunswick — Immigration: Important notices (notice of September 14, 2026)
- IRCC — Atlantic Immigration Program: job offer requirements
Disclaimer: This announcement is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
