After Receiving an Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Endorsement in New Brunswick: Here's What to Do Next - Sehli Global Visa Consultant
Receiving an Endorsement Certificate under the New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an important milestone on your journey to Canadian permanent residence. However, it is not the final step.
One of the most common misunderstandings among applicants is believing that an endorsement automatically guarantees permanent residence. It does not. An endorsement simply confirms that the Province of New Brunswick supports your application. The final decision on your permanent residence application is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Understanding what happens after endorsement can help you avoid unnecessary delays and keep your application on track. Drawing on the official post-endorsement guidance published by the Government of New Brunswick’s Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB), Here’s what you should do after receiving an endorsement.
What Is an Endorsement Certificate?
An Endorsement Certificate is issued by Immigration New Brunswick after it approves:
- the designated employer;
- the job offer;
- the applicant’s eligibility; and
- the settlement plan.
The certificate allows you to submit a permanent residence application to IRCC under the Atlantic Immigration Program. It is not a permanent resident visa, a work permit or a guarantee that your application will be approved.
Step 1: Submit Your Permanent Residence Application
Once you receive your Endorsement Certificate, your first priority should be submitting your permanent residence application to IRCC before the endorsement expires.
Your application should include all required supporting documents, including:
- Endorsement Certificate;
- Job Offer;
- language test results;
- Educational Credential Assessment, where required;
- identity and civil status documents;
- police certificates;
- medical examination results, where applicable;
- proof of work experience, where required; and
- all other forms and supporting documents required by IRCC.
Submitting an incomplete application may result in delays or your application being returned.
Step 2: Apply for a Temporary Work Permit if Needed
If you are outside Canada, or your current work authorization may expire before your permanent residence application is finalized, you may qualify for an Atlantic Immigration Program-specific temporary work permit.
Generally, you will need:
- a valid Endorsement Certificate;
- a Work Permit Support Letter issued by Immigration New Brunswick; and
- confirmation that your employer has submitted the required job offer through IRCC’s Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee.
This work permit allows eligible applicants to begin or continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Your Responsibilities After Receiving an Endorsement
Receiving an endorsement does not end your obligations. You must continue meeting the program requirements until you officially become a permanent resident.
Continue Meeting the Conditions of Your Endorsement
You are expected to continue working under the employment conditions that formed the basis of your endorsement.
If there are significant changes, they should be reported as soon as possible. These include:
- changing employers;
- changes to your job duties;
- relocating to another work location;
- reduced working hours;
- resignation or termination; or
- significant changes to your salary or employment conditions.
Failing to report important changes could affect your immigration application.
Keep Your Immigration Status Valid
If you are already in Canada, you are responsible for ensuring that your temporary status remains valid throughout the application process.
This includes your:
- work permit;
- study permit;
- visitor status; or
- any other temporary resident status.
An Endorsement Certificate does not extend your legal status in Canada.
Report Important Changes to Immigration New Brunswick
Immigration New Brunswick requires endorsed applicants to report material changes to their circumstances.
These include:
- a new residential address;
- updated contact information;
- a change of employer;
- loss of employment;
- a new position with the same employer; or
- any other significant personal or employment change.
Applicants should submit these updates using the Post-Endorsement Request (NBAIP-21) form together with any required supporting documents.
Can You Withdraw Your Endorsement and Apply Under Another New Brunswick Program?
Generally, no.
Immigration New Brunswick states that applicants who have already received an AIP Endorsement Certificate cannot withdraw it simply to apply under another provincial immigration stream.
Employer Responsibilities After Endorsement
Employers also have ongoing responsibilities after endorsement.
A designated employer should notify Immigration New Brunswick if there are significant employment changes before the employee becomes a permanent resident.
Examples include:
- termination of employment;
- layoffs;
- resignation;
- changes to job duties;
- promotions;
- transfers;
- reduced working hours;
- changes to wages; or
- business restructuring.
Failure to report these changes could affect the employer’s continued participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Delaying Your Permanent Residence Application
Waiting too long to gather your documents could allow your endorsement to expire before your application is submitted. If this happens, a new endorsement may be required.
2. Assuming Endorsement Guarantees Permanent Residence
An endorsement confirms provincial support, but IRCC still reviews your application and assesses admissibility, identity, criminality, medical requirements, eligibility and document completeness before making a final decision.
3. Changing Employers Without Understanding the Impact
The Atlantic Immigration Program is employer-driven. Changing employers without understanding how it affects your application could put your permanent residence process at risk.
4. Failing to Report Important Changes
Changes such as losing your job, changing employers or moving into a different position may need to be reported to Immigration New Brunswick using the required post-endorsement process.
5. Allowing Your Temporary Status to Expire
Your endorsement does not automatically extend your legal status in Canada. Make sure your work permit, study permit or visitor status remains valid while waiting for IRCC’s decision.
Tips for Applicants
- Keep copies of every document you submit.
- Check your email regularly for updates from IRCC or Immigration New Brunswick.
- Respond promptly if additional information is requested.
- Report material changes without delay.
- Stay in regular contact with your employer.
- Continue working under the conditions of your endorsed job offer whenever possible.
- Ensure your passport remains valid throughout processing.
Tips for Employers
- Continue employing the candidate under the endorsed job conditions whenever possible.
- Notify Immigration New Brunswick promptly if employment circumstances change.
- Maintain accurate payroll and employment records.
- Cooperate with any requests from Immigration New Brunswick or IRCC.
- Support the employee’s settlement and integration.
- Continue complying with provincial employment standards and Atlantic Immigration Program requirements.
How Sehli Global Can Help
Receiving an endorsement is an important step, but preparing a complete permanent residence application and understanding your ongoing responsibilities can be just as important.
As a licensed Canadian immigration consulting firm, we help applicants understand the Atlantic Immigration Program requirements, prepare complete permanent residence applications, review supporting documents and navigate each stage of the immigration process with confidence.
Whether you have questions about your endorsement, your work permit options or your permanent residence application, you can book a consultation with Sehli Global for professional immigration guidance tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an endorsement guarantee permanent residence?
No. An endorsement confirms that the Province of New Brunswick supports your application, but IRCC makes the final decision on your permanent residence application.
Can I apply for a work permit after receiving an endorsement?
Yes. Eligible applicants may apply for an Atlantic Immigration Program-specific work permit if they have a valid Work Permit Support Letter and their employer completes the required federal employer compliance process.
What happens if I lose my job after endorsement?
You should notify Immigration New Brunswick immediately. Losing your job or changing employers is considered a material change and could affect your application.
Can I switch to another New Brunswick immigration stream after receiving an endorsement?
Generally, no. Applicants who have already received an AIP Endorsement Certificate cannot normally withdraw it simply to apply under another provincial immigration stream.
