The federal government has tightened the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) by adding a 90‑day deadline for applicants who experience changes to their employment or to the ownership of their employer. Under the new operational instructions, officers must issue a procedural fairness letter (PFL) outlining the required documents; failure to submit them within 90 days will result in a refusal of the permanent‑residence (PR) application.
New procedural requirements
- Procedural fairness letter – Officers must notify the applicant of the missing documentation and the 90‑day response period.
- Refusal trigger – If the applicant does not provide the required evidence within the deadline, the PR file must be refused.
- Updated documentation list – The new guidance specifies different documents from those previously required for each type of employment change.
Scenarios covered
| Scenario | Required action | Documents to submit (within 90 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Change in employer ownership | The endorsing province must reassess the employer’s AIP designation and the applicant’s provincial support. | • Provincial letter confirming continued support (if employer loses designation) or • Updated provincial endorsement and offer of employment (IMM 0157) if the employer remains designated |
| Change of role within the same employer (e.g., wages, occupation, NOC/TEER code) | Applicant must update the provincial endorsement and the job offer. | • Updated provincial endorsement certificate reflecting the new job details • Updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) form |
| Change of job title only | Officer decides case‑by‑case whether an updated endorsement is needed. | May require an updated endorsement certificate, depending on officer’s assessment |
| Switch to a different designated AIP employer | Applicant must provide new endorsement and job offer for the new employer. | • Updated provincial endorsement certificate • Updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) form |
Impact on AIP work permits
- The previous requirement for AIP‑specific work‑permit documentation has been moved to a separate guidance document covering general eligibility and evidence for foreign‑worker permits.
- AIP applicants continue to be eligible for a two‑year, employer‑specific work permit tied to the job offer that supports their PR application. Spouses or common‑law partners may apply for an open work permit.
Background on the Atlantic Immigration Program
- The AIP is an employer‑driven pathway to PR for candidates intending to settle in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
- Applicants must have a full‑time job offer from a designated, in‑province employer, provincial endorsement, and meet criteria for work experience, education, language ability, and settlement funds.
- Processing time for AIP PR applications has remained around 26 months since June 2026.
- Unlike many other PR streams, AIP applicants are not eligible for bridging open work permits, making the two‑year employer‑specific permit a critical bridge to maintain work status while the PR file is processed.
Practical considerations for applicants
- Monitor employer changes – Any alteration in ownership, job duties, or employer must be reported promptly to avoid a refusal.
- Maintain provincial endorsement – Ensure the endorsing province re‑affirms support after any change; a loss of endorsement leads to automatic refusal.
- Prepare documentation early – Gather the updated provincial endorsement certificate and IMM 0157 form as soon as a change occurs to meet the 90‑day deadline.
- Use IRCC’s online web form – Submissions for employment changes must be made through the IRCC web‑form portal.
These changes introduce a stricter timeline and clearer documentation requirements, aiming to reduce uncertainty for immigration officers while placing greater responsibility on AIP applicants to keep their files current.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
