IRCC has updated its guidance for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) to provide clearer instructions on how to handle various situations that may arise after a permanent residence application has been submitted. The updated guidance, effective June 4, 2026, addresses employment changes and employer ownership transitions to ensure consistent assessment and program compliance.
These updates directly affect current AIP applicants who experience changes in their employment situation or whose designated employers undergo ownership changes. The new instructions require specific documentation and prompt notification to IRCC to maintain application validity.
| Change Type | Required Documents | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Job position/TEER code change | Updated provincial endorsement + IMM 0157 form | Immediate notification via Web form |
| Employer change | Updated provincial endorsement + IMM 0157 form | Immediate notification via Web form |
| Employer ownership change | Provincial assessment required | Case-by-case evaluation |
| Missing documents | All required supporting documents | 90-day hold on application |
| Family composition change | Web form notification only | No new endorsement required |
Employment Changes with Same Employer
When AIP applicants experience changes to their job position, NOC/TEER code, or terms of employment while remaining with the same designated employer, specific documentation requirements must be met. The applicant must obtain an updated provincial endorsement certificate from the supporting Atlantic province that reflects the new job information. Additionally, they need an updated Offer of Employment form (IMM 0157) from their employer that shows the changes in employment terms.
These requirements apply when employers modify wages, occupation, or working conditions, or when the applicant's role changes enough to warrant a different National Occupational Classification or Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities code. However, if only the job title changes without modifications to employment terms or the NOC/TEER code, officers may request an updated provincial endorsement certificate at their discretion.
Important considerations arise when the new employment falls under a different NOC skill level or TEER category. This change can affect program requirements including language proficiency standards, education credentials, and the duration of the job offer. Candidates must meet all requirements associated with their new employment offer. Additionally, applicants bear responsibility for ensuring their work permit remains valid, as changes to their AIP permanent residence application may affect work permit requirements and necessitate employer-specific work authorization updates.
Changing Designated Employers
AIP applicants who change from one designated employer to another designated employer under the program must immediately secure updated documentation. This situation requires both an updated provincial endorsement certificate from the supporting Atlantic province reflecting the employer change and an updated Offer of Employment form (IMM 0157) from the new employer. These documents must be submitted to IRCC using the official Web form.
The notification process is critical for maintaining application validity. Applicants must promptly inform IRCC in writing of the employer change to avoid processing delays or application refusal. The responsibility for work permit validity continues to rest with the applicant, who must confirm whether a new work permit is required and take necessary steps to maintain valid work authorization. This often involves securing employer-specific work authorization that aligns with the new employment arrangement.
Processing officers will update the Global Case Management System with the new employer information, utilizing the expanded 250-character capacity for change of employer documentation. If applicants fail to provide required supporting documents, their AIP permanent residence application will be placed on hold for 90 days while they gather the necessary paperwork.
Employer Ownership Changes
When a designated employer undergoes ownership changes after an AIP applicant has submitted their permanent residence application, a comprehensive assessment process begins. The supporting Atlantic province evaluates both the employer and any associated endorsements to determine whether the applicant can continue receiving support and whether the employer maintains eligibility for AIP designation.
Provincial authorities conduct case-by-case assessments for endorsements issued by employers requesting de-designation or those no longer wishing to participate in the program. The province holds authority to maintain the employer's designation or proceed with de-designation. Importantly, provinces can continue supporting an endorsement even if the employer loses its designated status under certain circumstances.
Two primary outcomes emerge from this assessment process. First, the province may no longer support the applicant and revoke the endorsement, effectively ending the application pathway. Second, the province may continue supporting the applicant despite ownership changes, allowing the permanent residence application to proceed. Throughout this process, applicants must maintain valid work permits and confirm whether new work authorization is needed, as ownership changes can affect permit requirements and necessitate employer-specific authorizations.
Processing Instructions and Timeline Management
IRCC officers follow specific processing instructions when handling circumstance changes. Upon receiving notification of changes, officers must enter detailed notes in the Global Case Management System explaining the modifications and documenting all submitted materials. The system now accommodates up to 250 characters for change of employer information under the provincial endorsement letter section.
When IRCC receives change notifications without required supporting documents, applications are placed on administrative hold for 90 days. Officers issue procedural fairness letters requesting submission of all necessary documents within the 90-day timeframe. Failure to provide complete documentation within this period results in application refusal. However, new AIP permanent residence applications are not required, as officers simply update existing information in the case management system.
For applicants holding multiple permanent residence applications concurrently, specific rules apply. Those with applications in other immigration categories who receive Atlantic province endorsements must submit new AIP applications. Processing fee refunds are available only when initial applications have not entered processing and applicants choose to withdraw them. Once processing begins, no refunds are possible, though both applications may continue simultaneously with only one permanent resident visa ultimately issued.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new endorsement if only my job title changes?
Not necessarily. If your job title changes but your employment terms and NOC/TEER code remain the same, an officer may request an updated provincial endorsement certificate at their discretion, but it's not automatically required.
What happens if I don't provide required documents within 90 days?
Your AIP permanent residence application will be refused. IRCC issues a procedural fairness letter giving you exactly 90 days to submit all required supporting documents or face application refusal.
Can I continue with two permanent residence applications simultaneously?
Yes, you can maintain applications in different immigration categories, but only one permanent resident visa can be issued. Processing fees are only refundable if the initial application hasn't entered processing and you choose to withdraw it.
What if my employer loses designation due to ownership changes?
The Atlantic province may still continue supporting your endorsement even if your employer loses designated status. Each case receives individual assessment to determine continued program eligibility.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre, Atlantic Immigration Program guidance documents. Last verified: June 4, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice, consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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