New Brunswick AIP Restrictions 2026: Banned NOC Codes

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New Brunswick Implements Major Atlantic Immigration Program Restrictions

Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) has announced significant changes to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) endorsement process, effective February 3, 2026. These new restrictions limit applications for specific occupations and sectors, marking a shift in the province's immigration priorities.

Summary of New Restrictions

Banned NOC Codes in Accommodation and Food Services

The most significant change affects the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72). ImmigrationNB will no longer consider endorsement applications for the following positions:

Management and Supervisory Roles

• NOC 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers
• NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors
• NOC 62021 – Executive housekeepers
• NOC 62024 – Cleaning supervisors

Kitchen and Culinary Positions

• NOC 62200 – Chefs
• NOC 63200 – Cooks
• NOC 63202 – Bakers

Front-of-House and Service Roles

• NOC 64300 – Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses
• NOC 64301 – Bartenders
• NOC 64314 – Hotel front desk clerks

Additional Restricted Occupations Across All Sectors

Beyond the hospitality sector, ImmigrationNB has also banned endorsements for these NOC codes regardless of industry:

Retail and Trade Positions

• NOC 60020 – Retail and wholesale trade managers
• NOC 62010 – Retail sales supervisors
• NOC 62101 – Retail and wholesale buyers
• NOC 63201 – Butchers (retail and wholesale)
• NOC 64100 – Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers

Other Service and Industrial Roles

• NOC 14400 – Shippers and receivers
• NOC 64409 – Other customer and information services representatives
• NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers

Important Exception for Non-NAICS 72 Employers

A crucial exception exists for the accommodation and food services NOC codes. Employers who are not directly in the NAICS 72 sector may still submit endorsement applications for these positions.

For example:

• A manufacturing company hiring an in-house chef (NOC 62200) can still apply
• A healthcare facility seeking food service supervisors (NOC 62020) remains eligible
• Corporate cafeterias and institutional food services can continue hiring restricted NOC codes

Offshore Recruitment Limitations

For foreign nationals residing outside Canada, endorsement applications are now limited to Government of New Brunswick (GNB)-led recruitment initiatives in three specific sectors:

Priority Sectors for Offshore Recruitment

1. Health care – Addressing critical staffing shortages in medical facilities
2. Education – Supporting schools and educational institutions
3. Construction trades – Meeting infrastructure and housing development needs

Employers in these sectors interested in GNB-led recruitment should contact WorkingNB for more information about available programs and processes.

What This Means For You

For Job Seekers

These restrictions significantly impact your AIP strategy if you work in affected occupations. Consider these alternatives:

If you're in hospitality/food service:

• Target employers outside NAICS 72 who need your skills
• Look for positions in institutional settings (hospitals, schools, corporate facilities)
• Consider skill upgrading to transition to unrestricted NOC codes
• Explore other Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island)

If you're offshore:

• Focus applications on health care, education, or construction trades
• Consider relocating to Canada first through other immigration streams
• Monitor GNB recruitment initiatives in priority sectors

For Employers

NAICS 72 employers should:

• Review current job postings and pause new AIP applications for restricted roles
• Consider alternative immigration programs like the Provincial Nominee Program
• Explore hiring Canadian residents or those with existing work permits
• Assess if job duties can be restructured under non-restricted NOC codes

Non-NAICS 72 employers can still:

• Submit AIP endorsement applications for food service and hospitality roles
• Leverage this competitive advantage to attract international talent
• Partner with hospitality businesses seeking immigration solutions

Strategic Implications

These changes reflect New Brunswick's effort to:

• Balance immigration with local labor market needs
• Prioritize essential sectors facing genuine shortages
• Reduce dependency on temporary foreign workers in certain industries
• Align immigration with long-term economic development goals

Timeline and Implementation

The restrictions took effect on February 3, 2026, meaning:

• Applications submitted before this date follow previous guidelines
• New applications submitted after February 3rd are subject to these restrictions
• Existing endorsements and work permits remain unaffected
• Regular reviews may lead to further policy adjustments throughout 2026

Alternative Immigration Pathways

If you're affected by these restrictions, consider these options:

Within Atlantic Canada

• Nova Scotia PNP – Different occupation lists and criteria
• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP – May have openings in restricted sectors
• Prince Edward Island PNP – Alternative pathways for business and skilled workers

Federal Programs

• Express Entry – If you meet Comprehensive Ranking System requirements
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot – For smaller communities
• Caregiver Program – If you have relevant experience

Other Provincial Programs

• Research PNP programs in other provinces with similar job opportunities
• Consider Ontario or British Columbia hospitality sector opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for AIP in New Brunswick if I work in a restaurant?

Yes, but only if your employer is not classified under NAICS 72. For example, if you work in a corporate cafeteria, hospital kitchen, or school dining facility, your employer may still be eligible to submit an AIP endorsement application.

Do these restrictions affect people who already have AIP endorsements?

No, these restrictions apply only to new endorsement applications submitted after February 3, 2026. Existing endorsements and work permits remain valid and unaffected by this policy change.

Can I switch to a different Atlantic province for my AIP application?

Yes, each Atlantic province manages its own AIP endorsement process. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island may have different occupation lists and restrictions, so you can explore opportunities in these provinces.

What if I'm already in Canada on a work permit in a restricted occupation?

You can still apply for permanent residence through other programs like Express Entry, other Provincial Nominee Programs, or wait to see if New Brunswick lifts these restrictions in the future. Your current work permit status is not affected.

How long will these restrictions remain in place?

ImmigrationNB has not specified an end date for these restrictions. Immigration policies are regularly reviewed based on labor market conditions and economic needs, so monitor official announcements for any changes throughout 2026 and beyond.

These significant changes to New Brunswick's Atlantic Immigration Program reflect evolving provincial priorities and labor market conditions. Stay informed about immigration policy updates and consider alternative pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. Bookmark immigration2canada.com for the latest updates on provincial immigration programs and policy changes.

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