AIP applicants now face a 90-day deadline for employment-related updates — what this means for your PR file
Immediate summary
On July 23, 2026, IRCC updated officer instructions for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Officers must now issue a procedural fairness letter (PFL) giving applicants 90 days to submit updated documents when their employer or job terms change while a PR application is pending. If the required documents are not submitted within 90 days via IRCC’s online web form, the officer must refuse the PR application. This replaces the previous, indefinite “hold” approach.
How AIP fits in
The AIP is an employer-driven pathway for foreign nationals settling in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island. A full-time job offer from a designated employer and a provincial endorsement are central to a PR application. AIP applicants can apply for a two-year employer-specific work permit tied to the endorsed job offer; spouses/common-law partners may be eligible for an open work permit. AIP applicants are not eligible for bridging open work permits.
What the updated guidance covers
The new instructions, titled “Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Other situations,” apply to three scenarios when a PFL will set a 90-day clock:
– Change in ownership of the applicant’s employer.
– Change in the applicant’s role or employment terms with the same employer (e.g., wages, occupation, working conditions, or a different NOC/TEER).
– Change from one designated AIP employer to another.
Key documentary changes include a clearer requirement for the Offer of Employment form (IMM 0157) in situations where it was not previously explicit. AIP-specific work permit guidance has been moved to a separate IRCC document.
Scenario details — ownership change
If an employer changes ownership while a PR application is pending, the endorsing province must reassess the employer’s designation and the candidate’s endorsement. The updated paths are:
– If the province continues to support the candidate: the applicant must submit updated documentation within 90 days — either a provincial letter confirming continued support if the employer is no longer designated, or an updated endorsement plus an updated offer of employment.
– If the province withdraws support: the reviewing officer is to refuse the PR application.
Scenario details — changes with the same employer
If employment terms change or the applicant’s role moves to a different NOC/TEER, the applicant must submit within 90 days:
– An updated provincial endorsement certificate reflecting the new job information.
– An updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) reflecting the changes.
If only the job title changes, officers will decide case-by-case whether an updated endorsement is needed.
Scenario details — switching to another designated employer
When an applicant moves to a different designated AIP employer, they must submit both an updated provincial endorsement certificate and an updated IMM 0157 within 90 days, or risk refusal.
Who is most affected
– AIP applicants with pending files: employment changes now require timely documentary updates or risk refusal.
– Designated employers: ownership changes, restructures, promotions, or reclassifications may trigger provincial reassessment and require rapid coordination.
– Provincial governments: their reassessment and support decisions determine whether a federal officer can continue processing.
– Family members: a refusal of the principal applicant’s PR file can affect ongoing work authorization for spouses/common-law partners.
Operational context and timing pressures
Two factors raise the stakes: AIP PR processing times have been around 26 months since June, and AIP applicants cannot access bridging open work permits. The new 90-day deadline compresses timelines for applicants, employers, and provinces to produce updated endorsements and offers. Delays that previously led to a file hold can now lead to refusal.
Practical steps to reduce risk
– Monitor employer stability (sales, mergers, restructures) and notify your immigration representative and the endorsing province early.
– Act quickly on any PFL: plan to submit required documents via IRCC’s online web form well within 90 days.
– Coordinate with your employer to prepare an updated IMM 0157 and to seek an updated endorsement or a provincial letter of continued support.
– If the change is only a job title, document duties and working conditions to help the officer assess whether an updated endorsement is needed.
– Track provincial reassessment timelines — a province’s decision determines whether federal processing can continue.
What to submit and where
Submit requested materials via IRCC’s online web form after receiving a PFL. Key documents named in the instructions include:
– Updated provincial endorsement certificate.
– Updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157).
– Provincial letter confirming continued support in specific ownership-change cases.
What to watch for next
– Any incoming procedural fairness letters — these start the 90-day clock and list required documents.
– Employer or corporate changes that may trigger provincial reassessment.
– Changes in duties or NOC/TEER codes that often require updated endorsements and an IMM 0157.
– Processing time developments — long processing windows increase the chance of employment changes during processing.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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