New federal rule requires refusals for some AIP PR applications
Atlantic Immigration Program: IRCC’s New 90-Day Rule for Employment or Employer Changes
What changed and why it matters
IRCC published updated instructions on July 23, 2026, that require officers to refuse certain Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) permanent residence applications if applicants who report changes to their employment or their employer’s ownership do not submit specific documents within 90 days. Previously, officers could place such files on hold with no fixed deadline. Now a missed 90-day window can lead to refusal rather than a temporary pause.
How the process works now
Under the guidance titled “Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Other situations,” officers must issue a procedural fairness letter (PFL) that lists the documents required and sets a 90-day deadline. Applicants must submit the requested evidence through IRCC’s online web form. Failure to respond within the deadline directs the officer to refuse the PR application.
Three situations the update addresses
1) Change in employer ownership
– The endorsing province must reassess the employer and the endorsement to decide whether the employer keeps its AIP designation and whether the applicant still has provincial support.
– If the province continues to support the applicant, the applicant must submit either a provincial letter confirming continued support (if the employer is no longer designated) or an updated endorsement and offer of employment.
– If the province withdraws support, the officer is to refuse the PR application.
2) Employment changes with the same employer
– For changes such as wages, occupation, working conditions, or a new NOC/TEER code, applicants must submit within 90 days:
– an updated provincial endorsement certificate, and
– an updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) form.
– If the only change is a job title, the officer will decide case-by-case whether an updated endorsement is required.
3) Moving from one designated AIP employer to another
– Applicants must submit an updated provincial endorsement certificate and an updated IMM 0157 within 90 days. The prior instructions did not explicitly require IMM 0157 in this scenario.
Context and practical implications
The AIP is an employer-driven route to PR for the four Atlantic provinces. Provincial endorsement of a designated, in-province employer’s job offer is central to an AIP PR application. IRCC’s reported processing time for AIP PR files has been 26 months since June, and AIP applicants are not eligible for bridging open work permits. Eligible applicants can apply for a two-year, employer-specific work permit tied to the job offer; spouses/common-law partners may be eligible for an open work permit.
Because many applicants rely on employer-specific work authorization while waiting for PR, IRCC’s tighter documentary expectations and fixed 90-day remediation period increase the administrative urgency for applicants, employers, and provinces.
Who will be affected
– Primary applicants with a pending AIP PR file.
– Designated AIP employers experiencing ownership changes or modifying job terms.
– Endorsing provinces that must reassess and reissue endorsements or letters of support.
– Spouses/common-law partners whose open work permit eligibility depends on the primary applicant’s status.
– In-Canada applicants on employer-specific work permits who risk loss of status if PR is refused.
What applicants and employers should do now
– Report changes promptly and contact the endorsing province immediately if employer ownership changes.
– Expect a PFL and treat the 90-day deadline as firm. Submit requested documents through IRCC’s web form well before the deadline.
– Be ready to obtain an updated provincial endorsement certificate and a completed IMM 0157 when requested.
– Keep records of all communications and documents from the employer and province confirming designation, endorsements, or continued support.
Key numbers and documents to remember
– 90 days: deadline to submit requested documents after a PFL.
– July 23, 2026: date IRCC published the updated instructions.
– 26 months: reported AIP PR processing time in effect since June.
– IMM 0157: Offer of Employment form now explicitly required in several change scenarios.
– Provincial endorsement certificate or a provincial letter confirming continued support.
Final note
IRCC’s update replaces an indefinite hold practice with a firm 90-day remediation period and clarifies the documentary expectations for employment- and employer-related changes in AIP files. Applicants, employers, and provinces should act quickly when changes occur—failure to meet the specified documentary requirements within the deadline can now result in refusal.
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