Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) provides a pathway to permanent residence in Canada for skilled workers and international graduates who wish to live and work in one of the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The program is designed to:

• Address labor market needs: By connecting employers with qualified talent they cannot find locally, the AIP helps businesses thrive and contributes to economic growth in the region.
• Boost population growth: Attracting and retaining skilled newcomers helps increase the population in Atlantic Canada, supporting essential services and community development.
• Build a skilled workforce: The AIP prioritizes skilled workers and international graduates, enhancing the region’s talent pool and fostering long-term economic success.

The program has achieved significant success:

• Thousands of immigrants: Each year, the AIP grants permanent residency to numerous skilled workers and graduates, contributing to a more diverse and vibrant Atlantic Canada.
• Thriving businesses: By facilitating access to skilled talent, the program empowers employers to grow and create jobs, strengthening the regional economy.
• Sustainable communities: Increased population and economic activity contribute to the development of strong, sustainable communities across Atlantic Canada.

If you are a skilled worker or international graduate interested in living and working in Atlantic Canada, the AIP offers a valuable opportunity to pursue your career goals and contribute to a thriving region.

Atlantic Immigration Program: How it Works

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-led initiative designed to connect qualified foreign workers with job opportunities in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).

Eligibility:

• Principal Applicants: Must have a valid job offer from a designated AIP employer and an approved settlement plan for themselves and any accompanying family members.
• Designated Employers: Must meet specific program requirements and demonstrate a commitment to supporting the newcomer’s integration into Atlantic Canada.

Key Steps:

1. Job Offer and Settlement Plan:

• Employers identify and hire suitable candidates who meet program criteria.
• Candidates collaborate with a designated settlement service provider to develop a personalized settlement plan.

1. Temporary Work Permit (Optional):

• Employers seeking faster onboarding can apply for a temporary work permit for the candidate and family.
• Requires a valid job offer, provincial support letter, and commitment to apply for permanent residency within 90 days.

1. Permanent Residency:

• All principal applicants under the AIP must eventually apply for permanent residency within Canada.

Employer Designation:

• Employers wishing to participate in the AIP must apply for designation with the relevant province(s).
• Separate designations are required for each province where the employer has operations.
• Designation criteria include demonstrated commitment to supporting newcomers and their families.

Benefits:

• Employers: Access qualified talent, fill job vacancies, and contribute to regional economic growth.
• Foreign Workers: Secure permanent residency pathway and build successful careers in Atlantic Canada.
• Atlantic Canada: Increase population, skilled workforce, and economic activity.

Candidate Requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program

To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you must meet the following criteria:

Work Experience:

• Minimum Hours: Have worked at least 1,560 hours in the past 5 years (except for international graduates from Atlantic Canada).
• Eligible Work: Count paid hours only, in full-time or part-time jobs, within Canada or abroad (provided you were legally authorized to work). Volunteer or self-employed hours are not counted.
• Valid Study Permits: Hours earned while studying count if permitted by your study permit conditions.
• National Occupational Classification (NOC) Level: Work experience must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 and match the main duties and actions described in your NOC.

International Graduates:

• Exempt from work experience if:
  • You have a two-year degree or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
  • You were a full-time student.
  • You had valid visas/permits for work, study, or training throughout your stay in Canada.
  • You lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months within the last 2 years before graduation.

Education:

• NOC TEER 0 or 1 job offers: Require a one-year post-secondary credential or equivalent.
• NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offers: Require a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
• Foreign education: Requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirming equivalency to Canadian standards, valid for 5 years after IRCC receives your application.

Language:

• NOC TEER 0 or 1 job offers: Require Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 5.
• NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offers: Require CLB or NCLC level 
• Test results: Must be from a designated language testing organization and valid for 2 years at application time.

Settlement Funds:

• Not required for: Applicants already living and working legally in Canada with a valid work permit.
• For others: Show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada based on family size (see table below).

Family Size (including anyone supported by the applicant, even if not immigrating):