Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Your pathway to immigrate to Canada’s Atlantic provinces

Newcomers play a crucial role in Canada’s economic growth, with immigration programs being vital in attracting global talent to address labor shortages. The Canadian government has introduced several initiatives, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), to encourage skilled workers to settle in regions where their expertise is most needed.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one such initiative, providing a pathway for newcomers to settle in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This program, introduced as a permanent replacement for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (which ended in December 2021), aims to fill labor gaps in these provinces by connecting employers with skilled workers they are unable to hire locally.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration initiative designed to help skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Atlantic Canada’s post-secondary institutions become permanent residents (PRs) in one of the four Atlantic provinces. It is employer-driven, meaning you must have a job offer from a designated employer in the region. The program continues the work of its predecessor, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, which successfully brought skilled workers to the region before it ended.

Who is eligible for the AIP?

To apply for the AIP, you must be either a skilled foreign worker (in or outside Canada) or an international graduate from a recognized college or university in Atlantic Canada. You must also have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. In addition, applicants must meet specific educational, work experience, language, and financial requirements.

Work experience requirements for the AIP

To qualify for the AIP, your work experience—whether gained in Canada or abroad—must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Hours: You must have worked at least 1,560 hours (about 30 hours per week for one year) in the past five years. This can include both full-time and part-time work, as well as hours worked during studies.
• Relevant Occupation: Your work experience must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 job (previously classified under NOC Skill Types 0, A, B, or C) that matches the job duties for that specific National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Paid Employment: Only paid work qualifies. Unpaid internships, volunteer work, or self-employed work do not count.

If you are an international student who graduated from an institution in Atlantic Canada, you are exempt from the work experience requirement if you meet these conditions:

• Degree/Certificate Requirements: You must have completed at least a two-year diploma, degree, certificate, or trade apprenticeship from a recognized post-secondary institution in the Atlantic region.
• Full-Time Study: You must have been a full-time student throughout your program.
• Residency: You must have lived in one of the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador) for at least 16 months during the two years leading up to your graduation.
• Legal Status: You must have had legal status in Canada with a valid study or work permit during your time as a student.

This program is designed to meet the labor needs of the Atlantic provinces while helping newcomers build a successful life in Canada.

Educational requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must meet one of the following educational criteria:

• For a NOC TEER 0 or 1 job offer (previously Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A): You must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education from a Canadian institution or an equivalent foreign qualification.
• For a NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offer (previously Skill Levels B or C): You need to have at least a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign qualification.

Additional eligibility criteria for the AIP

Language skills requirement

The minimum language proficiency is based on the NOC category of your job offer and is measured using Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels for French.

• For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (formerly Skill Types 0, A, or B), you need at least a CLB/NCLC level 5.
• For NOC TEER 4 occupations (formerly Skill Level C), you must have at least a CLB/NCLC level 4.

Proof of settlement funds

You are required to have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your initial months in Canada. The amount of settlement funds needed depends on your family size, regardless of whether your family members are accompanying you to Canada.

• For an individual without family dependents, the required funds are $3,439 CAD.
• For a family of two, the amount required is $4,281 CAD.

These amounts are updated annually, so it’s essential to check the latest requirements on the Canadian government’s website before applying. However, you do not need to show proof of funds if you are already employed in Canada with a valid work permit.

Finding a job with a designated atlantic employer

To apply for the AIP, you need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. To assist you in your job search, you can refer to provincial websites where you will find lists of employers authorized to hire under the AIP, as well as available job openings. The provincial websites for the four Atlantic provinces are:

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

For a comprehensive guide on preparing for your job search in Canada, including resume building, job opportunities, networking, and interview preparation, consider downloading our career guide.

Job offer requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

To be eligible for the AIP, your job offer must meet the following criteria:

• Full-time Work: The position must involve at least 30 hours of paid work per week.
• Non-seasonal: The job must be consistent and offer regular, year-round work.
• Duration of Job Offer:
  • For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B) roles, the job offer must be valid for a minimum of one year after you become a permanent resident.
  • For NOC TEER 4 (previously Skill Level C) roles, the job offer must be permanent with no set end date.
• Employer Restrictions: The offer cannot be from a company where you or your spouse holds a majority ownership stake.
• Job Match: The job must align with or exceed the skill level of your qualifying work experience. There are exceptions for international graduates and certain healthcare positions.

Once you receive a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer, the employer will provide you with an Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Form, which you must keep for your PR application. You will also need to request a copy of their Confirmation of Designation.

Applying for PR under the AIP: Gathering essential documents

Start preparing your documents early to prevent delays in your PR application. Key documents include:

• Language Test Results: All applicants must take an approved language test to demonstrate proficiency in English, French, or both. Your CLB/NCLC scores must meet the minimum requirements for your job offer.
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA): If you received education outside Canada, you must have your credentials assessed to confirm they meet or exceed the required level for your NOC.
• Work Experience Proof: Submit documents such as employer reference letters, work contracts, or pay stubs to show your qualifying work experience. If you’ve worked in Canada, include your work permit and T4 tax slips. International graduates from recognized Atlantic Canadian institutions are exempt from this requirement.
• Proof of Settlement Funds: You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada, unless you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit. This can be shown through bank statements or financial documentation.
• Offer of Employment (IMM 0157): Your employer will complete this form and provide you with a copy.
• Representative Form (IMM 5476): If you have hired a paid or unpaid representative to assist with your application, you must submit this form.
• Proof of Temporary Residency: If you are already in Canada, submit a copy of your work or study permit.
• Identity Documents: Provide documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce certificate.
• Police Certification: Submit a criminal background check from your local law enforcement authorities.

Settlement plan

Once you have a job offer, you’ll need to create a settlement plan as part of your AIP application. Your designated employer can recommend settlement service providers or you can select one from the government’s list based on your location (inside or outside of Canada).

The settlement service provider will assess your needs and create a personalized plan to help you adjust to life in Canada, including information on free services available in your new community. You must share your settlement plan with your employer, who will then submit it with their endorsement application to the province.

Be sure to bring your settlement plan with you when you move to Canada.

Getting your certificate of endorsement

After preparing your settlement plan, your employer must obtain a provincial endorsement for your job offer. You cannot submit your permanent residence (PR) application until the province has endorsed the job offer. Once endorsed, you will receive a Certificate of Endorsement, which you will need to attach to your PR application.

Completing your PR application and paying Fees

Before completing your PR application, carefully review the instruction guide and document checklist (IMM 0155) to ensure all sections are filled out correctly. Accuracy and honesty are critical in this process.

Application fees, including the biometrics fee, must be paid before submission. Payments can be made online using a debit or credit card along with your email address. Remember to save and print your receipt, which should be attached to your application.

Submitting your PR application

You can submit your application for permanent residence either online or by mail/courier. If submitting by mail, follow the instructions provided by the government. Include a copy of your payment receipt with the signed printed application.

To apply online, create an account on the PR application portal. You can fill out the following forms digitally:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)

Upload these forms and any other required documents in PDF format. Note that the government is working to digitize the application system, so applying online may be quicker and easier. In most cases, there is no need to print or sign forms unless a third-party signature is required.

Waiting for a response

After submitting your application, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review it. If everything is in order, your application will move into processing. You will receive a letter or email with your IRCC office file number and details on the next steps.

An IRCC officer will assess your application against the selection criteria. You may be asked to attend a medical exam at an authorized center in your country. If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If you’re outside Canada, the IRCC will guide you on submitting biometrics and obtaining a visa stamp on your passport. Your PR card will arrive by mail once you’ve entered Canada.

Applying for a temporary work permit while awaiting PR approval

The processing of your permanent residence (PR) application may take some time. During this waiting period, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit that allows you to work in Canada while awaiting a decision on your PR application.

This work permit is specifically designed for applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and permits you to work exclusively for a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces who has already offered you a job. The permit will be valid for one year, and you must submit your PR application within 90 days of applying for the work permit.

To be eligible for the temporary work permit, you must meet the following criteria:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
• Referral Letter: You need a referral letter from the province where you will be working.
• Required Documents: You must provide documents such as your language test results, proof of education, and evidence of work experience.

Application fees for AIP

The application fee for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is $1,365 CAD per adult. This includes:

• An $850 CAD fee for processing the application.
• A $515 CAD fee for the right to permanent residence.

If you are applying with family members, there is an additional fee of $230 CAD for each dependent child.

Additionally, applicants are required to pay a biometrics fee of $85 CAD per individual or $170 CAD per family. Medical examination costs, which vary by country, must also be paid separately.

Processing time for AIP applications

The government website currently states that the processing time for PR applications under the AIP program is approximately 12 months. However, this timeline can fluctuate based on several factors, including the number of applications being processed, the completeness of your application, the ease with which your information can be verified, and other variables.

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