Immigration News & Updates

Atlantic Immigration Program: Pathway to Permanent Residency in Atlantic Canada

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) allows skilled workers and international graduates to immigrate to Atlantic Canada without an LMIA. Learn about eligibility, job offers, and more.

Permanent Residency in Atlantic Canada for skilled workers and international graduates

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a unique immigration pathway that facilitates skilled workers, intermediate-level workers, and international graduates in obtaining permanent residency in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Launched as a pilot in 2017 and made permanent in January 2022, this program allows eligible foreign workers to find jobs and settle in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Here, we will guide you through the requirements, benefits, and procedures involved in applying through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Overview

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) aims to address labor shortages in Canada’s Atlantic provinces by attracting global talent. This initiative supports the region’s economic growth, skilled workforce development, and population expansion. The program has seen great success since its introduction, and for the years 2025–2027, Canada plans to welcome 5,000 newcomers per year through AIP.

Eligibility Requirements for AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program has specific eligibility requirements for candidates. Below is a breakdown of key requirements:

Job Offer

To qualify, applicants must receive a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. The job offer must align with the applicant’s work experience or qualifications.

• NOC Categories: The job offer must fall under NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, or permanent employment under NOC TEER 4.
• Job Duration: Offers must be for at least one year from the time the applicant becomes a permanent resident.

Work Experience

Applicants must have at least one year of work experience in the last five years, totaling 1,560 hours (or equivalent to one year of full-time work). International graduates from Atlantic provinces are exempt from this requirement.

Education

The minimum education requirements depend on the NOC category of the job offer:

• TEER 0 or 1: Canadian post-secondary education or equivalent.
• TEER 2, 3, or 4: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements based on the NOC category of their job offer:

• TEER 0, 1, 2, 3: Minimum CLB 5.
• TEER 4: Minimum CLB 4.

Proof of Funds

Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families in Canada, unless they are already working in Canada on a valid work permit. The required funds vary based on family size.

Designated Employers in Atlantic Canada

The Atlantic Immigration Program relies on designated employers who are approved by the provincial governments. These employers can hire foreign workers under AIP without needing an LMIA. As of the latest updates, new employers are continually added to the list of designated employers across the four Atlantic provinces:

• Newfoundland and Labrador: Employers such as Akita Equipment and Auto Transport, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites are part of the growing list of designated employers.
• Nova Scotia: Employers like Scholars and Classic Freight Systems are among the designated companies.
• New Brunswick: Companies like Greco Pizza and Amiko Control Systems are authorized to hire foreign workers.
• Prince Edward Island: Employers including BOOMburger Inc. and GFL Environmental Inc. are part of the program.

How an Employer Can Be Designated

Each Atlantic province manages its employer designations. For employers to hire through AIP, they must apply to become designated by the relevant provincial authority. Employers should regularly check their respective province’s websites for updates on designations and job opportunities.

Application Procedure for AIP

Once applicants secure a job offer from a designated employer, they must create a settlement plan. This plan will be supported by settlement service providers in the region where the applicant will work. Following this, applicants submit their permanent residency application, which includes documents such as the endorsed job offer and settlement plan.

Application Fees

The total application fee for AIP is $1,525 for a single applicant. For couples, the fee doubles to $3,050, and additional fees apply for dependents.

Processing Times

Processing times for applications vary. As of the latest information, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not have an official service standard for AIP applications, though applicants can check average processing times on the IRCC website.

Why the Atlantic Immigration Program is Important

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) serves as a crucial bridge for skilled workers and international graduates aiming to settle in Atlantic Canada. With job offers from designated employers and support for settlement, AIP offers a clear pathway to permanent residency. As the program evolves, it promises to continue benefiting both workers and employers in Canada’s Atlantic region. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their careers and build a future in one of Canada’s vibrant regions.

By leveraging this Atlantic Immigration Program, you can take significant steps toward securing a permanent residence in one of Canada’s beautiful provinces, while contributing to the region’s economic growth and innovation.