Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Immigration Consultant

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Canadian federal program that aims to address labor market challenges and demographic issues in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. The program is designed to attract and retain skilled immigrants to fill labor gaps in the region, and it offers a pathway to permanent residency for qualified candidates.

The Atlantic provinces participating in the program are Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

To be eligible for the AIPP, candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces, and they must meet the program’s language, education, and work experience requirements. The job offer must be for a full-time, non-seasonal position with a duration of at least one year.

The program connects designated Canadian employers with international graduates and skilled foreign workers.

Employers in Atlantic Canada

This program enables Atlantic employers to hire qualified candidates who are either living abroad or in Canada as temporary residents. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required in this program. However, the employer must become Designated by the relevant province before making a job offer.

How to become a designated Atlantic employer? Learn more.

Each province has its application process to become a designated employer.

Steps to hiring an employee through the Atlantic Immigration Program

Who can apply?	A recent graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, or A skilled worker
Work experience	Experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 occupations A minimum of 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time either inside or outside Canada in the last 5 years. 30 hours per week (1,560 hours) Paid work. Self-employment is not calculated. Work experience acquired on study may be calculated if work hours do not exceed the authorized limitation. International graduates do not have to meet the work experience requirements.
Study experience	Only applicable for graduates of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada Must have a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship certification of at least 2 years of studies. Must be a full-time student, Must have lived in one of the four provinces for at least 16 months during the last 2 years before graduating. Must have valid temporary resident status in Canada.
Educational requirements	If the job offer is of NOC TEER 0 or 1 – Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential or the equivalent from outside Canada If the job offer is of NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 – Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada
Language requirements	TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 – CLB/NCLC TEER 4 – CLB/NCLC 4
Settlement funds	If you’re already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you don’t need to show proof of funds. If not, you must have sufficient funds. Learn more.

Job offer requirements

The job offer must be from a designated employer in the Atlantic region.
The job offer must be full-time and non-seasonal.
NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories job offers – the job must last at least 1 year from the time the candidate becomes a permanent resident.
NOC 2021 TEER 4 category job offers – the job must be permanent employment, with no set end date.
The candidate or his spouse/common-law partner cannot be a majority owner of the company that is offering the job.
The job must be at the same or higher skill level than the work experience that qualified the candidate for the relevant job. This does not apply to international graduates from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.

Exception: Work experience in NOC 32101 (licensed practical nurses) and NOC 31301 (registered nurses) can be used as qualifying work experience if you have a job offer in NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) or NOC 44101 (home health care workers).

Apply for a temporary work permit

This is an optional step.
Applying for a temporary work permit will allow the candidate to work for his employer while the PR application is being processed.
This work permit is only for the Atlantic Immigration Program
It is valid for 1 year.
This is a closed work permit that only allows the candidate to work for the employer who offered the job.
The permanent residence application must be furnished within 90 days of submitting the temporary work permit application.

To qualify for a work permit

candidate must have a job offer from a designated employer.
must have a referral letter from the Atlantic province where the job is
must meet the language, education, and work experience requirements.

The spouse or the common-law partner of the candidate can apply for an open work permit.

FAQs

What is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)?

The AIPP is a partnership between the Canadian federal government and Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—aimed at addressing labor market needs in the region by facilitating the immigration of skilled workers and international graduates.

Who is eligible to apply for the AIPP?

Eligible candidates for the AIPP include skilled workers, international graduates, and intermediate-skilled workers with a job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria and obtain a job offer from a designated employer.

What are the key benefits of the AIPP?

The AIPP offers successful candidates the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada and settle in one of the vibrant Atlantic provinces. It provides a streamlined pathway for skilled individuals and international graduates to contribute to the local economy and build a future in the region.

How can I apply for the AIPP?

To apply for the AIPP, candidates must first secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. Once the job offer is obtained, candidates can work with their employer to submit an application for the program, ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements.

What sets the AIPP apart from other immigration programs?

The AIPP focuses specifically on addressing labor market needs in the Atlantic provinces, offering a targeted pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates. It emphasizes employer engagement and collaboration between government and industry to facilitate successful integration into the local workforce.

Atlantic Immigration Program