DIS

Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent immigration pathway designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Canada’s Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It helps local employers fill labour shortages and supports economic growth and population retention in the region.

Launched as a pilot and now a permanent program, the AIP is employer-driven and includes settlement support to help newcomers integrate successfully into their communities.

How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works

Employer-Driven Approach

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program allows designated employers in Atlantic Canada to hire foreign workers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The process starts when an employer identifies a qualified foreign worker for a job position.

Once a job offer is made:

  • The employer connects the worker with a settlement service provider.
  • The candidate and their family receive a customized settlement plan.
  • The employer applies to the provincial government for an endorsement.

This endorsement is essential for the candidate to apply for permanent residence.

Becoming a Designated Employer

Employers must apply to their province to receive designation under the Atlantic Immigration Program. Requirements include:

  • Active business operation in good standing
  • Demonstrated need to fill a vacant position
  • Commitment to supporting the newcomer and their family

Employers with multiple locations across provinces must apply separately in each province.

Hiring Through AIP

Once designated, employers can:

  • Recruit international graduates or skilled workers
  • Offer positions without needing an LMIA
  • Support candidates through the endorsement and settlement process
Temporary Work Permit Option

If a position needs to be filled urgently, employers may request a temporary work permit so the foreign worker can begin working while their permanent residence application is in progress. To qualify for the temporary work permit, candidates need:

  • A valid job offer from a designated employer
  • A provincial endorsement letter
  • Proof of intent to apply for permanent residency within 90 days

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates must meet specific work experience, education, language, and financial criteria.

Work Experience

Applicants must have worked at least 1,560 hours in the last five years. This can include work experience gained:

  • Inside or outside Canada (legally)
  • In full-time or part-time paid roles
  • In NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3

Note: Self-employed work and volunteer hours do not count.

Exemption for International Graduates

You do not need to meet the work experience requirement if:

  • You studied at a publicly funded institution in Atlantic Canada
  • Your program lasted at least two years
  • You studied full-time
  • You lived in the Atlantic region for at least 16 months during your studies
  • You had valid permits for study and work

Job Offer Requirements

To qualify under AIP, the job offer must:

  • Come from a designated Atlantic Canada employer
  • Be for a position in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • Be full-time and non-seasonal and for at least one year

Education Requirements

Your education must match the skill level of your job offer:

  • TEER 0 or 1 job: At least a one-year post-secondary credential or equivalent
  • TEER 2, 3, or 4 job: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent

If your education was completed outside Canada, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The ECA must:

  • Be less than 5 years old when IRCC receives your application
  • Show that your education meets Canadian standards

Language Requirements

Applicants must prove proficiency in English or French using an approved language test. The results must be:

  • From a designated testing agency
  • Less than two years old at the time of application

Minimum scores:

  • TEER 0 or 1 jobs: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5
  • TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs: CLB level 4

Settlement Funds

You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada.

This requirement does not apply if:

  • You already live in Canada
  • You have a valid work permit and are employed

For others, the amount depends on family size and must include anyone you support, even if they aren’t coming to Canada with you.

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet all program criteria, including:

  • Work experience or international graduate status
  • Required education and ECA (if applicable)
  • Language test results
  • Availability of settlement funds

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer

Look for a job with a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. You can find lists of designated employers on provincial websites.

Step 3: Create a Settlement Plan

Once you receive a job offer:

  • You will be referred to a settlement service provider
  • A personalized settlement plan will be created for you and your family

Step 4: Employer Requests Endorsement

Your employer submits a provincial endorsement application that includes:

  • The job offer
  • Your settlement plan
  • Additional supporting documents

Once approved, the province issues an endorsement certificate, which you need to apply for permanent residence.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency

With the endorsement certificate:

  • Submit your PR application to IRCC
  • Include proof of your job offer, language results, education, work experience, and funds

IRCC will assess your application and notify you of the decision.

Benefits of the AIP

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers numerous benefits for both newcomers and the Atlantic provinces. One of its key advantages is the faster processing of immigration applications compared to other programs, allowing candidates to begin their new lives in Canada sooner. Another significant benefit is that employers are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which simplifies the hiring process and reduces administrative delays.

In addition, the program provides strong settlement support to help new immigrants and their families integrate successfully into Canadian society. This includes personalized settlement plans developed in coordination with local service providers. The AIP also offers a direct pathway to permanent residence, making it easier for skilled workers and international graduates to build long-term futures in Canada.

From a regional perspective, the program helps boost population growth and strengthen the economy in Atlantic Canada, addressing demographic challenges such as aging populations and workforce shortages. It also plays a critical role in filling labour market gaps where local talent is unavailable, ensuring that essential sectors remain productive and competitive.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Immigrate to Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

keyboard_arrow_up