Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program

 

 

Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program Overview 2026-2027

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of the most accessible pathways to Permanent Residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to build a life on Canada’s East Coast. Covering the four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—this program offers a unique advantage: it bypasses the competitive point systems of Express Entry and removes the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

 

 

However, accessibility does not mean simplicity. The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program is strictly “employer-driven.” You cannot apply on your own; you must be hired by a Designated Employer who is authorized by the province to support your immigration.

At Dara Immigration Services, we help you navigate the specific endorsement and settlement requirements of the Atlantic region. Whether you have found an employer or need to understand the “Endorsement” phase, this guide is your roadmap to settling by the ocean.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary):

• No LMIA Required: Employers do not need to prove they couldn’t hire a Canadian, saving months of processing time.
• Lower Language/Education Barriers: Candidates can qualify with language scores as low as CLB 4 and a high school diploma for certain roles.
• The 4 Provinces: Applies only to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
• Settlement Focused: You must work with a designated service provider to create a “Settlement Plan” for you and your family.

What is the Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration pathway that allows designated local employers to hire foreign talent permanently. Unlike the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) which are run by the provinces, the AIP is a partnership between the federal government and the four Atlantic provinces.

The “Designated Employer” Requirement

This is the most critical concept. You cannot be hired by just any company.

• The Rule: The employer must have “Designated Status” from their provincial government.
• The Benefit: If hired, you can apply for Permanent Residence immediately, and you may be eligible for an AIP Work Permit to start working while your PR processes.

Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program Eligibility Requirements 

To qualify for the Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program, you must meet the “Candidate” criteria, and your job offer must meet the “Employer” criteria.

1. Work Experience

You need 1,560 hours (approx. 1 year) of paid work experience in the last 5 years.

• Level: Must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (TEER 4 includes roles like home support workers and truck drivers).
• Exemption: International graduates from recognized Atlantic post-secondary institutions do not need work experience.

2. Education

• For TEER 0 or 1 jobs: Minimum 1-year post-secondary credential (verified by ECA).
• For TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs: Minimum High School Diploma (verified by ECA).

3. Language Proficiency

The bar is lower than Express Entry:

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

4. The Job Offer

The offer must be:

• Full-time (at least 30 hours/week).
• Non-seasonal.
• Genuine: From a Designated Employer.
• Duration: For TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, it must last at least 1 year. For TEER 4, it must be permanent (indeterminate).

Costs, Fees & Timelines (2026 Estimates)

Note: The AIP is generally slower than Express Entry but faster than paper-based PNP streams.

Category	Fee / Metric	Notes
Processing Fee	$950 CAD	Per adult. Paid to IRCC.
Right of Permanent Residence	$575 CAD	Per adult. Total ~$1,525.
Biometrics Fee	$85 CAD	Required once every 10 years.
Processing Time	10 – 14 Months	For the PR application (after endorsement).
Settlement Funds (1 Person)	~$3,400 CAD	Much lower than Express Entry ($15k).
Employer Fee	$0	Employers do not pay a government fee for endorsement.

Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program Step-by-Step Application Process 

Securing PR through the Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program involves coordination between you, the employer, and a settlement agency.

Step 1: Secure a Job with a Designated Employer

Check the provincial websites (e.g., “List of Designated Employers in Nova Scotia”). You must have a signed Offer of Employment to a Foreign National (IMM 5650).

Step 2: Get a Settlement Plan

This is unique to AIP.

• Action: Contact a designated Settlement Service Provider Organization. They will assess your family’s needs and create a personalized plan (free of charge).
• Submission: Send this plan to your employer.

Step 3: Provincial Endorsement

Your employer submits your settlement plan and job offer to the Province.

• Result: If approved, the province issues a Certificate of Endorsement. You cannot apply for PR without this.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence (IRCC Portal)

Upload your Endorsement Certificate, language tests, ECA, and IDs to the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.

Step 5: The AIP Work Permit (Optional)

If you are overseas, you can apply for a 1-year employer-specific work permit once you have your Endorsement Certificate. This allows you to move to Atlantic Canada and start working while waiting for the final PR decision.

Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program Risks and Refusals

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program is heavily audited to prevent fraud.

1. “Buying” a Job

• The Challenge: Scammers often sell lists of “Designated Employers” or promise a job for a fee.
• The Risk: If you pay for a job offer, you are committing Misrepresentation. You will be refused and banned for 5 years. Legitimate employers in Atlantic Canada do not charge you to be hired.

2. Employer De-Designation

• The Challenge: Employers must maintain good standing.
• The Risk: If your employer loses their designation status (due to labour violations or fraud) while your PR is processing, your application will be cancelled.

3. Intent to Reside

• The Challenge: Using AIP just to get into Canada, then moving to Toronto immediately.
• The Risk: If the officer suspects you do not intend to settle in the Atlantic province, they will refuse the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is an LMIA required for the Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program?

No. This is the biggest benefit of the program. Designated employers are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, which saves money and speeds up hiring.

2. Can I move to another province later?

Once you are a Permanent Resident, you have mobility rights. However, you must genuinely intend to live in the Atlantic province at the time of application. If you move immediately after landing, you risk losing your PR status for misrepresentation.

3. Do I need proof of funds?

Yes, but the amount is very low compared to other programs (approx. $3,400 for a single person). Exception: If you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you do not need to show proof of funds.

4. Where can I find a list of Designated Employers?

Each of the four provinces publishes a list on their official immigration website. Search for “New Brunswick Designated Employers” or “Nova Scotia Designated Employers” to see the official registries.

5. Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and dependent children are included in the application. Your spouse may also be eligible for an Open Work Permit if your job skill level is TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

 

 

Professional Immigration Assistance

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program is a community-focused pathway that requires more than just filling out forms—it requires building a relationship with a local employer and a settlement agency.

Don’t let a missing Settlement Plan or an expired Endorsement delay your move to the coast. Contact Dara Immigration Services today. We guide you through the employer endorsement process and the final PR application.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding the AIP and does not constitute legal advice. Policies change frequently.

 

Download:

Download the bulletin of Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program as a PDF.

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