Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is designed for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to move to one of the four Atlantic provinces in Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick. The program is employer-driven, meaning candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer to be eligible.
Call us on +1 844 290 6312 if you need immediate assistance. We can help you navigate your Atlantic Immigration Program process.
Page Contents
- Atlantic Immigration Program Overview
- Eligible Provinces
- Eligibility Requirements for the AIP Canada
- Work Experience Requirements
- International Graduates
- Education Requirements
- Language Requirements
- Proof of Settlement Funds
- How to Get a Settlement Plan and Certificate of Endorsement
- Applying for a Temporary Work Permit (Optional)
- How to Apply for Permanent Residence
- What Documents Do I Need?
- Cost of the Atlantic Immigration Program
- Processing Times for the AIP
- What Happens After Being Accepted?
- How IAS Can Help?
Atlantic Immigration Program Overview
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a Federal Government of Canada program that helps employers in the Atlantic provinces hire qualified foreign workers and international students.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a valid job offer from an employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick. The job offer must be for a full-time, permanent position (at least 30 hours per week). You must also meet the minimum requirements for the position, which may include having a certain level of education, work experience, or language ability.
Once you have a valid job offer, you can apply for a work permit under the Atlantic Immigration Program. You will also need to submit a permanent resident application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which includes information about your job offer, educational qualifications, work experience, and plans to settle in an Atlantic province.
If your application is successful, you will be granted permanent residency and be on your way to beginning your new life in Canada.
Eligible Provinces
The eligible provinces are:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Eligibility Requirements for the AIP Canada
To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada
- Meet the minimum language requirements
- Have the required education and work experience
- Have enough money to support themselves and their family
- Demonstrate intent to live in the Atlantic region
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates must have at least 1560 hours of qualifying work experience in the five years before applying. The work experience must be paid; it cannot be volunteer, self-employed, or an unpaid internship.
Candidates can add hours in different part-time and full-time positions inside and outside Canada. If counting work hours in Canada, candidates must have been legally authorized to do so with a temporary work permit.
Eligible applicants must have a valid job offer from a participating employer and fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, B, or C.
International Graduates
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is also open to international graduates who have completed a degree at a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
Eligible applicants must have been full-time students for a minimum of two years and lived in one of the four Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months in the two years before graduating.
Education Requirements
The educational requirements depend on the type of job offer the candidate is offered.
If the job is NOC 0 or A, the applicant must have completed a post-secondary education program for at least one year inside or outside Canada.
For NOC B or C positions, the applicant must have a Canadian High School diploma or the equivalent if obtained outside of Canada.
Language Requirements
Official language requirements vary depending on which occupation category the applicant’s job falls under.
For NOC 0, A, and B occupations, candidates must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) level 5 in all four categories (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
For NOC C occupations, candidates must meet CLB or NCLC level 4 in all four categories.
Proof of language ability will be required when submitting your application. Evidence must be obtained from a designated language testing organization and be under two years old.
Proof of Settlement Funds
One of the main requirements is that applicants must prove that they have access to settlement funds, which are funds that will help them cover the costs of living in their new province.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves, any family members who come with them to Canada, and any family members they support who aren’t immigrating to Canada.
Candidates living and working in Canada under a valid work permit do not need to provide proof of settlement funds.
How to Get a Settlement Plan and Certificate of Endorsement
Settlement Plan
A settlement plan is a package that helps immigrants settle and adjust to a new life in Atlantic Canada. The program assists with finding resources and contacts and integrating into the local community.
The settlement plan is free to obtain at a settlement service provider organization and is available to all immigrants, regardless of their country of origin or education level.
Certificate of Endorsement
To be eligible for the program, applicants must obtain an employer position endorsement (Certificate of Endorsement) from the province in which they’ll be living and working. This is usually handled by the employer that makes the job offer.
Once the job offer is endorsed, applicants can apply for permanent residency.
Applying for a Temporary Work Permit (Optional)
If the applicant is looking to work in Canada while their AIP permanent residency application is being processed, they may be able to apply for a temporary work permit.
Applicants must meet education, language, and work experience requirements to qualify. They need a job offer from a designated employer and a work permit referral letter from the Atlantic province where they will be working.
This work permit only applies to the Atlantic Immigration Program, is valid for one year, and the applicant can only work for the employer that has made the job offer.
The application for permanent residency needs to be sent within 90 days of applying for a temporary work permit.
How to Apply for Permanent Residence
To apply for permanent residency, foreign workers must submit an online application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
The Foreign Worker Immigration Application consists of the following forms:
- Application form
- Additional Dependants/Declaration (if applicable)
- Background Declaration
- Economic Classes – AIP Program
- Supplementary Information (your travels)
- Declaration of Minors (if applicable)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
- Use of a Representative (if applicable)
The application must include supporting documents, such as proof of identity, an employment offer letter, and educational transcripts.
What Documents Do I Need?
When applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program, there are a few key documents you will need to submit.
- Valid passport
- Two recent photos
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Job offer
- Certificate of Endorsement
- Proof of language proficiency
- Proof of education
- Proof of residence or intent to live in the selected province
- Proof of previous work experience
- Proof of funds
- Proof of temporary work permit (if already in Canada)
- Student visa (for international students)
- Accompanying family information
- Police certificate
- Proof of payment
If you have all of these documents ready, you can begin the application process for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Cost of the Atlantic Immigration Program
There is a processing fee of $1,365 for the principal applicant, $1365 for the spouse, and an additional $230 for each child.
Applicants may also have to pay an $85 ($270 for a family of 2 or more) biometrics fee if requested.
Processing Times for the AIP
The processing time for AIP applications is typically 12 months.
What Happens After Being Accepted?
If successful, applicants will receive a confirmation of Canadian permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You’ll be sent a visa if your country requires one.
If in Canada, you might have to attend an interview to make sure you meet the requirements, and your documents are valid.
If outside of Canada, the Border Services Officer will check your documents and your admissibility when entering Canada.
How IAS Can Help?
Applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program can seem daunting, but we help ease the process. Remember that you must have a job offer from a designated employer to be eligible for the program. If you meet all the other eligibility requirements and have at least one year of full-time paid work experience, you may qualify for permanent residence in Canada through this program.
If you have any questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program or need help with your application, don’t hesitate to contact us on +1 844 290 6312. We’re here to help.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on August 25th, 2023 at 5:33 am
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.