Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Discover the Atlantic Immigration Program supporting skilled workers and graduates moving to Atlantic Canada.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):

Atlantic Canada is known for its warm hospitality, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and close-knit communities. For skilled workers and international graduates looking to build a life in this vibrant region, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residence.

The AIP is a federal immigration program that helps employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador hire foreign skilled workers and international graduates to fill jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. Unlike many other programs, the AIP is designed to help you settle quickly and successfully into your new community.

At Career Plus Immigration, we provide the legal clarity and strategic planning necessary to navigate the AIP. Whether you are securing a job offer or preparing your settlement plan, our team ensures your application is compliant, accurate, and ready for success.

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Key Features of the AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program is unique compared to other Canadian immigration pathways. It is designed not just to bring you to Canada, but to ensure you stay and thrive.

Employer-Driven: You must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada to participate. The employer plays an active role in your application.
Settlement-Focused: A key requirement is working with a settlement service provider organization. This ensures you and your family have a personalized plan to integrate into the community before you even arrive.
Streamlined Process: The program is designed to be faster than many traditional immigration routes, helping employers fill labour gaps quickly.
Flexible Requirements: The AIP often has more flexible language and education requirements compared to Express Entry, making it accessible to a broader range of skilled workers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must meet specific requirements related to your work experience, education, and ability to establish yourself in Atlantic Canada.

1. Job Offer

You must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.

The job cannot be seasonal.
The employer must be “designated” by the provincial government (meaning they are approved to hire through the AIP).
For TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs, the offer must be for at least 1 year.
For TEER 4 jobs, the offer must be permanent.

2. Work Experience

Unless you are an international graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, you need work experience.

You must have at least 1,560 hours (equivalent to one year of full-time work) in the last 5 years.
The work can be full-time or part-time, but it must be paid.
The experience must be in a specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category that matches or relates to your job offer.

3. Education

You must meet the educational requirements for your job offer.

TEER 0 or 1 job offer: One-year Canadian post-secondary credential or higher (or equivalent).
TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offer: Canadian high school diploma (or equivalent).
Note: If you studied outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove your education is valid and equal to Canadian standards.

4. Language Proficiency

You must prove your language skills in English or French by taking a designated language test.

TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job offer: Minimum CLB 5.
TEER 4 job offer: Minimum CLB 4.

5. Settlement Funds

If you are not already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you must show proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The AIP involves coordination between you, your employer, the province, and the federal government.

Step Secure a Job Offer

Find a job with an employer in Atlantic Canada who is designated under the AIP. If the employer is not designated, they can apply for designation, but this must happen before they can hire you through this program.

Get a Settlement Plan

Once you have a job offer, you must contact a designated settlement service provider organization. They will conduct a needs assessment and create a personalized Settlement Plan for you and your family. You send this plan to your employer.

Provincial Endorsement

Your employer will submit an application to their respective province (NB, NS, PEI, or NL) for endorsement. They will include your job offer and settlement plan. If the province approves the job offer, they will send you a Certificate of Endorsement.

Apply for Permanent Residence

Important: You can also apply for a temporary work permit at this stage if your employer needs you to start working while your PR application is being processed.

Important: You can also apply for a temporary work permit at this stage if your employer needs you to start working while your PR application is being processed.

Your Partner in Atlantic Success

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a fantastic opportunity, but it requires careful coordination with your employer and settlement agencies. A missing document or an error in your NOC code selection can cause significant delays.

At Career Plus Immigration, we act as your trusted guide. We help you verify your employer’s designation status, ensure your documents meet federal standards, and represent your interests throughout the entire process.

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