Atlantic Immigration Program
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a permanent residency pathway for skilled foreign workers and international graduates aiming to live and work in Canada's Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This program addresses labor shortages and promotes population growth in the region. AIP is employer-driven, requiring candidates to secure a job offer from a designated employer.
Unlike other immigration pathways, the AIP does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it quicker and easier for employers and applicants. Additionally, all principal applicants must provide a settlement plan for integrating into life in Atlantic Canada.
How the Atlantic Immigration
Program Works
The process starts when an Atlantic employer finds a foreign worker who fits their needs and meets eligibility criteria. After the candidate accepts the job offer, the employer connects them with a settlement service provider.
This provider assesses the applicant's needs and creates a personalized settlement plan, offering support with housing, job assistance, language training, and community integration in Canada. Employers actively support newcomers to ensure successful long-term settlement and retention.
For urgent workforce needs, AIP allows eligible candidates to apply for a temporary work permit, enabling them and their families to move to Canada quickly while their permanent residence application is processed.
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To qualify for this temporary work permit, candidates must have
A valid job offer from a
designated employer
An endorsement letter from
the Atlantic province
Submit the residency
application in three months.
Why Choose the Atlantic
Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an excellent alternative for applicants who may not receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the federal Express Entry system. With lower language requirements, employer support, and no LMIA requirement, AIP offers a more accessible pathway to Canadian permanent residence—especially for candidates seeking stability and long-term employment in Atlantic Canada.
Immigration Pathways Under
the Atlantic Immigration
Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program consists of three distinct pathways,
each tailored to different categories of applicants.
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
Job Offer Requirements
Applicants need a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province. The position must be classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and be valid for at least one year, using the official federal government format.
Work Experience
Applicants need a minimum of one year (1,560 hours) of paid work experience within the last three years. This can be full-time, part-time, or non-continuous, gained in Canada or abroad, and must be in a single eligible TEER level occupation. Unpaid internships or volunteer roles do not qualify.
Education
Candidates must hold either a Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or an equivalent foreign credential. Foreign education must be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) issued within the last five years, confirming equivalency to a Canadian credential.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency with a minimum score of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French. Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Proof of Funds
Applicants must show sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada. This requirement is waived for candidates already living and working in Canada with valid authorization.
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
Job Offer Requirements
Applicants must have a permanent, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. The position must fall under eligible NOC categories and meet all federal requirements.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least one year of paid work experience within the last three years. This experience can be part-time or full-time, gained in Canada or overseas, and must be in a single occupation. Unpaid work does not qualify.
Education
Applicants must possess a Canadian high school diploma or higher, or a foreign credential assessed through an ECA as equivalent to a Canadian qualification.
Language Requirements
A minimum language proficiency of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French is required across all four language abilities.
Proof of Funds
Applicants must demonstrate adequate settlement funds unless they are already authorized to work in Canada.
Atlantic International Graduate Program
Job Offer Requirements
Applicants must secure a permanent, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer at an eligible TEER level. The job does not need to be related to the field of study, provided the candidate meets job requirements.
Work Experience
No prior work experience is required for this stream.
Education
Candidates must hold a two-year diploma, degree, or trade credential from a publicly funded institution in Atlantic Canada, completed full-time within the last 24 months. They should have lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months prior to graduation, and at least 50% of the program must be in-person in Canada. Programs with excessive distance learning may not qualify.
Language Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum CLB 4 / NCLC 4 language requirement, with valid test results obtained within the last two years.
Proof of Funds
Graduates must show sufficient settlement funds unless they are already working in Canada with a valid permit. Atlantic Immigration Program applicants must show settlement funds based on family size:
- A single applicant must show $3,815 in settlement funds.
- A family of two is required to have $4,750.
- A family of three needs $5,840.
- For four family members, the required amount is $7,090.
- A family of five must show $8,042.
- A family of six requires $9,070.
- A family of seven needs $10,098.
- For each additional family member, $1,028 must be added.
