Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Live and Work in Atlantic Canada

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a unique pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who wish to live and work in Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is a federal-provincial program designed to address labour shortages and support economic growth in Atlantic Canada. It provides a streamlined immigration pathway for individuals with the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to the region’s economy.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AIP, you must meet specific requirements:

1. Job Offer

• A valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• The job must be at least one year long (unless you're an international graduate).

2. Work Experience or Education

• Skilled Workers: At least one year of paid work experience in the past five years in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
• International Graduates: A degree, diploma, or credential from a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province. You must have lived in the region for at least 16 months within the two years before graduating.

3. Language Proficiency

• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in English or French for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

4. Financial Requirements

• Proof of settlement funds unless you are already working in Canada.

How Does the AIP Work?

The AIP involves three main steps:

1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a designated employer.
2. Endorsement: The province must endorse your job offer and application.
3. Permanent Residence Application: After receiving the endorsement, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

Why Choose the AIP?

The AIP is an attractive option for skilled workers and graduates due to:

• Employer Support: Designated employers work closely with candidates, helping them settle and integrate into the community.
• Family Inclusion: Your spouse and dependents can also apply for permanent residence.
• Opportunity to Contribute: Atlantic Canada offers a welcoming environment and growing job markets in healthcare, trades, and technology.

Recent Updates

As of November 2024, key updates to the AIP include:

• Expanded job categories: More occupations under NOC TEER 4 are eligible, increasing opportunities for candidates.
• Simplified processes: Enhanced online tools make it easier to connect with designated employers.
• Increased focus on retention: Provinces are offering more support to help newcomers integrate and stay in the region.

Visit the AIP page on the IRCC website for the latest updates and designated employer lists.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Find a Designated Employer: Research job opportunities and employers on the provincial AIP websites.

1. Demonstrate Adaptability: Highlight your willingness to live and work in Atlantic Canada.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Ensure you have valid language test results, work experience proof, and financial documents.
3. Explore Settlement Services: Use provincial and employer-provided resources to plan your transition.