Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Your Complete Guide

What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent immigration pathway that helps employers in Canada's four Atlantic provinces hire qualified candidates for jobs they have not been able to fill locally. The four participating provinces are New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Originally launched as a pilot in 2017, the AIP became a permanent program in January 2022. It is employer-driven, meaning you need a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada to apply. The program is unique because it includes settlement support for newcomers and their families right from the start, helping you integrate into your new community more effectively.

The AIP is managed jointly by IRCC and the four Atlantic provincial governments. You can find official information on the IRCC Atlantic Immigration Program page.

Why Choose Atlantic Canada?

Atlantic Canada offers a welcoming environment for newcomers, with a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, strong community ties, and growing economies.

• Affordable housing: Home prices and rents in Atlantic Canada are generally much lower than in Ontario or British Columbia.
• Growing job market: The Atlantic provinces are experiencing economic growth in sectors like technology, healthcare, aquaculture, and tourism.
• Quality of life: Beautiful coastlines, safe communities, and a slower pace of life appeal to many newcomers.
• Welcoming communities: Atlantic Canadians are known for their friendliness and hospitality toward newcomers.

AIP Streams

The AIP has three main categories designed for different types of workers and graduates:

1. High-Skilled Program

This category is for workers who have a job offer in a position classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. These are typically management, professional, technical, or skilled positions. You need at least one year of qualifying work experience.

2. Intermediate-Skilled Program

This category targets workers with a job offer in a position classified under TEER 4 in the NOC system. These are typically entry-level or intermediate positions in sectors like food processing, long-term care, and hospitality. You need at least one year of qualifying work experience.

3. International Graduate Program

This category is for recent graduates of a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces. You do not need work experience, but you must have completed a credential of at least two years at a publicly funded institution in Atlantic Canada. You must have been a full-time student, had a valid study permit, and have lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the last two years before graduation.

See also: Canada Student Visa Guide

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the AIP, you must meet requirements in several areas:

Job Offer Requirements

• The job offer must be from an employer designated by one of the four Atlantic provincial governments.
• The job must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and non-seasonal.
• For the High-Skilled Program, the job must be for at least one year. For the Intermediate-Skilled and International Graduate Programs, the job must be permanent (no end date).

Work Experience

• High-Skilled and Intermediate-Skilled: At least 1,560 hours (about one year) of work experience in the same NOC category as the job offer, gained within the last five years. The experience can be gained in Canada or abroad.
• International Graduate: No work experience required.

Education

• You must have at least a Canadian high school diploma or its foreign equivalent. If your education is from outside Canada, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
• For the International Graduate stream, you need a post-secondary credential from an eligible Atlantic Canadian institution.

Language Requirements

• You must demonstrate English or French proficiency through an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
• Minimum CLB/NCLC level 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 positions.
• Minimum CLB/NCLC level 4 for TEER 4 positions.

Settlement Funds

You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Atlantic Canada, unless you are already legally working in Canada. The required amount depends on family size. For a single applicant, the minimum is approximately $3,700 CAD (amounts are updated annually by IRCC).

The Application Process: Step by Step

Here is a detailed breakdown of how the AIP application process works:

Step 1: Find a Designated Employer

Not every employer in Atlantic Canada can participate in the AIP. Employers must apply to their provincial government for designation. You can search for designated employers or apply to job postings that specifically mention the AIP. Check the provincial government websites for lists of designated employers.

Step 2: Receive a Job Offer

Once a designated employer offers you a job, they will work with you to begin the AIP process. The employer plays an active role in the application, so they need to be familiar with the program requirements.

Step 3: Get a Settlement Plan

Before your employer can endorse your application, you and your family must complete a needs assessment and receive a settlement plan from a designated settlement service provider organization. This plan identifies the services and support you will need to successfully integrate into your new community, such as language training, employment counselling, and community connections.

Step 4: Provincial Endorsement

Your employer submits a request for endorsement to the provincial government. The province reviews the job offer and your qualifications. If everything meets the requirements, the province issues an endorsement letter, also known as a Certificate of Endorsement.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency

With your endorsement letter in hand, you submit your application for permanent residency to IRCC. You can also apply for a temporary work permit at this stage if you need to start working while your permanent residency application is processed.

Step 6: Work Permit (Optional)

The AIP allows you to apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for your permanent residency application to be processed. This work permit is LMIA-exempt, which speeds up the process considerably.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a non-designated employer: Only designated employers can participate. Verify the employer's designation status before accepting a job offer.
• Skipping the settlement plan: The settlement plan is a mandatory step. Do not delay this, as it can hold up the entire application.
• Incorrect NOC classification: Make sure the job duties in your offer match the NOC code being used. Misclassification is a common reason for refusals.
• Insufficient documentation: Provide complete and accurate documents. Missing items can cause significant delays.

Settlement Support

One of the AIP's strengths is its built-in settlement support. Designated settlement service providers in each province help you and your family with everything from finding housing to enrolling children in school. This support begins before you even arrive in Canada, making the transition smoother.

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

See also: LINC & ELSA English Programs

See also: How to Find Your NOC Code

For more details on specific AIP categories, see our guide on the AIP High-Skilled Program, which provides deeper information about qualifications and tips for skilled workers.

Final Tips

The AIP is one of the most newcomer-friendly immigration programs in Canada. The employer-driven model and mandatory settlement support make it easier to transition to life in Atlantic Canada. Start by researching designated employers in your field, prepare your language test results and credential assessments early, and reach out to settlement service providers in the province where you plan to live. Atlantic Canada is actively seeking newcomers, and the AIP is designed to welcome you and help you succeed.