Overview
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal-provincial partnership designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign talent. Unlike many other programs, it is not points-based. Candidates must receive a job offer from a designated employer and obtain an individualized settlement plan to qualify for permanent residence.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. You must also meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4 or 5 depending on the job's TEER level), have at least one year of relevant work experience (or be a recent graduate of a recognized Atlantic post-secondary institution), and meet educational standards.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Find a Job
Search for and secure a job offer from an employer designated by the Atlantic province where you intend to work.
- 2
Step 2: Get a Settlement Plan
Contact an approved settlement service provider to complete a needs assessment and create a personalized settlement plan for you and your family.
- 3
Step 3: Employer Endorsement
Your employer will apply to the province for endorsement of your job offer. Once approved, you will receive an endorsement certificate.
- 4
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit your complete permanent residence application to IRCC, including your endorsement certificate and other required supporting documents.
- 5
Step 5: Apply for a Work Permit (Optional)
If you need to start working before your PR is finalized, you may apply for a temporary, employer-specific work permit using your endorsement certificate.
Required documents
- Valid job offer from a designated employer
- Provincial endorsement certificate
- Individualized settlement plan
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
- Proof of funds (unless currently working in Canada with a valid permit)
- Passport and identity documents
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This program is a direct pathway to permanent residence. Once approved, you and your family receive permanent resident status, allowing you to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
Family options
Your spouse and dependent children must be included in your permanent residence application. Spouses may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
Language notes
You must take an IRCC-approved language test (English or French). The minimum requirement is CLB 4 for TEER 4 occupations and CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
After arrival
Upon landing, you will complete your landing process at a port of entry. You are expected to settle in the Atlantic province that endorsed your application and fulfill the commitments outlined in your settlement plan.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming any job offer qualifies (the employer must be specifically designated by the province).
- Failing to complete a formal settlement plan before applying.
- Not meeting the specific language level required for the job's TEER category.
- Submitting an incomplete application to IRCC, which can lead to significant delays.
FAQs about Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Who is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for?+
Skilled workers and international graduates who have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
What are the eligibility requirements for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?+
To qualify, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. You must also meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4 or 5 depending on the job's TEER level), have at least one year of relevant work experience (or be a recent graduate of a recognized Atlantic post-secondary institution), and meet educational standards.
How much does the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) cost?+
Typical fees listed for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Government processing fees apply (e.g., $825 for processing + $500 for Right of Permanent Residence Fee per adult). No provincial application fees.. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Approximately 26 months.
How long can I stay on the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?+
Leads to permanent residence
Can I work on the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?+
Applicants may be eligible for a temporary, employer-specific work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed. Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit.
Does Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) lead to permanent residence in Canada?+
This program is a direct pathway to permanent residence. Once approved, you and your family receive permanent resident status, allowing you to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
What are common mistakes with Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?+
Assuming any job offer qualifies (the employer must be specifically designated by the province). Failing to complete a formal settlement plan before applying. Not meeting the specific language level required for the job's TEER category.