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The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick. This program is employer-driven and aims to address labor shortages in these regions.

1. Atlantic Immigration Program Overview

The AIP helps designated employers in Atlantic Canada hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It is open to skilled workers in any occupation and international graduates from recognized institutions in Atlantic Canada. This program leads directly to permanent residency and includes pathways for both high-skilled and intermediate-skilled workers.

2. Key Requirements for Applicants

There are three streams under the Atlantic Immigration Program, each with slightly different requirements:

a. Atlantic High-Skilled Program

This stream is for individuals with work experience in professional, managerial, or technical/skilled jobs.

• Job Offer: You must have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. The job must be NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Work Experience: At least one year (1,560 hours) of work experience in a skilled occupation within the last five years.
• Education: A minimum of a high school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards (with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if the education was obtained outside of Canada).
• Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 in English or French.
• Proof of Funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family, unless you are already living and working in Canada.

b. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

This pathway is for workers with job offers in intermediate-skilled positions (typically requiring high school education and/or job-specific training).

• Job Offer: A full-time job offer from a designated employer in an NOC TEER 4 occupation.
• Work Experience: One year of experience in a job that falls under a TEER 4 occupation.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, with an ECA if the diploma is from outside Canada.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB score of 4 in English or French.
• Proof of Funds: Demonstrate financial ability to support yourself and your family.

c. Atlantic International Graduate Program

This stream is designed for international graduates who have completed their studies at a publicly funded institution in one of the Atlantic provinces.

• Job Offer: You must have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in any NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupation.
• No Work Experience Required: Unlike the other two streams, international graduates do not need previous work experience.
• Education: A degree, diploma, or certificate of at least two years from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. You must have completed your studies within the last two years and spent at least 16 months studying in Atlantic Canada.
• Language Proficiency: CLB score of 5 in English or French.
• Proof of Funds: Same as for the other streams, unless you are already employed in Canada.

3. Employer Requirements

The AIP is employer-driven, meaning that the employer plays a crucial role in hiring and supporting applicants. To participate, employers must:

• Be designated by their province as part of the program, ensuring they meet program standards.
• Provide a full-time, non-seasonal job offer.
• Help the new employee settle in Canada by connecting them with a settlement service provider to create a settlement plan.

4. Key Features of the Atlantic Immigration Program

• Job Offer Required: All streams require a valid job offer from a designated employer. This offer does not need to be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it easier for employers to hire foreign workers.
• Settlement Support: Employers must work with local organizations to help employees and their families settle in the community, which includes access to language training and help with housing.
• Fast-Track Permanent Residency: The AIP is designed to be faster than traditional immigration programs, with permanent residency applications typically processed in 6 months.
• Temporary Work Permit: Applicants can apply for a temporary work permit while their permanent residency application is being processed, allowing them to begin working sooner.

5. Program Process

• Step 1: Secure a Job Offer: Candidates must find a job with a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• Step 2: Obtain a Settlement Plan: Before applying, applicants must work with a settlement service provider in the province to create a settlement plan outlining the steps they will take to integrate into the community.
• Step 3: Endorsement by Province: The job offer and settlement plan must be endorsed by the provincial government. Once endorsed, you receive a certificate to include with your PR application.
• Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency: Submit a complete PR application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including the endorsement letter and other necessary documents.

6. Proof of Funds

Applicants must show that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada, unless they are already living and working in the country. The amount varies depending on family size and the cost of living in the province.

7. 2024 Updates

The Atlantic Immigration Program has been improved to make it more attractive for both employers and applicants:

• Streamlining of Application Processes: Faster endorsement and application processing to meet labor market demands in the Atlantic region.
• Flexible Work Permits: Temporary work permits are more accessible, allowing applicants to start working quickly while their PR application is processed.
• More Job Flexibility: The range of eligible occupations has been broadened to include a greater number of TEER 4 jobs, reflecting the specific labor needs of the Atlantic provinces.

8. Settlement Services and Support

The program emphasizes settlement support. Employers are required to connect candidates with local service providers to help with:

• Language classes.
• Finding housing.
• Enrolling children in school.
• Navigating community services like healthcare.

9. Processing Times

AIP applications, including the endorsement process and PR application, are processed relatively quickly. The target for PR processing is 6 months, with work permits processed in less time if all requirements are met.

Summary:

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in Atlantic Canada. The program is employer-driven, with three streams catering to high-skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates. The AIP emphasizes quick processing, employer support, and settlement assistance, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.