Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a joint federal-provincial immigration program designed to attract and retain skilled immigrants in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. The AIP is a pilot program that began in 2017 and is scheduled to run until December 2021.The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has been made a permanent immigration pathway from January 2022 after evaluating its success in retaining young talented foreign skilled workers in Atlantic Canada.

The AIP is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is aimed at addressing the demographic challenges and labor market needs in the region.

Under the AIP, eligible employers in the Atlantic region can hire foreign workers for jobs that they have been unable to fill locally.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The program has three streams

  • Atlantic High-Skilled Program: This stream is for skilled workers who have a job offer in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A, or B occupation.
  • Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: This stream is for intermediate-skilled workers who have a job offer in a NOC level C occupation.
  • Atlantic International Graduate Program: This stream is for recent graduates of eligible post-secondary institutions in the Atlantic region who have a job offer in a NOC level 0, A, B, or C occupation.

    • To participate in the AIP, the employer must be designated by the government of the province where the job is located. Once the employer is designated, they can make a job offer to an eligible foreign worker. The foreign worker must then apply to the program and, if approved, will receive a work permit and be able to apply for permanent residency.The AIP is a popular program for both employers and foreign workers due to its fast processing times and streamlined application process.

    Atlantic Provinces

    The Atlantic provinces, also known as the Atlantic Canada region, refer to the easternmost

    provinces of Canada, which include:

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Prince Edward Island

    Nova Scotia

    New Brunswick

    These provinces are located on the Atlantic coast of Canada and share a rich history, culture, and economy. The region is known for its stunning coastal scenery, vibrant cities, and friendly people. The Atlantic provinces are also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to enjoy outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious seafood cuisine.

    AIP Eligibility

    The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a program designed to help employers in the Atlantic region of Canada hire foreign workers and international graduates who meet the labor market needs of the region. To be eligible for the AIP, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Job offer: You must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick.
  • Language proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French through an approved language test. The minimum language proficiency level is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5, but some employers may require a higher level of language proficiency.
  • Education: You must have a minimum level of education required for the job, which can vary depending on the occupation. You must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show that your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian education standards.
  • Work experience: You must have relevant work experience in the occupation you are applying for. The required amount of work experience can vary depending on the occupation.
  • Settlement plan: You must have a settlement plan, which outlines how you will settle in the Atlantic province. The settlement plan should include information on your accommodation, transportation, employment, and any other settlement needs.

    • If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for one of the three immigration streams under the AIP program: Atlantic High-Skilled Program, Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, or Atlantic International Graduate Program. Each stream has its own set of criteria, and you must meet the eligibility requirements for the stream you are applying for.