Immigration To Canada Via Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Last Updated On 22 August 2024, 11:05 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway for immigration to Canada designed to help skilled foreign workers and international graduates move to one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces:

New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia,
Prince Edward Island, and
Newfoundland and Labrador.

The program is a key component of Canada’s broader strategy to address labor shortages and bolster economic growth in the Atlantic region.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about the AIP, including eligibility criteria, the application process, the required documents, and pathways to permanent residence.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration program designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Atlantic Canada.

It replaces the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), which ran from 2017 to 2021.

The AIP was launched on January 1, 2022, as a permanent program, continuing the success of its predecessor.

Key Objectives of the AIP:

Address labor shortages in the Atlantic provinces.
Support population growth and economic development.
Help employers hire skilled foreign workers and retain international graduates.

Program Highlights:

The AIP offers a pathway to permanent residence.
It is open to skilled workers and international graduates.
Employers in the Atlantic provinces can hire foreign nationals without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Eligibility Criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program

To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2024, you must meet specific criteria related to work experience, education, language proficiency, and job offer.

These requirements have been adjusted to align with the new TEER system.

1. Work Experience

You must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in an occupation that falls under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

This experience should have been gained within the last five years.

Note: International graduates from a recognized institution in one of the Atlantic provinces do not need work experience to qualify.

2. Education

Your educational qualifications must meet the program’s standards:

High-Skilled Occupations (TEER 0-1): A minimum of a one-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential or higher, or the equivalent from outside Canada is required.
Intermediate-Skilled Occupations (TEER 2, 3, or 4): A minimum of a Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada.
International Graduates: Must have a degree, diploma, or other credentials from a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province.

If your education was completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required to verify that your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.

3. Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French by achieving a minimum score on an approved language test:

TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 Occupations: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5.
TEER 4 Occupations: CLB level 4.

Language tests accepted include IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF Canada.

4. Valid Job Offer

A job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces is mandatory.

The job offer must be:

Full-Time and Non-Seasonal: The position must offer consistent work throughout the year.
For a Minimum of One Year: The job must have a duration of at least 12 months.

The job offer should align with your qualifications and the TEER category of your occupation.

5. Proof of Funds

Unless you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit, you must provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members after moving to Canada.

Application Process for the Atlantic Immigration Program

The application process for the AIP involves several steps, including obtaining a job offer, applying for provincial endorsement, and submitting a permanent residence application.

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer

Candidates must receive a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
The employer must complete an Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form and provide it to the candidate.

Step 2: Obtain Provincial Endorsement

After receiving a job offer, the candidate must apply for endorsement from the province where the job is located.
The provincial government will review the candidate’s application and issue an endorsement letter if they meet the program’s requirements.

Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residence

Once endorsed, the candidate can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The application for permanent residence must include the endorsement letter and other required documents.

Step 4: Apply for a Temporary Work Permit (Optional)

Candidates who wish to start working while their permanent residence application is being processed can apply for a temporary work permit.
The temporary work permit is employer-specific and allows the candidate to work for the designated employer.

Required Documents for the Atlantic Immigration Program

When applying for the AIP, candidates must provide a comprehensive set of documents to support their application.

These documents are essential for both provincial endorsement and the permanent residence application.

A. For Provincial Endorsement

Job Offer: A valid job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
Education Credentials: Copies of academic transcripts and diplomas. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) may be required if the education was obtained outside Canada.
Proof of Work Experience: Letters of reference from previous employers outlining job duties, duration of employment, and salary.
Language Test Results: Proof of language proficiency in English or French.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other financial documents showing sufficient funds to support the candidate and their family.
Endorsement Application Form: Completed form provided by the provincial government.

B. For Permanent Residence Application

Endorsement Letter: Issued by the provincial government.
Medical Examination: Proof of a medical examination conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
Police Certificates: Background checks from every country where the candidate has lived for six months or more since turning 18.
Passport and Travel Documents: Copies of all pages of the candidate’s passport.
Photos: Recent passport-sized photos as per IRCC’s specifications.
Application Forms: Completed and signed permanent residence application forms.

Pathways to Permanent Residence

The AIP provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who meet the program’s requirements.

Upon approval of the permanent residence application, candidates and their accompanying family members can move to Canada and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.

A. Benefits of Permanent Residence in Canada

Work and Study: Permanent residents can work for any employer and study at any educational institution in Canada.
Healthcare: Access to Canada’s public healthcare system.
Social Benefits: Eligibility for various social benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Employment Insurance (EI).
Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a promising opportunity for skilled workers and international graduates to immigrate to Canada and build a new life in the country’s vibrant Atlantic provinces.

By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the outlined application process, candidates can achieve their goal of becoming permanent residents of Canada.

If you’re considering this pathway, ensure you thoroughly understand the requirements and gather all necessary documents to increase your chances of success.

For more detailed information, refer to the official resources provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the processing time for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The processing time for the AIP varies depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances, but it generally takes about 6 to 12 months from the submission of the permanent residence application.

Can I include my family members in my AIP application?

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your AIP application. They will also receive permanent residence if your application is approved.

Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for the AIP?

No, employers in the Atlantic provinces do not need to obtain an LMIA to hire foreign workers through the AIP.

What happens if my job offer is withdrawn before I receive permanent residence?

If your job offer is withdrawn before you receive permanent residence, you must secure a new job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province. The new job offer must meet the program’s requirements.

Can I apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for my permanent residence application to be processed?

Yes, you can apply for a temporary work permit once you receive a provincial endorsement. This allows you to start working while your permanent residence application is being processed.

What is the processing fees for Atlantic immigration program (AIP)?

$1,525 is the processing fees charged by IRCC for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

What happens if my job offer is withdrawn after I receive my endorsement?

If your job offer is withdrawn after receiving provincial endorsement but before submitting your permanent residence application, you will need to secure a new job offer from another designated employer to continue with the process.

Is there an age limit for applying to the Atlantic Immigration Program?

There is no specific age limit for the AIP. However, candidates aged 18 to 35 tend to score higher on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used for Express Entry, which can impact their eligibility for other immigration programs.

Can I change employers while my AIP application is being processed?

If you wish to change employers, you must ensure that the new employer is also designated under the AIP and that you obtain a new job offer that meets the program’s criteria.

You may also need to reapply for provincial endorsement.

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website