Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): A Pathway to Living and Working in Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers skilled foreign workers and recent international graduates a direct pathway to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. This initiative aims to support the region’s economic development by helping employers fill positions where local candidates are unavailable.
Launched initially as a pilot program, the AIP has now become a permanent fixture in Canada’s immigration strategy. By focusing on real employment opportunities and long-term community integration, it plays a vital role in addressing labour shortages in Atlantic Canada.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway. It allows designated employers in Atlantic Canada to hire qualified candidates from abroad or international students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in the region. Once hired, the candidate receives not only a job offer but also settlement support to ease their transition into Canadian life.
Why the AIP Matters to Employers and Workers
Many employers in Atlantic Canada face difficulty filling roles in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and information technology. The AIP was introduced to address these gaps by making it easier for employers to recruit from outside Canada when local options are unavailable.
For workers, the AIP provides a structured and accessible route to permanent residency. Unlike some other federal programs, the AIP is designed with less bureaucracy and fewer competitive requirements, making it more inclusive for candidates who meet the basic eligibility standards.
Key Features of the Atlantic Immigration Program
- Employer-Driven Hiring
The AIP connects qualified foreign nationals with designated employers who have proven the need for foreign talent. Employers must be approved under the AIP framework before they can offer jobs to candidates. This structure ensures that job offers are genuine and that the roles require newcomers.
- No CRS or Express Entry Profile Required
One of the unique advantages of the AIP is that it doesn’t involve the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) or the Express Entry pool. Candidates do not need to compete with others for points. If a person has the required skills, a job offer from a designated employer, and meets the language and financial requirements, they may qualify directly.
- Quicker Path to Permanent Residency
The AIP is recognized for its streamlined application process, enabling successful applicants and their families to achieve permanent residency in a shorter timeframe compared to other programs. Once the required documentation is submitted and approved, individuals can apply for permanent residency and receive a temporary work permit, allowing them to begin working while their application is being processed.
- Focus on Settlement Support
Settlement is a core pillar of the AIP. Every applicant must work with a designated settlement service provider in their destination province to create a personalized settlement plan. This ensures that newcomers are connected with local services, language training, housing assistance, and employment guidance. The focus is on helping individuals and families adjust smoothly to life in Atlantic Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for AIP
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Job Offer: Must receive a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
- Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French, depending on the job level.
- Educational Background: Have a Canadian credential (for international graduates) or a foreign degree/diploma equivalent, verified through Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Work Experience: Most applicants must have at least one year of experience in a relevant occupation unless they are applying as an international graduate.
- Settlement Plan: Agree to work with a settlement agency to create a plan that addresses your and your family’s needs.
- Financial Support: Provide proof of funds unless you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit.
International Graduates in Atlantic Canada
Recent graduates from post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada may qualify for the AIP without work experience, provided they meet all other criteria and graduated from a recognized program of at least two years. This facilitates a seamless transition from student life to permanent residency, promoting talent retention within the region.
Recent Changes
In 2022, the Atlantic Immigration Program became a permanent fixture, replacing the earlier Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Since then, it has continued to attract workers and families who wish to settle in Canada’s eastern provinces.
What to Do During the Program Pause
If you are interested in the AIP but missed the 2025 intake, here are a few steps to stay prepared:
- Follow updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for announcements on the program’s reopening.
- Work on improving language scores and gathering required documentation, such as educational assessments and reference letters.
- Engage with designated employers in Atlantic Canada and establish connections.
- Explore other immigration pathways, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offered by the four Atlantic provinces.
