Are you looking for a fast-track pathway to Canadian permanent residency? The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal initiative designed to help skilled foreign workers and international graduates settle in Atlantic Canada while addressing labor shortages in the region.
This program allows designated employers in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick to hire and retain global talent without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
- Direct pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and graduates
- No LMIA required for employers
- Faster processing with work permits available while waiting for PR
- Employer-driven program ensures job security before arrival
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) was launched in 2017 to tackle population decline and labor shortages in Atlantic Canada. It aims to:
- Support population growth in the region
- Build a skilled workforce
- Increase employment rates
- Provide long-term settlement support to newcomers
Under AIP, designated local employers in Atlantic Canada can recruit skilled workers and international graduates for full-time jobs and help them transition to permanent residency (PR).
Who is Eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, both employers and foreign workers must meet certain requirements.
For Employers
- Must be designated by an Atlantic province
- Job positions must be endorsed by the province
- Must help workers and their families with settlement support
For Foreign Workers and International Graduates
- Must have a valid job offer from a designated employer
- Must meet the work experience, education, and language requirements
- Must have a settlement plan for themselves and their family
How Does the Atlantic Immigration Program Work?
The AIP is an employer-driven program, meaning candidates must have a job offer before applying for PR.
Step-by-Step Process for AIP
Step 1: Employer Designation and Job Offer
- The employer must be designated by an Atlantic province
- They must offer a full-time job to a foreign worker or international graduate
Step 2: Settlement Plan and Endorsement
- The candidate must work with a settlement service provider to create a settlement plan
- The employer applies for a provincial endorsement of the job offer
Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency and Work Permit
- Once endorsed, the candidate can apply for Canadian PR through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- A temporary work permit may be issued while waiting for PR approval
Note: The temporary work permit requires:
- A valid job offer
- A provincial endorsement letter
- Commitment to apply for PR within 90 days
How to Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Application Process
- Review official guides and eligibility criteria
- Find a job with a designated employer
- Obtain a settlement plan through a service provider
- Secure a provincial endorsement for the job offer
- Submit your PR application to IRCC
Applications for employer designation and job endorsement must be submitted online.
Top Universities Offering AIP Courses for International Graduates
Several educational institutions in Atlantic Canada offer programs that align with AIP eligibility.
New Brunswick
- Crandall University
- Mount Allison University
Newfoundland and Labrador
- College of the North Atlantic
Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton University
- Acadia University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
Prince Edward Island
- Holland College
Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?
- A direct pathway to Canadian PR – No need for an LMIA
- Job security before arrival – Get hired first, then apply for PR
- Faster processing times – Work permits available while waiting for PR
- Settlement support – Employers help newcomers integrate into the community
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers and international graduates looking to build a future in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
Start Your Journey to Atlantic Canada Today
- Employers: Get designated and access global talent
- Workers and Graduates: Secure a job and fast-track your PR application