About

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces—Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick—hire skilled workers and international graduates to fill labor shortages. This program supports permanent residence for eligible candidates who want to live and work in these provinces.

Who can apply

The program targets three main groups of applicants:

1. Atlantic High-Skilled Program: For workers in Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trades).
   
   
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: For workers in TEER 4 jobs (intermediate jobs requiring secondary education and/or job-specific training).
   
   
3. Atlantic International Graduate Program: For recent graduates from publicly funded post-secondary institutions in the Atlantic provinces.
   
   

General eligibility requirements include:

• Job offer: You must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
  
  
• Education: At least a high school diploma for intermediate and skilled workers; recent graduation from an eligible post-secondary institution for international graduates.
  
  
• Work experience: Relevant work experience depending on the program stream (usually at least 1 year for skilled workers).
  
  
• Language skills: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French.
  
  
• Settlement plan: You must have a settlement plan prepared with the help of a designated settlement service provider to help integrate into the community.
  
  
• Intent to reside: You must intend to live in the Atlantic province where your employer is located.

Benefits

• Faster permanent residence: The program offers a faster and more streamlined route to Canadian permanent residence for eligible applicants.
  
  
• Employer support: Employers are designated and participate actively, increasing chances of successful job placement.
  
  
• No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Employers do not need an LMIA, which simplifies the hiring process.
  
  
• Settlement assistance: Access to settlement services helps newcomers integrate smoothly into local communities.
  
  
• Work and live in Atlantic provinces: Applicants gain the opportunity to settle in welcoming regions with growing economies and a high quality of life.

Real-Life Example

A nurse from abroad receives a job offer from a hospital in Nova Scotia, which is a designated employer under the AIP. After securing the offer and completing language and education requirements, the nurse applies through the program and obtains permanent residence. With support from local settlement services, they settle into the community, start working, and contribute to the regional healthcare system.

Frequently Asked Questions