Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program and want to understand how it works for both employers and international candidates.
Immigrate to Canada’s Atlantic Provinces as a Skilled Worker or International Graduate
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent residency pathway for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
This employer-driven program helps address regional labor shortages while supporting newcomers and their families in settling successfully.
Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?
- Employer-driven opportunities: Employers in the Atlantic provinces can hire qualified international candidates for positions they haven’t been able to fill locally.
- Direct pathway to permanent residence: Once endorsed, applicants can apply for Canadian permanent residency for themselves and their family members.
- Community integration: The program focuses on settlement support and long-term retention in smaller communities, not just urban centers.
- Accessible to candidates abroad or in Canada: Both temporary residents in Canada and applicants living overseas can participate.
Eligibility Criteria
For International Graduates and Skilled Workers
To qualify for AIP, you must:1. Secure a Job Offer
Receive a valid full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
2. Meet Educational or Work Experience Requirements
- International graduates: Recent graduates from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- Skilled workers: Have relevant work experience in your field.
3. Language Proficiency
There is no formal language test requirement for AIP. However, you must have sufficient English or French skills to perform your job effectively. Employers may request proof of language ability depending on the role.
4. Admissibility
Legally admissible to Canada and willing to live in an Atlantic province (outside Quebec).
For Employers in Atlantic Canada
Become a Designated Employer: Before hiring international candidates, you must become a designated employer in your province.
Key points:
- Each Atlantic province (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) has its own application process.
- No cost to become designated.
- Forms and instructions are available on each province’s official website.
Hire a Qualified Candidate: Once designated, you can hire international graduates or skilled workers for jobs that remain unfilled locally. Candidates can be overseas or already in Canada on temporary status.
Step-by-Step Process for Candidates
Endorsement
- Receive a job offer from a designated AIP employer.
- Work with settlement services to create a personalized settlement plan.
- The employer submits your endorsement application to the provincial government.
- Receive a provincial endorsement certificate.
- You may also receive a work permit support letter if you need one.
Immigration Application
- Submit your permanent residence application along with your endorsement certificate to IRCC.
- IRCC reviews your application.
- Apply for a work permit while your PR application is processed, if required.
- Upon approval, move to Atlantic Canada and start your new job.
- Access ongoing support from your employer and settlement services.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Job offer from a designated employer
- Provincial endorsement certificate
- Proof of education or work experience
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF)
- Police clearance certificate(s)
- Medical exam results
How We Support You
At Shreehari Immigration, we make your AIP journey smooth:
- Free eligibility assessment: Know your chances before applying.
- Step-by-step application support: Guidance from documents to submission.
- Settlement planning advice: Prepare for life in Atlantic Canada.
- Expert guidance: Tailored support based on your background and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both temporary residents in Canada and applicants living abroad can participate.
A valid offer from a designated employer is required to start the AIP process.
Processing times vary, but permanent residency is typically granted within several months after endorsement.
Spouses/common-law partners and dependent children can be included in your PR application.
A designated employer is a company approved by an Atlantic province to hire international candidates through the AIP. Only designated employers can make job offers under the program.
You must either be a recent graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada or a skilled worker with relevant experience. Work experience abroad is accepted for skilled workers.
AIP does not have a formal language test requirement, but candidates must have sufficient English or French skills to perform their job effectively. Some employers may request language proof depending on the role.
Take the Next Step
- Book Your Free Consultation – Speak to an immigration professional about your eligibility.
- Get Your Free Eligibility Assessment – Find out if the Atlantic Immigration Program is right for you.