Atlantic Immigration Program

Introduction to the Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a set of immigration pathways designed to address labor market needs in Canada's Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This program aims to attract and retain skilled workers, international graduates, and individuals with work experience who wish to settle permanently in the Atlantic region.

Streams under the Atlantic Immigration Program

  •  Atlantic High-Skilled Program:

   - Target Group: Skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in a high-skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B).
   - Requirements: Must have a job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, meet language proficiency requirements (English or French), and have enough funds to support themselves and their families.

  • Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program:

   - Target Group: Individuals with work experience in a NOC skill level 0, A, B, or C occupation.
   - Requirements: Requires a job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, language proficiency (English or French), and sufficient funds for settlement.

  • Atlantic International Graduate Program:

   - Target Group: International graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in the Atlantic provinces.
   - Requirements: Must have completed a minimum two-year program of study on a full-time basis, received a degree, diploma, or credential from a recognized institution, and have a valid job offer for full-time employment in one of the Atlantic provinces.

  • Atlantic Entrepreneur Program:

   - Target Group: Experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in one of the Atlantic provinces.
   - Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate their intention and ability to settle in the Atlantic province, actively participate in the management of the business, and create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Who Can Apply


The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers pathways for individuals who meet specific criteria to settle permanently in Canada's Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Eligible candidates include:

  • Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least one year of work experience in a high-skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) and a job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.


  • International Graduates: Recent graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in the Atlantic provinces who have a job offer for full-time employment.


  • Entrepreneurs: Experienced business owners or senior managers intending to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in the Atlantic provinces, contributing to economic growth and job creation.


  • Intermediate-Skilled Workers: Those with work experience in NOC skill level 0, A, B, or C occupations who secure a job offer in the Atlantic provinces.


Candidates must also meet language proficiency requirements in English or French, demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, and receive a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Application Process


  • Expression of Interest (EOI): Interested candidates typically start by submitting an EOI through the Atlantic Immigration Program's online system.


  • Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria may receive an ITA from one of the Atlantic provinces to apply for provincial nomination.


  • Provincial Nomination: Upon receiving a provincial nomination, applicants can apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).


  • Permanent Residence Application: Submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC, including medical exams, police certificates, and proof of funds.


Your job offer must meet these criteria


- It must be full-time and non-seasonal, indicating consistent year-round employment.


- For job offers classified under NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3, the employer must offer a position lasting at least one year from your date of becoming a permanent resident.


- Job offers in NOC 4 categories must be for permanent employment with no specified end date.


- The job offer cannot come from a company where you (the applicant), your spouse, or common-law partner are majority owners.


- The job must match or exceed the skill level of your qualifying work experience, unless you are an international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.


- Some health care sector positions may not require the job offer to match or exceed the qualifying work experience level.



Qualifying work experience in NOC 32101 (licensed practical nurses) and NOC 31301 (registered nurses) can count if you have a job offer in NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) or NOC 44101 (home health care workers).

Get Your Documents Ready

To prepare for immigration through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), ensure you have the following documents ready:

  • Personal Documents:

   - Passport or travel document (must be valid)
   - Birth certificate or proof of birth
   - Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (if applicable)
   - Divorce or separation documents (if applicable)

  • Education Documents:

   - Transcripts and diplomas from secondary and post-secondary education
   - Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (if your education was obtained outside Canada)

  • Work Experience Documents:

   - Letters of reference from previous employers detailing your job title, duties performed, and duration of employment
   - Employment contracts or pay stubs
   - Proof of professional licenses or certifications (if applicable)

  • Language Proficiency:

   - Language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) demonstrating proficiency in English and/or French
   - Test results must be within the validity period specified by the language testing organization

  • Job Offer (if applicable):

   - Copy of the job offer letter from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces
   - Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if required)

  • Financial Documents:

   - Proof of funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your settlement in Canada
   - This can include bank statements, investment statements, or sponsorship letters

  • Provincial Nomination Documents:

   - Nomination certificate or letter issued by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick (depending on where you apply)

  • Miscellaneous:

   - Police certificates or clearance from countries where you have lived for more than six months since turning 18
   - Medical examination results from an approved panel physician
   - Any other documents specified by the Atlantic province or Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of your application

Ensure all documents are current, translated into English or French (if necessary), and organized according to the specific requirements outlined by the AIP and IRCC. Submitting a complete and accurate application package will help facilitate the processing of your immigration application.

Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program


  • Job Opportunities: Access to a range of job opportunities across various sectors in the Atlantic provinces.


  • Community Integration: Support and resources to help newcomers settle and integrate into their new communities.


  • Pathway to Permanent Residence: Clear pathways to obtain Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

Check processing times

Processing times are updated regularly. Check back periodically to stay informed about any changes or updates to your application status. 

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