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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
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.
- 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).
To prepare for immigration through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), ensure you have the following documents ready:
- 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)
- Transcripts and diplomas from secondary and post-secondary education
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (if your education was obtained outside Canada)
- 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 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
- Copy of the job offer letter from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if required)
- 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
- 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)
- 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.
Processing times are updated regularly. Check back periodically to stay informed about any changes or updates to your application status.