Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Live and Work in Atlantic Canada Through a Direct Pathway to Permanent Residence
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven immigration program that helps skilled foreign workers and international graduates obtain Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) while addressing labour shortages in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. The program allows designated employers to hire qualified international talent for positions they are unable to fill locally, creating a streamlined pathway for newcomers to settle permanently in the region.
About Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent economic immigration program jointly administered by the Government of Canada and the Atlantic provinces. It is designed to support economic growth by attracting skilled workers and international graduates who wish to live and work in:
• New Brunswick.
• Nova Scotia.
• Prince Edward Island (PEI).
• Newfoundland and Labrador.
Unlike many other immigration programs, the AIP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Instead, applicants must receive a job offer from a designated employer approved by one of the Atlantic provinces.
Why Choose Atlantic Canada?
Atlantic Canada offers excellent career opportunities, affordable living, welcoming communities, and a high quality of life. The region continues to experience labour shortages across healthcare, hospitality, transportation, manufacturing, construction, seafood processing, and other growing industries.
Benefits of Living in Atlantic Canada
• Direct pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence.
• No LMIA required.
• Employer-supported immigration process.
• Opportunity to include spouse and dependent children.
• Affordable housing and lower cost of living.
• High quality healthcare and education.
• Strong demand for skilled workers.
• Settlement support before and after arrival.
• Pathway to Canadian Citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Participating Provinces
The Atlantic Immigration Program is available in four Atlantic provinces:
• New Brunswick.
• Nova Scotia.
• Prince Edward Island (PEI).
• Newfoundland and Labrador.
Each province designates employers who are authorized to hire foreign workers through the program.
Who Can Apply?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is suitable for:
• Skilled Foreign Workers.
• Intermediate-skilled workers.
• International Graduates from eligible Atlantic Canadian institutions.
• Applicants living inside or outside Canada.
• Individuals with a qualifying job offer from a designated employer.
Key Benefits
• Direct pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence.
• No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required.
• Open to applicants inside and outside Canada.
• Temporary work permit option while PR is being processed.
• Personalized settlement plan for successful integration.
• Family members can accompany the principal applicant.
• Employer support throughout the immigration process.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, applicants must generally meet the following requirements.
Valid Job Offer
Applicants must obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer located in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
The job offer must:
• Be genuine.
• Match the applicant's qualifications.
• Meet wage and employment standards.
• Be endorsed by the provincial government.
For TEER 0–3 occupations, the offer must be for at least one year after becoming a permanent resident. For eligible TEER 4 occupations, the offer must be permanent with no specified end date.
Work Experience
Most skilled workers must have:
• At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of paid work experience.
• Obtained within the previous 5 years.
• Experience in an occupation related to the job offer.
Recent international graduates from eligible Atlantic Canadian institutions may be exempt from the work experience requirement.
Education
Applicants must meet the educational requirement for the occupation offered.
Generally:
• Canadian High School Diploma or higher.
• Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
International graduates from recognized Atlantic Canadian institutions may qualify under graduate-specific requirements.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency through an approved English or French language test.
Minimum requirements are generally:
| Job TEER Category | Minimum Language Requirement |
|---|---|
| TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 | CLB/NCLC 5 |
| TEER 4 | CLB/NCLC 4 |
Approved language tests include:
• Canadian High School Diploma or higher.
• Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Proof of Funds
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada.Proof of funds is not required if the applicant is already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit.
Settlement Plan
Before applying for Permanent Residence, applicants must obtain a personalised settlement plan from an approved settlement service provider.
The settlement plan helps newcomers prepare for:
• Employment.
• Housing.
• Education.
• Healthcare.
• Community integration.
• Language services.
This is a unique requirement of the Atlantic Immigration Program.
