Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Canadian immigration pathway designed for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work permanently in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The AIP helps employers fill jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally, while supporting newcomers’ successful settlement in the region.
Main Features of the AIP
- Employer-driven program: AIP is designed to help employers who cannot find local workers by letting them hire skilled international candidates.
- No LMIA needed: Unlike other immigration streams, AIP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- Includes both skilled workers and recent international graduates from recognized Atlantic Canadian institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Job Offer: Must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours (one year) of paid work within the last 5 years, unless you are a recent graduate from an eligible Atlantic school.
- Education: At minimum, a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent for most jobs (higher levels for certain positions). If your education is from outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French.
- Settlement Funds: You must show you have enough money to settle in Canada unless you’re already working in Canada with a valid work permit. As of July 29, 2025, this is $3,815 for a single applicant, $4,750 for a couple, and increases with each additional family member.
- Settlement Plan: Obtain a settlement plan from a designated settlement service provider in the Atlantic region.
How the Application Process Works
- Get a Job Offer: Receive a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
- Receive a Settlement Plan: The employer connects you with a settlement service provider to create your individual settlement plan.
- Employer Seeks Endorsement: Your employer applies to the province for endorsement with your settlement plan and job offer. If approved, you get a provincial endorsement certificate.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: Submit your PR application to IRCC, including your endorsement certificate and all required documents.
- Optional Work Permit: If you want to start working before your PR application is processed, you can apply for a temporary work permit with a supporting letter from the province.
Required Documents for Application
- Signed Employee Declaration Form
- IMM0157 Job Offer Form
- Use of a Representative Form (if applicable)
- Settlement plan from a designated service provider
- Proof of work experience (where required)
- Educational documents or ECA
- Language test results (issued within the last 2 years)
- Signed job offer letter/contract and detailed job description
- Proof of settlement funds (unless applying from inside Canada with a work permit)
- Passport for you and all dependents
Latest Program Updates for 2025
- The minimum settlement funds increased slightly in 2025 ($3,815 for a single applicant).
- High demand means some provinces (such as New Brunswick) have paused the AIP for the rest of 2025 as their nomination allocations have been met. Always check the province’s immigration website for the current status.
- Designated employers and the application process may vary by province, so review each province’s site for specific forms and employer lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply? Skilled workers with a job offer or recent international graduates from a recognized Atlantic institution with a job offer.
- How do I find a designated employer? Each province publishes a list or has a portal to check if an employer is designated for AIP.
- Can my family join me? Yes, your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in your application.
- If I already work in Canada, do I need to show settlement funds? No, if you have a valid work permit and are working for the employer who offered you the AIP job.
Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?
- Fast pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates.
- Streamlined process with no LMIA required, supporting both you and your family.
- Strong employer and settlement supports for integrating into your new community and job.
- Focus on Atlantic Canada’s unique communities, offering a high quality of life.
