All you need to know on Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian Atlantic institution may apply to the program. Fees start from $1,325, and processing takes about 12 months.

New applicants can start submitting their permanent residence applications beginning March 6, 2022.

Applicants who have a valid provincial certificate of endorsement from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot that preceded this program may apply for permanent residence until March 5, 2022, for a work permit or work permit extension.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: How it works

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is an employer-driven program that facilitates the hiring of foreign workers. All principal applicants arriving in Canada under the pilot program must have a job offer from a designated employer and an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their family.

Once a designated employer finds a candidate who meets their employment needs and the program criteria, that employer will need to first offer them a job. Employers do not need to go through the process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under this program.

Once the candidate has accepted the job, the employer will connect the candidate with a designated settlement service provider organization for a needs assessment and to develop a settlement plan. Employers will also support the long-term integration of the new immigrant and his or her family, if applicable, so they can reach the goals of their settlement plan once they arrive in Canada.

Employers that need to fill a job vacancy quickly will have access to a temporary work permit, so that the candidate and his or her family can come to Canada as soon as possible. In order to obtain this work permit, candidates will need:

• a valid job offer;
• a letter from the province; and
• a commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.

1. Ensure that you meet the requirements to apply for the program.
   • There are several educational, financial, and language requirements that must be met. Adequate work experience is also necessary, unless you are a graduate. See the list of applicant requirements here.
2. Get a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer:
   • Ensure the job offer meets requirements relating to skill level and duration. The job must also be full-time (30h/week) and non-seasonal. See the list of job offer requirements here.
   • Sign the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form. The employer will provide this for you.
3. Gather necessary documents:
   • Start preparing documents for the permanent residence application, which includes a language test, educational credit assessment (ECA), proof of funds (if you are not currently working in Canada with a valid work permit), among others.
   • Get a free settlement plan for adjusting in Canada by contacting a settlement service provider organization.
   • Wait for the employer to get your job offer endorsed by the province, then get a Certificate of Endorsement. The certificate must be included in the permanent residence application.
4. Apply for permanent residency through Guide 0154 – Atlantic Immigration Program – Canada.ca. While waiting for the permanent residence application to process, applicants may apply for a temporary work permit that allows them to be employed by the employer who gave them a job offer. If this is the case:
5. OPTIONAL – Apply for a temporary work permit online. This must be done within 90 days of the permanent residence application. To apply for a work permit, you will need the job offer from your designated employer and the referral letter from the province.