Atlantic Immigration Program: Permanent Residence Through an Atlantic Employer
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a permanent program, not a pilot, and it helps employers hire people for jobs they cannot fill locally.
How it works
- The employer becomes designated by its Atlantic province. There is no cost to become designated.
- The province endorses the position. You need a job offer from the designated employer.
- You complete a settlement plan with an approved settlement service provider.
- You apply to IRCC for permanent residence once you have the endorsement, and if you need a work permit, you can get a referral letter from the province.
You cannot apply on your own without a job offer and endorsement. You can be living abroad or in Canada as a temporary resident.
Who it suits
The program has separate options for high-skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates of an Atlantic institution. For jobs in TEER 0 to 3 the minimum language level is CLB 5, and for TEER 4 jobs it is CLB 4. Most candidates need at least 1,560 hours of paid work experience in the past five years, unless they are recent graduates of an Atlantic institution, and you must show settlement funds unless you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit. Check IRCC's page for the exact requirements. The job must be full-time and non-seasonal.
Get help from a licensed consultant
I can check whether your job offer and employer fit the program and prepare your application. No one can guarantee an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer? Yes, from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
Does the Comprehensive Ranking System apply? No. The AIP is employer-driven and does not use CRS scores.
Can I be outside Canada? Yes.
Sources: IRCC, Atlantic Immigration Program; Nova Scotia government AIP page.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.