March 4, 2019 – Canada immigration authorities have announced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot will be extended by two years, to December 2021.
Several changes will also be made to AIP, to make it better suited to the needs of candidates and employers.
Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen made the announcement on Friday, March 1 concerning the employer-driven skilled worker and international graduate immigration program.
The AIP is operated in partnership between the federal government and the provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Planned changes are as follows:
- International graduates will now have 24 months post-graduation to apply for the AIP. Previously, they had to apply within 12 months.
- Healthcare employers will be able to hire internationally trained nurses to work as continuing care and home care support workers in order to fill job vacancies.
- The Atlantic provinces will have new authority to focus on in-demand labour market needs through the AIP.
- Beginning May 1, 2019, IRCC will require that applicants meet the language, education and work experience requirements of the AIP prior to being approved for a work permit.
Since the launch in March 2017, more than 2,500 candidates have been approved for permanent residence through the pilot.
The nearly 1,900 AIP designated employers have made more than 3,700 job offers to skilled workers and international graduates.
The innovative AIP targets helps employers target candidates who wish to build their lives in the Atlantic region via a process featuring settlement plans and provincial endorsements.
Three programs operate under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, which target different types of candidates.
1) Atlantic High-Skilled Program
The Atlantic High-Skilled Program is aimed at skilled workers with management, professional or technical/skilled job experience. There are also other requirements. The job offer must last for at least one year.
Read more about the Atlantic High-Skilled Program.
2) Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program is aimed at candidates for jobs requiring a high school education and/or job-specific training. There are also other requirements. The job offer must be permanent.
Read more about the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program.
3) Atlantic International Graduate Program
The Atlantic International Graduate Program is aimed at candidates who have a degree, diploma or other credential from a publicly-funded institution in an Atlantic province. Work experience is not required. The job offer must last for at least one year.
Read more about the Atlantic International Graduate Program.
Optional Temporary Work Permit
Certain candidates can apply for a temporary work permit before sending their permanent resident application. This allows them to start work while their application for permanent residence is processed.
Settlement Plan
Candidates through all three Atlantic Immigration Pilot programs require a Settlement Plan after receiving an offer of employment.
The Settlement Plan is designed to help you settle in Canada by highlighting resources specific to you and your family’s needs. You will also find where you can go in the community to get help.
Candidates make the Settlement Plan with a settlement service provider, available both inside and outside Canada.
Read more about the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Settlement Plan.
Provincial Endorsement
Each job offer made through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot requires provincial endorsement.
The application for endorsement is handled by the employer, after the candidate has their Settlement Plan.
Candidates should not submit a permanent residence application until they receive a Certificate of Endorsement. This should be submitted with the application.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
Read more news about Canada Immigration by clicking here.
