On This Page, You Will Find:
- What the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is and how it works
- List of participating provinces and employer requirements
- Step-by-step guide for applying to the AIP
- Eligibility criteria for international graduates and skilled workers
- Education, work experience, language, and settlement fund requirements
- How to obtain a settlement plan and provincial endorsement
- Permanent residence and optional work permit process
- Latest AIP-related immigration news and updates
- Frequently asked questions about AIP eligibility and job offers
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a combined effort between the Canadian federal government and the four provinces on the Atlantic coast: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
This initiative is in place to address the existing shortage of workers in the area.
This is achieved by helping businesses find foreign workers for occupations that do not have any candidates who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Therefore, employers are exempted from needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Nevertheless, certain conditions must be complied with to hire through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
For International Graduates and Skilled Workers
Securing a Job in Atlantic Canada
The most important requirement for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is obtaining a job offer from a nominated Atlantic Canada employer. A candidate can apply if they meet the following requirements:
Recently completed studies at a recognized post-secondary institution based in Atlantic Canada or
A professional with relevant work experience, even those with a trade or apprenticeship certification.
Whether abroad or in Canada as a temporary resident, the AIP connects international graduates and skilled workers to roles, such as food and beverage servers, where local talent is scarce, addressing regional labour shortages.
Starting Work in Canada While Waiting for Approval
In case you are a student enrolled on a full-time student who has completed studies in a qualified institution not long ago, or if you are a qualified professional who has been issued a job offer by an eligible employer, you are permitted to file a work permit application while the permanent residence application is in processing. If you are also required to provide one, it will be a province situated in the Atlantic region that has absorbed you for employment purposes.
Employers in Atlantic Canada
Steps to Become a Designated Employer
To offer jobs through the Atlantic Immigration Program, employers must become designated by the government of the province where the job is based. Each province has its application process, and there is no cost to apply for designation. To begin, visit the provincial government’s website to access the required forms:
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Hiring International Talent
After obtaining the necessary permissions, it is common for employers to look for foreign workers to occupy positions that they cannot fill locally. Regardless of whether the person is abroad or already present in Canada, the program permits a broader and more adapted range of options in order to deal with the issue of labour imbalance.
Step-by-Step Guide for AIP Applicants
Endorsement Process
Job Offer: A designated employer offers you a job in Atlantic Canada.
Settlement Plan: You will be put in touch with a settlement service provider to develop an individual-specific settlement plan.
Submit the Plan: After the plan has been developed, please hand it over to your employer for endorsement application with the relevant provincial authority.
Certificate of Endorsement: Following the approval, a provincial endorsement certificate will be awarded to you.
Work Permit: In case a work permit is required, you may be given a supporting letter for the application to procure one.
Immigration Application Process
Apply for Permanent Residence (PR): Prepare your PR application, endorsement certificate, and other supporting documents and submit them to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Application Review: The PR application will be reviewed by IRCC.
Work Permit: If needed, you may also apply for a work permit in between the time you file your PR application and its decision.
Approval and Relocation: Once non-conditional approval is granted, you are free to relocate to any of the four provinces in Atlantic Canada and seek employment.
Support: Your employer and a provider of settlement services will provide additional assistance in helping you adjust and fit into your new environment at work and in the community.
Candidate Requirements
1. Work Experience
You should worked for a minimum of 1,560 hours (which has to be within the last five years) in a NOC (National Occupational Classification) TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupation.
2. International Graduate
Graduates of recognized institutions in the Atlantic provinces are exempt from the work experience requirement if they:
Completed a two-year program
Studied full-time throughout the program
Lived in one of the provinces for at least 16 months during their studies
3. Education
For NOC TEER 0 or 1 job offers, you need a Canadian one-year post-secondary credential or foreign equivalent.
For NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs, you need a Canadian high school diploma or its foreign equivalent.
4. Language
TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: Level 5 in English or French.
TEER 4: Level 4 in English or French.
5. Settlement Funds
Depending upon your family size, a certificate showing proof of available funds to cater for yourself and your entire family upon arrival in Canada is one of the conditions.
| Number of family members | Funds required |
| 1 | $3,439 |
| 2 | $4,281 |
| 3 | $5,263 |
| 4 | $6,391 |
| 5 | $7,248 |
| 6 | $8,175 |
| 7 | $9,101 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional family member | $926 |
How to Submit Your Atlantic Immigration Program Application
Step 1: Check Your Atlantic Immigration Program Eligibility
- Job Offer: Ensure you have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a relevant occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4).
- Education: Your education must meet the program requirements, and you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your degree is from outside Canada.
- Language Proficiency: Take a recognized language test in English or French and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement.
Step 2: Obtain a Settlement Plan
- You must contact a recognized settlement service provider in one of the Atlantic provinces. They will help you develop a personalized settlement plan, detailing how you’ll adapt to life in your new province (e.g., housing, finances, education).
Step 3: Receive Provincial Endorsement
- Once you have a job offer and settlement plan, your employer will submit an endorsement application to the provincial government. The province reviews your application and issues an endorsement certificate if approved, which you need to apply for permanent residency.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency
- After receiving your provincial endorsement, submit your permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure that all required documents (proof of work experience, education, and language results) are included.
Step 5: Prepare to Move
- If your application is approved, you can begin preparing for your move to Canada. Work closely with your employer and settlement service provider to finalize the details of your transition and ensure that your settlement plan is in place.
Optional Temporary Work Permit
In particular circumstances, applicants are allowed to submit a temporary work permit application even before the PR application is lodged. This makes it feasible for them to commence employment in Canada even while their application is under consideration.
Settlement Plan
All AIP candidates must create a Settlement Plan with the help of a settlement service provider. This plan outlines resources and support available to help the candidate and their family settle successfully in Canada.
Provincial Endorsement
Every job offer made under the AIP must receive provincial endorsement. The employer handles this application once the candidate’s Settlement Plan is in place. The endorsement certificate is necessary for the candidate’s PR application.
Atlantic Immigration Program News
Atlantic Canada Immigration FAQ
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent residence pathway for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island. Candidates need a job offer from a designated employer and must meet federal immigration requirements before applying.
Which provinces participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The four participating provinces are New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Each province designates employers and endorses eligible job offers. Candidates must intend to live and work in the province connected to their job offer and endorsement.
Do I need a job offer for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Yes. You need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces. The job must be full-time, non-seasonal and meet program requirements. You cannot apply directly to the Atlantic Immigration Program without an eligible job offer and provincial endorsement.
What is a designated employer?
A designated employer is an employer approved by an Atlantic province to hire workers through the Atlantic Immigration Program. Designation allows the employer to support eligible candidates, but it does not guarantee permanent residence. The candidate must still meet IRCC requirements and receive provincial endorsement.
Do international graduates need work experience?
Some recent international graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada do not need qualifying work experience. They must still meet other requirements, including job offer, education, language, settlement plan and endorsement rules, and prove they lived in an Atlantic province for the required period before graduation.
What is a settlement plan?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan that helps you and your family prepare for life in Atlantic Canada. It may include referrals for housing, schools, language training, employment support and community services. You must get a settlement plan after receiving a job offer and before applying for permanent residence.
What is provincial endorsement?
Provincial endorsement means the Atlantic province has reviewed and supported your job offer under the Atlantic Immigration Program. Your employer applies for endorsement after you receive a settlement plan. If approved, you receive confirmation of provincial endorsement, which you must include in your permanent residence application.
Can I apply for a work permit while waiting for permanent residence?
Yes, some candidates may apply for a temporary work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed. The work permit is employer-specific, valid for up to two years and only available for the Atlantic Immigration Program. It does not guarantee permanent residence approval.
Do I need proof of funds?
You need proof of funds unless you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit. The required amount depends on your family size. Funds must be available when you apply and when Canada issues your permanent resident visa. Borrowed money and real estate equity do not qualify.
Can my spouse work in Canada?
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit if you qualify for an Atlantic Immigration Program temporary work permit. An open work permit can allow your spouse or partner to work for most employers in Canada while your permanent residence application is processed.
