Immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program – How to Apply

Did you know there is a six-month pathway to permanent residence in Canada for skilled workers and international graduates? If you are looking for a way to work and live in one of Canada’s most beautiful and diverse regions, you should explore the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. The program helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.

In this article, we will explain how the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) works, the requirements to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), how to apply for AIP, the benefits of AIP, and how to find a job offer from a designated employer.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. The program aims to address the region’s labor shortages and demographic challenges while boosting its economic growth and social diversity.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has three streams:

Atlantic International Graduate Program

This program is designed for international graduates who have completed at least two years of full-time study at a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada and have a job offer from a designated employer in the region.

Atlantic High-skilled Program

This program is for foreign workers who have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in the last three years and have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada that lasts at least one year and is at skill level 0, A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Atlantic Intermediate-skilled Program

This program is for foreign workers who have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in the last three years and have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada that is indeterminate (permanent) and is at skill level 0, A, B or C of the NOC.

What are the Requirements of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

To apply for the AIP, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. A designated employer is an employer whom the provincial government has approved to participate in the program. You can find a list of designated employers on the official website of each province.
• You must have a certificate of endorsement from the province where your employer is located. This document confirms that your job offer meets the program criteria and that you have a settlement plan for yourself and your family.
• You must meet the language, education, and work experience requirements of one of the three streams of the AIP: Atlantic High-Skilled Program, Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, or Atlantic International Graduate Program. The requirements vary depending on the stream you choose. Still, you need at least a high school diploma, a minimum English or French proficiency level, and relevant work experience or education in Canada.
• You must have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada. The amount depends on the size of your family and is updated annually. You can check the current amount on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How to Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program AIP?

The application process for the AIP consists of four steps:

Get a Job Offer from a Designated Employer in Atlantic Canada

You can contact employers directly or use online platforms such as Job Bank or Indeed to find job opportunities. Ensure that your job offer is full-time, non-seasonal, and meets the wage standards of the province.

Get Your Documents Ready

You must provide various documents to support your application, such as your passport, language test results, education credentials, work experience certificates, police certificates, and medical exams. You must also complete a settlement plan outlining how you will adjust to life in Canada and what services you will need. You can use this online tool to create your settlement plan.

Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you have your job offer and documents ready, you can submit your application for permanent residence online through IRCC’s website. You must pay the application fees, which are CAD 1,365 per adult and CAD 225 per child as of April 30, 2022.

Get a Temporary Work Permit (Optional)

If you want to start working in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed, you can apply for a temporary work permit. To do so, you must request a referral letter from your employer and submit it along with your work permit application to IRCC.

How to Find a Job Offer from a Designated Employer in Atlantic Canada?

The first and most important step to apply for the AIP is to find a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. The provincial government approves a designated employer to participate in the program and hire foreign workers or international graduates. To become a designated employer, an employer must:

• Demonstrate that they are established and in good standing in Atlantic Canada.
• Work with a settlement service provider organization to help their candidates settle in Canada.
• Provide information on their labor needs and recruitment efforts.
• Sign an agreement with the federal government and the provincial government.

To find a job offer from a designated employer, candidates can:

• Contact employers directly: Candidates can search for job opportunities on various websites, such as Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc., and contact employers hiring in their field of interest. They can also use their personal or professional networks to find potential employers in Atlantic Canada. When contacting employers, candidates should mention that they are interested in applying for the AIP and ask if the employer is designated or willing to become designated for the program.
• Attend job fairs or events: Candidates can attend job fairs or events that the provincial governments or other organizations organize to connect employers and candidates for the AIP. For example, the Atlantic Immigration Virtual Fair is an annual event showcasing Atlantic Canada job opportunities and settlement services. Candidates can register for free and chat with employers and service providers online.
• Use immigration consultants or lawyers: Candidates can hire immigration consultants or lawyers who are authorized to represent them in their immigration process. These professionals can help candidates find job offers from designated employers and prepare and submit their application for permanent residence. However, candidates should be careful when choosing an immigration consultant or lawyer and make sure they are licensed and reputable.

What are the Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers several advantages for candidates who want to immigrate to Canada and become permanent residents. Some of these benefits are:

Fast Processing Times

The AIP aims to process applications within six months, much faster than other immigration programs. This means that candidates can start their new life in Canada sooner and enjoy all the rights and benefits of permanent residence.

No Canada Express Entry Profile is Required

Unlike other economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class, candidates do not need to create an Express Entry profile or enter the Express Entry pool to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program. This means they do not need to compete with other candidates based on a points system or wait for an invitation to apply. They only need to meet the eligibility criteria of their chosen stream and have a valid job offer from a designated employer.

No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is Required

Employers seeking candidates through the Atlantic Immigration Program do not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA is a document showing a need for a foreign worker to fill a job and that no Canadian worker can do it. Obtaining an LMIA can be costly and time-consuming for employers, so being exempt from this requirement makes the AIP more attractive and accessible for them.

Support for Settlement and Integration

Candidates who apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program receive a settlement plan that helps them and their families adjust to their new community in Atlantic Canada. The settlement plan is prepared by a settlement service provider organization that works with the candidate and the employer to identify their needs and goals and provide them with information and referrals to various services and resources, such as housing, health care, education, language training, banking, transportation, etc. Candidates also receive a certificate of endorsement from the province where they will work, which shows that the province supports their immigration and integration.

Opportunity to Live and Work in Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, friendly people, diverse communities, and many opportunities for work and leisure. By immigrating to Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates can contribute to the economic and social development of the region while enjoying its unique attractions and advantages.

The Bottom Line

The Atlantic Immigration Program is an excellent option for skilled workers and international graduates who want to immigrate to Canada and live in one of its four Atlantic provinces. The program offers a fast and easy pathway to permanent residence without requiring a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a minimum level of language proficiency. To learn more about the AIP and how to immigrate to Canada, visit the program’s official website.