The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a way for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions to get permanent residency in one of the four Atlantic provinces. It started on January 1, 2022, and replaces the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programs (AIPP), which ended on December 31, 2021.
To apply, you need to show that you can establish yourself economically in Atlantic Canada, plan to live in an Atlantic province, and meet certain criteria:
- Get endorsement from the province.
- Meet education and language requirements.
- Have the right work experience in a qualifying occupation within the last 5 years.
- Get a job offer that meets specific requirements.
The main applicant must show they can support themselves in Canada, unless they’re already here with a valid work permit.
To get endorsed by the province, you’ll need to look for job opportunities with designated employers. Check the provincial websites for more information:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Your job offer needs to meet these conditions:
- It should be full-time.
- It shouldn’t be seasonal, meaning you have steady paid work throughout the year.
- If it’s a NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category job, it needs to last at least 1 year from your permanent residency date.
- If it’s a NOC 2021 TEER 4 category job, it’s permanent, with no end date.
- You can’t get a job offer from a company where you, your spouse, or common-law partner own most of the business.
- Your job should match or be higher than your work experience’s skill level, unless you’re an international graduate from an Atlantic Canadian post-secondary school.
- For some healthcare jobs, the job offer’s skill level doesn’t have to be higher than your qualifying work experience.
- Work experience in NOC 32101 (licensed practical nurses) and NOC 31301 (registered nurses) can count if you have a job offer in NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) or NOC 44101 (home health care workers).
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway for skilled foreign workers and international graduates to obtain permanent residency in one of the Atlantic provinces in Canada. This program aims to strengthen the workforce and communities in Atlantic Canada while offering individuals an opportunity to establish themselves and contribute to the region’s growth and development.
