Embarking on a New Life in Atlantic Canada with the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a unique opportunity for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Eastern Canadian provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. This page on CanadaVisa gives you a comprehensive overview of the AIP and its requirements.
Program Overview
The AIP is an initiative to attract more immigrants to Atlantic Canada to address local employers’ and communities’ needs. It enables designated local employers to identify and recruit international talent, supporting population growth, skill development, and boosting employment rates in these regions. The AIP is known for successfully granting permanent resident status to a substantial number of immigrants annually, thereby fulfilling the employment demands of local businesses and contributing to the region’s economic and labor force expansion.
Working of the Atlantic Immigration Program
The AIP is a program driven by employers, aiming to facilitate the recruitment of foreign nationals. To participate, principal applicants must secure a job offer from an employer who is recognized by the program and develop a personalized settlement plan for themselves and their family.
The process involves the following steps:
- Employer finds a candidate matching their needs and program criteria, and extends a job offer.
- Employer assists the candidate in connecting with a designated settlement service provider for assessment and settlement plan development.
- Employers aid in the long-term integration of immigrants, ensuring they achieve their settlement plan goals.
Employers offering a job vacancy can access a temporary work permit for the candidate and their family for a quick relocation. The candidate needs a valid job offer, a provincial letter, and a commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.
Employer Designation Requirements
Employers seeking to hire skilled immigrants under the AIP must receive a designation from the province(s). This requires a commitment to support the newcomer and their family in adapting to life in Atlantic Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Candidates
To qualify for the AIP, candidates must:
- Have relevant work experience (exceptions for international graduates from recognized institutions in Atlantic Canada).
- Meet educational requirements.
- Fulfill language proficiency criteria.
- Demonstrate financial self-reliance (not applicable for candidates already working in Canada with a valid work permit).
Work Experience Calculation
Candidates must have completed at least 1,560 hours of paid work in the past 5 years, adhering to specific guidelines:
- Include full-time and part-time paid work (excluding volunteer/unpaid work).
- Count hours worked in Canada and abroad (with legal authorization).
- Ensure work experience aligns with National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
International Graduates
International graduates from Atlantic Canada don’t need work experience if they:
- Hold a two-year degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- Were full-time students during their studies and had the necessary visas or permits.
- Lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the last 2 years before graduation.
Educational and Language Requirements
Depending on the job offer’s NOC TEER category, educational criteria vary from a one-year post-secondary educational credential to a high school diploma. Language proficiency requirements also differ based on the job category. Candidates must provide valid language test results from a designated testing organization.
Settlement Funds
Candidates not currently working in Canada with a valid work permit must show proof of sufficient funds for family support upon arrival in Canada. The required amount varies based on family size.
Interested candidates who meet these criteria can explore job opportunities with designated employers in Atlantic Canada. For those looking to embark on this immigration journey, along with professional assistance from the RABAAB IMMIGRATION SERVICES.
| NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS (INCLUDING THOSE SUPPORTED BY APPLICANT, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED ON THE APPLICATION) | FUNDS REQUIRED |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,303 |
| 2 | $4,112 |
| 3 | $5,055 |
| 4 | $6,138 |
| 5 | $6,962 |
| 6 | $7,852 |
| 7 or more | $8,742 |
| Each additional family member | $890 |
Other Ways to Immigrate to Atlantic Canada
In recent years, the Atlantic provinces have actively engaged in immigration, primarily utilizing the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs have enabled the provinces to attract various skilled professionals, graduates from Canadian educational institutions, and business immigrants, including entrepreneurs.
Every Atlantic province operates at least one PNP stream that is in sync with the federal Express Entry system. This integration allows individuals in the Express Entry pool who also qualify for one of these provincial streams to apply for immigration to the respective Atlantic province.
Atlantic Canada PNP options are:
