Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has been growing in strides since its introduction in 2017, and has quickly become a promising option for those interested in Canadian immigration. Under the AIP, skilled workers can be nominated and fast-tracked through the immigration process to a province in Canada’s Atlantic region: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

What is the AIPP?

AIPP allows immigrant applicants with job offers to apply for Canadian permanent residence while working in the Atlantic region. Due to the success of AIP, it became a permanent program in early 2022. Since its introduction, the Atlantic provinces have been increasingly able to fill AIP immigration quotas, welcoming about 6,000 newcomers each year.

Are you eligible?

For a skilled worker to be eligible for AIP, you have to get an offer of employment from someone who has been designated through the program. An employer becomes designated after applying to AIPP. As well, you must meet additional eligibility criteria regarding work experience, language proficiency, and education, that varies depending on the AIP stream through which you apply.

Foreign National Requirements

Foreign nationals interested in immigrating to either New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island, may do so through the Atlantic Immigration program only if they meet certain requirements. First, the foreign national must have an official job offer from a designated employer. 

Second, the foreign national must meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on whether the candidate has completed qualifying post-secondary education in Atlantic Canada.

International Graduate Requirements

Candidates that qualify as eligible international graduates do not need to meet the work experience requirements. In order to meet the requirements of an international graduate, candidates must:

• Hold a minimum two-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship certificate; from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the Atlantic provinces;
• Have been a full-time student for the entirety of their studies;
• Have lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the last two years before graduating;
• Have held the required study permit, and if required, work permit, during their studies in Canada.

Proof of Funds

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their families when settling in Canada.

Designated Employer Requirements

Employers interested in participating in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program must apply to become designated employers. As a designated employer, a business will have the ability to hire foreign nationals without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Designated employers are required to assist employees hired through the pilot with settlement in their province of residence.