Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): A Complete Guide for Candidates

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residence in Canada specifically designed for skilled 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.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration program that helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. The program is designed to help newcomers settle successfully in Atlantic Canada with the support of employers and settlement service providers.

Key Benefits

• Faster Processing: Streamlined process with employer and settlement support
• Work While You Wait: Ability to apply for a work permit while your PR application is processed
• Settlement Support: Comprehensive settlement services to help you integrate into your new community
• Francophone Support: Special services available for French-speaking candidates
• Family Immigration: Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application

The Two-Phase Process

The AIP follows a two-phase approach:

Phase 1: Provincial Endorsement

This phase involves getting endorsed by one of the Atlantic provinces.

Phase 2: Federal Immigration Application

This phase involves applying for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step-by-Step Process Flow:

Detailed Steps

Endorsement Phase

Step 1: Job Offer

• Receive a job offer from a designated Atlantic Immigration Program employer
• The employer must be designated by one of the four Atlantic provinces
• The job offer must meet specific requirements for skill level and duration

Step 2: Settlement Services Connection

• You’ll be connected with an approved settlement service provider
• These organizations help newcomers integrate into Atlantic Canadian communities

Step 3: Settlement Plan Development

• Work with the settlement service provider to create a personalized settlement plan
• This plan outlines how you’ll establish yourself in Atlantic Canada
• Covers areas like housing, education, community connections, and other settlement needs

Step 4: Employer Application

• Send your completed settlement plan to your designated employer
• Your employer submits an endorsement application to the relevant provincial department
• The province reviews the application and your qualifications

Step 5: Provincial Endorsement

• If approved, you receive a provincial endorsement certificate
• This certificate is required for your federal immigration application

Step 6: Work Permit Support (if needed)

• You may receive a work permit support letter
• This helps you apply for a work permit to work in Canada while your PR application is processed

Immigration Application Phase

Step 7: Federal Application Submission

• Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC
• Include your provincial endorsement certificate and all required documents
• Pay the required government fees

Step 8: IRCC Review

• IRCC reviews and processes your PR application
• This includes background checks, medical exams, and document verification
• Processing times vary but are generally faster than other immigration programs

Step 9: Work Permit Application (Optional)

• While waiting for your PR application to be processed, you can apply for a work permit
• This allows you to start working in Atlantic Canada sooner
• Use the work permit support letter from your employer

Step 10: Approval and Travel

• Once approved, you can travel to Atlantic Canada
• Begin working for your designated employer
• Start your new life as a permanent resident of Canada

Step 11: Ongoing Support

• Continue receiving support from your employer as needed
• Access ongoing settlement services to help with integration
• Special support available for Francophone communities

Important Notes

For Francophone Candidates

• Francophone settlement organizations offer quality services in French
• Available wherever you choose to settle in Atlantic Canada
• Specialized support to help maintain French language and culture

Settlement Service Providers

• These are organizations approved by the Atlantic provinces
• They provide free, confidential services to help newcomers
• Services include job search support, language training, and community orientation

Employer Requirements

• Only designated employers can hire through the AIP
• Employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit locally first
• They must provide ongoing support to newcomers

Timeline Expectations

While processing times vary, the AIP is generally designed to be faster than other immigration programs due to:

• Pre-arranged employment
• Provincial endorsement
• Settlement support structure
• Employer involvement throughout the process

Next Steps

If you’re interested in the Atlantic Immigration Program:

1. Research eligible occupations and skill requirements
2. Look for designated employers in Atlantic Canada
3. Prepare your credentials and language test results
4. Connect with settlement organizations to learn about communities
5. Apply for jobs with designated AIP employers

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a unique opportunity to build a new life in one of Canada’s most welcoming regions, with comprehensive support every step of the way.