Many employers in Atlantic Canada struggle to find skilled workers locally. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) helps solve this problem. It connects designated employers with skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to build a life in Canada.

The program became a permanent federal immigration pathway in 2022. Before that, it ran as a pilot. Today, it operates in all four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The AIP supports employers who can’t fill roles through the local job market. It also gives skilled workers and graduates a faster, more direct route to permanent residence, without competing in the Express Entry pool.

Who Can Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The program covers two main groups: skilled workers and international graduates. Each group has its own eligibility rules.

Skilled Workers

You need at least one year of work experience in the last three years. This experience must fall under NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3. You need a high school diploma at minimum, though higher education can strengthen your file. You must also meet the language requirement set for your occupation and show that you can support yourself and your family after you arrive.

International Graduates

You need a degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized publicly funded institution in one of the Atlantic provinces. Your program must be at least two years long. You need to have lived in the province for at least 16 months in the two years before you graduate. You also need to meet the same language and settlement fund requirements as skilled worker applicants.

In both cases, you need a valid job offer from a designated employer before you apply. This job offer needs to be full-time and non-seasonal, and it needs to last at least one year.

How Can You Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The process starts with a job offer. A designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces must offer you a position that matches your skills and background.

Next, you need a settlement plan. This plan outlines how you and your family intend to settle in the province. A designated settlement service provider works with you to build this plan before you submit your application.

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, your employer submits your job offer for endorsement. The province reviews your file and confirms that you meet the program’s requirements.

After endorsement, you receive a Certificate of Endorsement. This certificate confirms your eligibility and allows you to apply for a work permit and permanent residence.

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Why Choose Canus Immigration for AIP?

Canus Immigration Consultancy Inc. works with clients across every stage of the Atlantic Immigration Program. We understand what provinces and employers look for in a strong application, and we build your file around that.

Our team checks your eligibility before you apply. We help you connect with designated employers, prepare your settlement plan, and put together a complete, accurate application.

Immigration rules change often, and the Atlantic Immigration Program is no exception. We stay current with every update, so your application always reflects the latest requirements.

Choose Canus Immigration Consultancy Inc. for clear guidance and steady support. We help you take the right steps toward a permanent life in Atlantic Canada.