Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent residence pathway designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada hire and retain foreign workers and international graduates. The program supports economic growth in the Atlantic provinces by addressing labour shortages and encouraging newcomers to settle long-term in the region.

The AIP is employer-driven, meaning applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
Participating Provinces
The program applies to the following provinces:
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
Applicants must intend to live and work in the province where the job offer is located.

How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works

The general process includes:
A candidate receives a job offer from a designated employer
The employer works with a settlement organization to create a settlement plan
The province issues an endorsement for the job offer
The applicant applies for permanent residence
A temporary work permit may be available while PR is being processed.
Unlike many other programs, the AIP does not use a points-based ranking system.
Main Streams Under AIP
The Atlantic Immigration Program includes pathways for:
Skilled workers (with recent work experience)
Intermediate-skilled workers
International graduates from Atlantic Canadian institutions
Each stream has different requirements for work experience, education, and language ability.

Key Eligibility Requirements

While requirements vary by stream, applicants generally need:
A valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
Relevant work experience or qualifying education
Minimum language proficiency
Proof of settlement funds (unless already working in Canada)
A genuine intention to live in Atlantic Canada

Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?

No CRS score requirement
Employer support throughout the process
Faster and more predictable pathway compared to some PNPs
Suitable for candidates who may not qualify under Express Entry
Strong focus on settlement and long-term integration

Important Considerations

Only designated employers can hire through AIP
Job offers must meet program wage and skill-level requirements
Provincial endorsement is mandatory
Program criteria and processing times may change

Final Thoughts

The Atlantic Immigration Program is an attractive option for foreign workers and graduates who have a job offer in Atlantic Canada and want a clear pathway to permanent residence. With strong employer involvement and no points-based competition, AIP remains one of Canada’s most accessible regional immigration programs.