Atlantic Immigration Program

Discover the Atlantic Immigration Program: Your Gateway to a Brighter Future

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is your pathway to permanent residence, specifically tailored for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions.

If you dream of living and working in one of Canada’s charming Atlantic provinces

  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Newfoundland and Labrador

Employer Designation

Employers seeking to hire skilled immigrants through the Atlantic Immigration Program must apply for designation from the respective Atlantic province(s). If an employer operates in multiple provinces, they must obtain a separate designation for each location.

To be eligible for designation, employers must meet specific criteria and demonstrate a commitment to supporting newcomers and their families as they settle into their new lives in Atlantic Canada. This includes providing assistance with their integration into both the community and the workplace.

For International Skilled Foreign Workers(AIP)

Get Hired in Atlantic Canada

To participate in the AIP, you must secure a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. Eligible candidates include:

  • Recent graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada
  • Skilled workers

You can be living abroad or in Canada as a temporary resident when applying for the program.

Work in Canada While You Wait

To work in Canada while your permanent residence application is processed, you must have:

  • A job offer from a designated employer that meets the program’s criteria
  • A referral letter from the Atlantic province where you will be working

Who can Apply 

To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must:

  • Possess qualifying work experience, unless you are an international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
  • Meet or exceed the specified educational requirements.
  • Meet or exceed the required language proficiency levels.
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.

If you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you are exempt from providing proof of financial resources.

Work experience

In the past five years, you must have worked at least 1,560 hours, which equates to working 30 hours per week for one year.

To calculate your hours:

  • Include hours from both part-time and full-time jobs.
  • Only count paid work hours; volunteer work or unpaid internships are not eligible.
  • Do not include hours when you were self-employed.
  • Include hours worked both inside and outside Canada, as long as you were legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
  • Ensure the hours were accumulated over a minimum period of 12 months.
  • Work experience gained while studying is valid, provided the hours worked did not exceed what was authorized.
  • Your work experience should fall into one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories:

    • TEER 0: Management jobs such as restaurant managers or mine managers.
    • TEER 1: Professional jobs typically requiring a university degree, such as doctors, dentists, or architects.
    • TEER 2: Technical jobs and skilled trades requiring at least two years of college or apprenticeship, or roles with supervisory or safety responsibilities, such as police officers and firefighters.
    • TEER 3: Technical jobs and skilled trades requiring less than two years of college or apprenticeship, or more than six months of on-the-job training.
    • TEER 4: Intermediate jobs generally requiring a high school diploma and/or several weeks of job-specific training, such as industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, or food and beverage servers.

Educational Requirements

You must meet one of the following educational criteria:

  • For NOC 2021 TEER 0 or 1 job offers: You need a one-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential or higher, or an equivalent credential from outside Canada.
  • For NOC 2021 TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offers: You must have a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent credential from outside Canada.

If your education was completed outside of Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your education is equivalent to or exceeds the required level for your job offer. Additionally, the educational credential must have been obtained within 24 months prior to your application for permanent residence.

Language Requirements

You must meet the minimum language requirements corresponding to the NOC 2021 TEER category of your job offer. The requirements are as follows:

TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: Minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 5.

TEER 4: Minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 4.

Settlement Funds

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. The required amount varies based on the size of your family, including any dependents who are not immigrating with you.

If you are already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you are exempt from providing proof of settlement funds.

Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP stands out for its employer-driven focus, which ensures that job offers are tailored to the needs of the local labor market. This alignment between your skills and regional demands simplifies the hiring process and supports a smooth transition into your new role. Additionally, the program offers comprehensive support for both you and your family, ensuring a comfortable settlement in your new community.

Benefits of Living in the Atlantic Provinces

  • High Quality of Life: Enjoy stunning natural landscapes, a low cost of living, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
  • Vibrant Job Market: Find opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and education, where skilled individuals are in high demand.
  • Rich Cultural Heritage: Experience the unique cultural richness and historical charm of the Atlantic provinces.

Take the first step towards a prosperous future in Canada’s Atlantic region with the Atlantic Immigration Program. Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled talent or an international candidate looking to build a new life, the AIP offers a streamlined, supportive pathway to achieving your goals.

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