Canada Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Canada Immigration | IRCC

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a streamlined immigration initiative. It enables employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island—to hire foreign workers for positions they cannot fill locally.

Launched in 2017, this program aims to welcome over 7,000 newcomers and their families to Atlantic Canada by 2021. Let’s explore how the AIP functions and what it offers.

How the AIP Works

The AIP is an employer-driven program designed to simplify the hiring of foreign nationals. All principal applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer and create a tailored settlement plan for themselves and their families.

Once an employer identifies a suitable candidate, they must extend a job offer. Notably, employers do not need to complete a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for this program.

After the candidate accepts the job, the employer connects them with a designated settlement service provider. This organization conducts a needs assessment and helps develop a personalized settlement plan. Employers also commit to supporting the new immigrant and their family, ensuring a smoother transition to life in Canada.

Temporary Work Permits

Employers needing to fill vacancies quickly can access temporary work permits. This permits candidates and their families to arrive in Canada promptly. To obtain this work permit, candidates must provide:

• A valid job offer
• A letter from the province
• A commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application

Employer Designation Process

Employers wishing to hire skilled immigrants under the AIP must apply for designation from the relevant province(s). If they operate in multiple provinces, they need separate designations for each. Employers must demonstrate a commitment to support newcomers and their families as they integrate into their communities.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

The AIP comprises two programs for skilled workers and one for international graduates. These include:

1. Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)
3. Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

The specific requirements—such as work experience and education—vary based on whether applicants are workers or international graduates. However, other criteria remain consistent across all categories.

Additional Immigration Pathways

The Atlantic provinces have actively engaged in immigration through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs allow provinces to welcome skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants, including entrepreneurs.

Since 2015, each Atlantic province has established at least one PNP stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system. This alignment allows candidates in the Express Entry pool to apply for immigration through these provincial streams. Current PNP options include:

1. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
2. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
3. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
4. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Step-by-Step AIPP Application Process

To apply for a Canada PR Visa through the AIP, follow these three straightforward steps:

• Designated Employer: A designated employer in Atlantic Canada identifies a suitable candidate who meets AIP requirements and offers them a job.
• Endorsement: The employer connects the candidate with a settlement service provider. They assist in preparing a settlement plan and completing the provincial endorsement application. The province reviews this and issues an endorsement letter.
• Application for PR Visa: With the endorsement letter and necessary documents, candidates submit their application for a PR Visa to IRCC. After evaluation, successful candidates can move to Canada as permanent residents with their families.

In summary, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program serves as a vital pathway for skilled workers and their families to start new lives in Canada, enriching both the newcomers and the Atlantic provinces.