How to Fast-track Canadian PR through the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a unique opportunity for talented professionals seeking to begin a new life in the beautiful provinces of Atlantic Canada, including:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Employers are driving this program to attract brilliant people to these thriving communities. To qualify, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
Advantages of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has various advantages for persons who desire to relocate to the Atlantic provinces, making it an excellent choice when compared to other Canadian immigration pathways:
- Faster processing times
- Work while applying for PR.
- No Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) are required.
- Personalized settlement assistance.
- Faster processing times
Many immigrants choose the AIP because it allows eligible individuals to work in Canada while they wait for PR status. Currently, processing the PR application through the AIP would take around eight months, which is faster than other immigration options.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
If candidates want to begin working before receiving their PR, they can apply for a temporary work permit that does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). To be eligible for this work permit, individuals must have:
- An employment offer from a designated employer.
- A letter of referral from the Atlantic province where they plan to work from a designated employer
- This work visa is valid for two years and can only be used by the employer who offered the candidate the job. However, obtaining a work permit does not guarantee that their PR application will be accepted.
- Personalized settlement assistance.
The AIP also focuses on assisting newcomers to settle into their new communities. Employers are urged to link candidates with settlement services, which can assist in developing a specific settlement plan. This signifies that candidates have received particular recommendations, making them more likely to fit into the new context.
Who qualifies for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The AIP allows each of the four Atlantic provinces to settle a specific number of applicants each year under employment demand. Candidates can live in or outside Canada but must meet specific criteria.
Main Requirements
To be eligible for the AIP, candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada and belong to one of the following groups:
- Skilled Worker: This category comprises individuals with employment experience in Canada or overseas.
- Recent Graduates: These students have graduated from Atlantic Canada’s accredited post-secondary schools.
Eligibility of Skilled Workers
Skilled workers qualify for the AIP if they meet the following requirements:
- Ideally, they must have completed at least 1560 work experience within the five-year regulatory period, equivalent to a 30-hour week for a year of practice.
- Their work experience must have been obtained in NOC 2021 TEER category 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Eligibility for recent graduates.
Recent graduates may apply if:
- Possess a degree from a recognized postsecondary school in one of the four Atlantic provinces that requires at least two years of study.
- Studied as a full-time student when in the process of studying.
- Was a resident of one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months in the two years before graduation.
- Possessed the legal right to work, study, or train in Canada.
Other criteria for AIP
Educational requirements
Education requirements vary based on the NOC TEER of the job offer.
- NOC TEER 0 or 1: One year of Canadian postsecondary education or a comparable credential from another country.
- NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4: A Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent from another country.
Note: Degrees received in foreign countries require an ECA report when applying to IRCC, and the report must be less than 5 years old when presented.
Language requirements
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in either English or French, depending on the NOC TEER of their employment offer.
- NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: indicates a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5.
- NOC TEER 4: Minimum CLB of 4.
Language test scores must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Settlement Funds
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves and their families in Canada. The amount required depends on the family size.
Number of Family Members | Funds Needed (in CAD) |
---|---|
1 | $3,672 |
2 | $4,572 |
3 | $5,620 |
4 | $6,824 |
5 | $7,740 |
6 | $8,729 |
7 | $9,718 |
For each additional member beyond 7 | $989 |
How to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program
If you match the eligibility conditions, follow the steps below to apply for the AIP:
1. Get a job offer
You must seek a job offer from a specific employer in one of the Atlantic areas. The job must meet the following conditions:
- Full-Time Work: The job must be full-time, and the individual cannot work in this role during the summer or as a part-time employee.
- For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: this job offer must be valid on the day the individual becomes a permanent resident and for one year thereafter.
- For NOC TEER 4: this means that for a job to be considered, an offer must be permanent, with no option for an expiry time on the post.
2. Gather the required documentation
Gather the appropriate paperwork.
- Language Test Results: This implies you must offer a document demonstrating your ability in a specific language.
- ECA Report: If you finished your schooling outside of Canada, you will receive an Educational Credential Assessment Report.
- Proof of Funds: Documents that demonstrate to the court that you are capable of supporting yourself and your dependents.
3. Create a settlement plan
After obtaining your documents, contact a settlement agency to develop a settlement strategy. This service is free and available whether you are in Canada or outside the country. Your employer may be able to help you discover a settlement agency.
4. Certificate Of Endorsement
When your company applies for a Certificate of Endorsement for you in the province, they recognize your support for a job offer.
5. Apply for permanent residence.
Based on the letter of offer, the employer must apply online for the foreign worker’s permanent resident status. The steps of the application are:
- Providing biometrics, if necessary.
- Filling out paperwork.
- Scan and submit any necessary documents and images.
- Paying the application cost.
What is a Designated Employer?
Designated employers are those who have been licensed by the provincial government to hire foreign labour. To become recognized, employers must achieve the following criteria:
- Good Standing: Employers are required to comply with employment standards and health and safety rules.
- Active Operation: They had to have been in operation for two or more years under the same management in one of the Atlantic provinces, or they had to demonstrate continuous operation in another province or territory with that province’s permission.
Employers can get designated at no extra expense.
Increasing interest in the Atlantic Immigration Program
Atlantic Canada has recently seen a surge in immigration. According to the Atlantic Economic Council’s Atlantic Immigration Tracker data, the rate of immigration to the areas will reach a record high of 32,000 in 2023, up from 5,800 in 2013.
Patrick Brannon, a senior researcher at the council, stated, “For the first time, the three Maritime provinces are attracting immigrants in proportion to their share of Canada’s population.”
Due to increased interest in the Atlantic provinces, some localities have postponed the AIP to suit shifting employment market demands. For example:
- Additional Brunswick: As of September 18, the province ceased accepting additional endorsement applications for the remainder of the year due to the 2024 limit being met. The program is planned to reopen in early 2025.
- Nova Scotia: Food service supervisors’ immigration petitions are on hold indefinitely (NOC 62020).
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) makes it straightforward for qualified workers and recent graduates to reside in Canada’s stunning Atlantic provinces. Candidates must have a job offer from a specific employer and meet certain conditions to receive faster processing times and specialized support. The AIP is growing in popularity by the day as more new immigrants choose to come to Atlantic Canada, making it an excellent program to work with for those looking to start over and improve their job opportunities in the region. For the appropriate approach, the AIP completely prepares and provides you with the opportunity for residency and a happy future in the region.
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