If you dream of starting a new life in Canada, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) might just be the best-kept secret. Originally launched as a pilot in 2017, the program was so successful that it became a permanent federal immigration pathway in 2022. The AIP is specially designed to help employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces — Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — hire qualified foreign workers and international graduates who want to settle in the region.
This program offers a direct, simplified route to permanent residency without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it much faster and easier than many traditional immigration streams.
Below, you’ll find an in-depth look at how the Atlantic Immigration Program works, including eligibility, application steps, and official resources.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The AIP is an employer-driven immigration program, meaning you must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. The goal is to attract and retain skilled workers and international graduates who want to live permanently in Atlantic Canada.
Key Provinces Covered:
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Newfoundland and Labrador
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Prince Edward Island (PEI)
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Nova Scotia
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New Brunswick
The Atlantic provinces offer a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and welcoming communities — but they have smaller labor markets. The AIP helps fill labor shortages in vital sectors like healthcare, construction, education, food service, and information technology.
Main Features That Make AIP So Simple
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No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Unlike other work permit-based programs, AIP employers do not need to get an LMIA to hire you.
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Employer Support: Employers play a key role by offering settlement support services.
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Simplified Processing: The AIP is faster and often less competitive compared to provincial nominee programs (PNPs).
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Permanent Residency: AIP is designed for applicants who want to become permanent residents directly, rather than temporary workers.
Who Can Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
There are three main applicant groups:
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Skilled Workers
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Intermediate-Skilled Workers
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International Graduates (from Atlantic Canadian institutions)
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Atlantic Immigration Program Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements for All Applicants
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Have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
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Meet education, work experience, and language requirements.
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Get a provincial endorsement (the province must approve your job offer).
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Submit a Settlement Plan.
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Plan to live and work permanently in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
Detailed Requirements by Category
1. Skilled Workers
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Job Offer: Must be for a position at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
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Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) in the last 5 years in a related occupation.
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Education: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential (ECA required).
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Language: CLB 5 (English or French).
2. Intermediate-Skilled Workers
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Job Offer: Must be for a position classified as TEER 4.
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Work Experience: Same as skilled workers — 1 year in the last 5 years.
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Education: Same — minimum high school diploma.
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Language: CLB 4 (English or French).
Special Note: Some healthcare occupations, such as nurse aides and long-term care workers, fall under this category and are in high demand.
3. International Graduates
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Graduation: Must have graduated from a recognized public Atlantic institution in the last 24 months.
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Work Experience: Not required.
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Job Offer: Same — must be full-time, non-seasonal, and from a designated Atlantic employer.
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Education: Must have at least a 2-year diploma, degree, or certificate program completed while living in Atlantic Canada.
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Language: CLB 5.
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Other: Must have held valid temporary resident status during studies.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Designated Employers
Only employers officially designated by the provinces can hire through the AIP. Each province maintains its own list of designated employers:
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Newfoundland and Labrador: View Employers List
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Nova Scotia: View Employers List
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Prince Edward Island (PEI): View Employers List
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New Brunswick: View Employers List
Settlement Plan Requirement
All applicants under the AIP must work with a designated settlement service provider organization to create a Settlement Plan. This plan outlines how you and your family will adjust to life in Atlantic Canada.
Examples of Settlement Providers:
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YMCA of Greater Saint John
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ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia)
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PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada
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Association for New Canadians (Newfoundland and Labrador)
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
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Find a designated employer and secure a job offer that meets program standards.
Step 2: Obtain a Settlement Plan
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Contact an approved settlement service provider and get a Settlement Plan.
Step 3: Employer Applies for Endorsement
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Your employer submits your job offer and settlement plan to the province for an endorsement.
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If approved, you’ll get an Endorsement Certificate.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency
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Submit your PR application online via IRCC along with the Endorsement Certificate.
Processing Time:
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Typically between 6-12 months.
Optional: You may also apply for a temporary work permit to start working while your PR application is being processed.
Key Documents You’ll Need
Here’s a list of documents you’ll need to apply:
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Valid passport
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Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
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Job offer letter from a designated employer
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Settlement Plan
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Provincial Endorsement Certificate
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Police certificates
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Medical examination results
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Proof of funds (if required — waived if already working in Canada under a valid work permit)
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Atlantic Immigration Program Official Resources
For the most accurate and updated information, always check official government websites:
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Atlantic Immigration Program (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration.html
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Newfoundland and Labrador AIP Information: https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration/employers/atlantic-immigration-program/
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Nova Scotia AIP Information: https://novascotiaimmigration.com/move-here/atlantic-immigration-program/
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Prince Edward Island AIP Information: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/office-of-immigration/atlantic-immigration-program
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New Brunswick AIP Information: https://www.welcomenb.ca/content/wel-bien/en/atlantic-immigration-program.html
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
