Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Complete Guide
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What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent immigration pathway for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The AIP replaced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in January 2022 as a permanent program. It is designed to address labour shortages and population decline in Atlantic Canada.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program type | Employer-driven (not Express Entry) |
| Provinces | NB, NS, PEI, NL |
| Job offer required | Yes — from a designated employer |
| Processing time | 6–12 months |
| CRS score | Not required (not linked to Express Entry) |
| Settlement plan | Required — provided by a designated settlement organization |
Eligibility Requirements
For Skilled Workers
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work experience | 1+ year full-time (1,560 hours) in last 5 years |
| Education | High school or higher (ECA required for foreign education) |
| Language | CLB 5 for TEER 0/1/2/3; CLB 4 for TEER 4 |
| Job offer | Full-time, non-seasonal, from a designated Atlantic employer |
| Settlement funds | Must demonstrate financial ability to settle |
For International Graduates
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 2+ year credential from a recognized Atlantic post-secondary institution |
| Study duration | At least 2 years, studied full-time |
| Lived in Atlantic province | At least 16 months in the 2 years before graduation |
| Language | CLB 5 for TEER 0/1/2/3; CLB 4 for TEER 4 |
| Job offer | Full-time, non-seasonal, from a designated employer |
How It Works
- Find a designated employer in an Atlantic province
- Get a job offer — the employer must be designated under AIP
- Get an endorsement from the provincial government
- Complete a settlement plan with a designated settlement services organization
- Apply for permanent residence through IRCC
Designated Employer Requirements
Employers must apply to become designated under the AIP:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Must register and be approved by the provincial government |
| Commitment | Support newcomers' settlement and integration |
| Job offer standards | Full-time, non-seasonal employment |
| Workplace assessment | Must demonstrate genuine need for foreign workers |
Settlement Plan
A unique feature of AIP is the mandatory settlement plan:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Designated settlement services organization |
| Content | Housing, community resources, language training, employment services |
| Purpose | Ensure successful integration into the Atlantic community |
| Cost | Free to applicants |
AIP vs. Express Entry
| Feature | AIP | Express Entry |
|---|---|---|
| CRS score | Not required | Required |
| Job offer | Required | Not required |
| Geographic | Atlantic only | All Canada |
| Processing | 6–12 months | ~6 months |
| Settlement plan | Required | Not required |
| Best for | Workers with Atlantic job offers | Skilled workers globally |
Tips
- Focus on the job offer — AIP is employer-driven; find designated employers first
- Atlantic graduates have a built-in advantage — the international graduate stream is very accessible
- Lower language requirements — CLB 4-5 is much lower than Express Entry's CLB 7
- Growing tech sectors — Halifax, Moncton, and St. John's have emerging tech ecosystems
- Settlement plan helps you succeed — take advantage of the free settlement services
- Less competitive than Ontario/BC — Atlantic provinces have fewer applicants
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