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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a direct pathway to permanent residence 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, or Newfoundland and Labrador. The program helps employers fill local labour gaps by hiring qualified international talent. 

Why AIP is strong for migrants

AIP is employer driven and practical. You need a real, full time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. Employers must also work with a local settlement service provider and send an individual settlement plan for you and your family. These employer requirements make the pathway fast and focused on real settlement outcomes. 

Who can apply?

AIP serves three main groups:

  • Skilled workers (high and intermediate skilled)
  • International graduates from Atlantic Canadian institutions
  • Certain intermediate skilled workers who meet the job criteria

Typical eligibility checks include education, language ability, work experience, and proof of funds. If you already live and work in Canada with a valid permit, some financial proof rules may differ. 

How the program works

1

Find a designated employer

Only employers designated by the province can hire under AIP. Check provincial lists before you apply.  

2

Secure a valid job offer

The job must be full time and meet the NOC skill and wage rules.

3

Employer applies for endorsement

The province reviews the employer’s offer and your settlement plan.

4

Get provincial endorsement

Once the province endorses, you apply for permanent residence to IRCC.

5

Settle and start work

 The employer and settlement provider help you settle locally.

Documents and proof you will need

Documents and proof you will need

  • Valid passport and ID pages
  • Signed job offer and employer details
  • Education credentials and translations
  • Work references and employment letters
  • Language test result (English or French).
  • Police clearance and medical exam.
  • Proof of funds (unless exempt).

Settlement plan & employer role

AIP requires an individualized settlement plan for each candidate. The employer must partner with a designated settlement provider to map housing, school access, health enrolment, and other orientation services. This plan helps newcomers integrate faster and meet immediate needs on arrival. 

Recent updates & what to watch for

  • Provinces publish and update lists of designated employers. Always confirm an employer’s designation on the provincial site.
  • IRCC updated settlement fund requirements in 2025; applicants must meet the new minimums. Check the latest threshold before you apply.
  • Some provinces may pause endorsements if allocations fill up. Check provincial notices for short term pauses or intake limits.

Why choose J & A for AIP support

We check employer designation, assess your documents, and draft your settlement plan with an approved provider. We guide you through endorsement and the PR application. We also handle translations, credential checks, and pre arrival briefings so you land ready to work and live.

Key benefits at a glance

  • Direct route to permanent residence after endorsement.
  • Employer support with a tailored settlement plan.
  • Focus on quick integration and real job matches.
  • Provincial endorsement reduces PR processing hurdles.

Available Programs

Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)

For workers with advanced skills and experience

  • Work Experience Required: Must have work experience at National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill type level 0, A, or B
  • Employment: Full-time, one-year contract in NOC 0, A or B position

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)

For workers with intermediate-level skills

 
  • Work Experience Required: Must have work experience at NOC skill level C, obtained from either inside or outside of Canada
  • Employment: Full-time, indeterminate position in NOC 0, A, B or C

Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

For international students from Atlantic institutions

 
  • Education Required: Two-year post-secondary diploma from a publicly funded learning institution in the Atlantic region, obtained within the 12 months before application submission
  • Employment: Full-time, one-year contract in NOC 0, A, B or C position
  • Work Experience: No prior work experience required

Eligibility Requirements Comparison

The qualifying criteria for the Atlantic immigration pilot for Canada depend on the chosen program.

Atlantic immigration pilot has three programs.

  • The Atlantic High-Skilled Program
  • The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
  • The Atlantic International Graduate Program

Each program has specific requirements that are given in the table below.

Eligibility criteria Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP) Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)
Education
Canadian high school diploma or equivalent Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Two-year post-secondary diploma from a publicly funded learning institution in the Atlantic region, obtained within the 12 months before the submission of the application for permanent residence.
Skilled work experience
One year in a related field
One year in a related field
–
Language skills
CLB Level 4 for English or Niveau de compétenceLinguistiqueCanadien for French
Provincial endorsement
Letter of endorsement
employer
Full time Indeterminate NOC 0, A, B or C
Full time One-year contract NOC 0, A or B
Full time One-year contract NOC 0, A, B or C

Start Your Journey with J&A Business World

Our team is ready to guide you. Reach out today, and we’ll provide the support you need for migration, manpower, education, or training services.