Atlantic Immigration Provincial Nominee Program
The Atlantic Immigration pilot program was started in 2017 as a component of a joint initiative to animate business growth in the Atlantic provinces of Canada by pulling skilled workers. The Atlantic provinces cover New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
To pass the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Stream, applicants must have an approved job offer. Usually, to get a Canadian business offer adequate for immigration plans, the applicant must get an LMIA. This is not needed for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Instead, the job proposal must be from the preferred company.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program AIP ?
The Atlantic Immigration Program has been crafted with the aim of inviting more individuals to settle in the Atlantic Canada region, effectively addressing the requirements of local businesses and communities.
This initiative empowers selected local employers to actively seek, attract, and retain global talent. Moreover, it operates with the essential objectives of bolstering population growth, fostering a skilled workforce, and elevating employment rates within the region.
The impact of the AIP has been remarkable, benefiting immigrants, employers, and the entire Atlantic area. Each year, numerous immigrants attain permanent resident status through this program, thereby catering to the specific demands of local employers while simultaneously promoting growth in population, labour force, and the overall economy.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
How does the Atlantic Immigration Program work?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven program designed to streamline the recruitment of foreign nationals for job positions in Canada. To participate in the program, all principal applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer and have a personalized settlement plan for themselves and their families.
Finding the Right Candidate
When a designated employer identifies a candidate who meets their employment requirements and aligns with the program’s criteria, they extend a job offer to the candidate. Notably, employers are exempt from the cumbersome process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Settlement Support and Integration
Once the candidate accepts the job offer, the employer collaborates with a designated settlement service provider organization. Together, they conduct a needs assessment to develop a comprehensive settlement plan tailored to the candidate’s specific requirements. The employer plays a pivotal role in supporting the successful integration of the new immigrant and their family (if applicable) so they can effectively pursue the goals outlined in their settlement plan upon arriving in Canada.
Fast-Track Work Permits for Urgent Vacancies
Employers with urgent job vacancies can access a temporary work permit for the selected candidate and their family. This provision expedites the immigration process, allowing them to come to Canada promptly. To acquire this temporary work permit, candidates must fulfil the following requirements:
- Hold a valid job offer.
- Obtain a letter from the province.
- Commit to applying for permanent residence within 90 days of submitting the temporary work permit application.
By participating in the Atlantic Immigration Program, employers can efficiently hire foreign talent while providing essential settlement support, fostering successful integration, and contributing to the overall growth of their businesses. This program also eases the immigration journey for skilled individuals seeking opportunities in Canada’s vibrant Atlantic provinces.
Employer Designation for Hiring Skilled Immigrants in Atlantic Canada
If you’re an employer seeking to hire talented immigrants through this program, you must initiate an application to the respective province(s) to obtain the necessary designation. For those with business locations spanning multiple provinces, it is essential to secure separate designations for each region. To qualify for the designation, employers must fulfil specific requirements, which include demonstrating a dedicated commitment to assist the newcomer and their family in seamlessly integrating into their new life in Atlantic Canada
How do I get a job offer for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
To be considered for a job offer, it is essential to apply for employment opportunities through the designated Atlantic Canadian employers approved by AIP (Atlantic Immigration Pilot). Each province maintains a list of employers authorized to hire foreign nationals under the AIP program.
Fast-Track Canadian Permanent Residency Through the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Fast-Track Canadian Permanent Residency is a faster method of acquiring permanent residence in Canada for workers having skills and/or graduated from an Atlantic Canadian university. It assists in accommodating skills shortages in the Atlantic region of Canada which comprises Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. The program ensures that this is made faster and employers offer their support to the newcomers to ensure they stay in the region.
Eligibility Criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot AIP
To participate in the AIP program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Work Experience: Unless you are an international student who has graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, you must possess qualifying work experience.
- Educational Criteria: Candidates must meet the necessary educational qualifications.
- Language Criteria: Meeting the specified language proficiency levels is essential.
- Settlement Funds: Demonstrating sufficient settlement funds is required. However, if you already reside and work in Canada with a valid work permit, there is no need to provide proof of settlement funds.
You will find further explanations of each eligibility criteria below.
Once you meet all the above criteria, you are eligible to seek employment opportunities with designated employers in Atlantic Canada.
Step-By-Step guide for Eligibility Criteria
Work Experience:
To qualify, you must meet specific work experience criteria. In the last five years, you must have accumulated at least 1,560 hours of work. Here’s how to calculate your hours:
- Include both full-time and part-time job hours.
- Only consider paid work hours; volunteer or unpaid work won’t count.
- Self-employed work hours should not be included.
- Work experience gained inside Canada or abroad is acceptable, but you must have been legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
- The hours should be accumulated over a minimum period of 12 months.
- Work experience gained while studying is acceptable as long as it adheres to your study permit conditions.
- Your work experience must fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, and it should involve the duties described in your NOC.
International Graduates:
International students who graduated in Canada have special considerations. They don’t need to meet the work experience requirements if they meet the following criteria:
- Hold a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade/apprenticeship certification that requires at least two years of studies from a recognized post-secondary institution in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Were full-time students during their entire studies.
- Had the necessary visa or permit to work, study, or receive training while in Canada.
- Lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months within the last two years before graduation.
Educational Requirements:
Depending on the NOC TEER category of your job offer, you need to fulfil specific educational requirements:
- NOC TEER categories 0 or 1: You must possess a one-year post-secondary educational credential or higher or its equivalent from outside Canada.
- NOC TEER categories 2, 3, or 4: You need a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent from outside Canada.
- If you studied outside of Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your studies align with Canadian educational standards. The ECA report must be less than five years old at the time of your application submission to IRCC.
Language Requirements:
Language proficiency is essential for certain job offers. The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels are as follows:
- NOC TEER categories 0 or 1 job offers: CLB/NCLC level 5.
- NOC TEER categories 2, 3, or 4 job offers: CLB/NCLC level 4.
- You must submit recent language test results from a designated testing organization not older than two years at the time of application.
Settlement Funds:
While applicants living in Canada with valid work permits don’t need to provide proof of funds, other applicants must show sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival. The required amount depends on the family size, including those not immigrating with you.