Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Canada Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Index

What is AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program, or AIP for short, is an immigration program launched by the Federal Government of the Liberal Party of Canada. Formerly known as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, which closed on December 31, 2021, the current Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program replaces the pilot program. From March 6, 2022, applicants can submit applications for permanent residence to the new scheme.

This immigration program is only for the four maritime provinces of Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Rab. Lado Province (Newfoundland and Labrador). The Government of Canada and the Atlantic provinces have come a long way since the pilot project launched in March 2017.

AIP types

There are three types of Atlantic immigration programs.

1. Atlantic High-Skilled Program（AHSP）
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program（AISP）
3. Atlantic International Graduate Program（AIGP）

Application Requirements

1. Obtain a full-time job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada;
2. Minimum language requirement CLB 4 (job position NOC O/A/B is CLB 5);
3. High school or above;
4. Letter of endorsement from the Atlantic Provinces Immigration Service;
5. Meet the Atlantic Immigration Program settlement funding requirements;
6. Provide the applicant with the necessary marine province settlement plan through the designated agency;
7. Work Experience Requirements:

1. At least 1 year of work experience in the past 5 years;
2. Can be Canadian or overseas work experience, either full-time, part-time or discontinuous;
3. International students who meet their program requirements are exempt from the work experience requirement.

AIP Application Procedures

1. Employer Nomination Eligibility

• The employer contacts the provincial immigration office to fill in the vacancy form;
• Employers contact settlement services to arrange workplaces for new employees;
• The employer applies to the province to be the designated employer of the employee;
• Atlantic Province Appointing Employer Eligibility;
• Employers recruit overseas talents and offer job opportunities based on initial assessments.

2. The employer completes the endorsement of the candidate’s province

• Employers contact settlement services for employees;
• Applicants contact service agencies to develop a settlement plan for themselves and their families;
• After the applicant obtains the detailed resettlement plan, it will be sent to the employer;
• The employer completes the provincial endorsement application and submits the job offer along with the resettlement plan to the province;
• The Provincial Immigration Service reviews and approves the provincial endorsement application and issues a provincial endorsement letter to the applicant.

3. File an immigration application

• The applicant applies to the Federal Immigration Service (IRCC) for permanent residence, and submits a provincial endorsement letter and other relevant materials, and undergoes an immigration medical examination;
• IRCC processes the application, which will take approximately 12 months to complete;
• The applicant is approved, and his/her family members land in the employer’s province.

Submission Method

• Can be applied online
• Can be applied via mail. Mailing address:
  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
  Centralized Intake Office
  PO BOX 8900 Sydney, NS B1P 0H1 Canada

Q&A

Fees

• Service fees do not include government fees, translation fees, notarization fees, courier fees and other third-party fees