Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal immigration initiative designed to attract skilled foreign workers and international graduates to settle in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This program also supports local employers in these provinces by helping them hire qualified foreign candidates to fill vacancies that cannot be filled locally. Annually, the AIP allows 6,000 newcomers to make Atlantic Canada their new home.

The Atlantic Immigration Program was initially launched as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in 2017. It was created to address demographic challenges in the Atlantic provinces, where the population was aging rapidly. Originally planned as a three-year pilot, it was extended in 2019 for another three years. The program transitioned from a pilot to a permanent fixture on December 17, 2021, and has since been a successful pathway for immigrants and employers in the region.

Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is beneficial for both immigrants and local employers. It provides permanent residence status to thousands of immigrants every year, promoting population growth, increasing the labour force, and accelerating economic growth in the Atlantic provinces.

Benefits for Immigrants

• Permanent Residence Status: Achieve a stable and secure future in Canada.
• Economic Opportunities: Access to a growing job market with diverse opportunities.
• Quality of Life: Enjoy a high standard of living in the beautiful Atlantic provinces.

Benefits for Employers

• Talent Acquisition: Fill vacancies with skilled foreign workers.
• Economic Growth: Contribute to the region’s economic development.
• Population Growth: Help stabilize and grow the local population.

Steps to Migrate to Canada Under AIP

The AIP is an employer-driven program, requiring applicants to secure a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. The following steps outline the application process:

1. Obtain a Job Offer

Secure a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. The employer must be approved and designated by the province.

2. Create a Settlement Plan

Once you have a job offer, authorities will connect you with settlement services to create a settlement plan tailored to your needs.

3. Submit the Settlement Plan

Send your settlement plan to your employer, who will then submit an application for endorsement to the provincial immigration department.

4. Receive Provincial Endorsement

Obtain a provincial endorsement certificate, which is crucial for your application.

5. Apply for Permanent Residence

Submit your application for permanent residence along with the endorsement certificate and other required documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

6. Apply for a Work Permit (if necessary)

If you need to start working before your permanent residence is approved, apply for a temporary work permit.

7. Wait for IRCC Processing

Wait for the IRCC to process your application. Upon approval, you can live and work in Atlantic Canada.

8. Utilize Settlement Services

Take advantage of the support offered by your employer and settlement service providers to integrate smoothly into Canadian society.

Eligibility Requirements for AIP

To apply under the AIP, you must meet specific eligibility requirements related to work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds.

Work Experience

You need at least one year of work experience in an occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 TEER categories:

• TEER 0: Management jobs (e.g., restaurant managers, mine managers)
• TEER 1: Professional jobs requiring a university degree (e.g., doctors, dentists, architects)
• TEER 2: Technical jobs/skilled trades requiring college/apprenticeship (e.g., police officers, firefighters)
• TEER 3: Technical jobs/skilled trades requiring less than 2 years of college/apprenticeship or 6+ months of training
• TEER 4: Intermediate jobs requiring high school and/or job-specific training (e.g., truck drivers, food servers)

Education

• For TEER 0 or 1 jobs: At least one year of post-secondary education or higher.
• For TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign education, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report less than five years old.

Language Proficiency

• For TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs: CLB/NCLC 5 or higher.
• For TEER 4 jobs: CLB/NCLC 4 or higher.

Settlement Funds

You must prove you have enough funds to support yourself and your family. This requirement is waived if you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit.

Eligibility Requirements for International Graduates

International graduates applying under the AIP do not need to meet the work experience requirement but must meet other criteria:

• Completed a study program of at least two years, leading to a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade certification.
• Studied at a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
• Remained a full-time student throughout their studies.
• Stayed in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the two years before graduation.
• Held valid visa/permit throughout their stay in Canada.

Documents Required for AIP Application

Ensure you have all necessary documents to avoid delays in your application process:

• Language Test Results: Proof of language proficiency.
• Educational Documents: Proof of education and, if needed, an ECA report.
• Proof of Funds: Evidence of financial capability.
• Settlement Plan: Required for those with job offers.
• Endorsement Certificate: Issued by the province for your job offer.

Navigating the AIP Application Process

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you navigate the AIP application process:

1. Secure a Job Offer: Ensure it’s from a designated employer.
2. Develop a Settlement Plan: Work with settlement services.
3. Submit Required Documents: Ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurate.
4. Provincial Endorsement: Obtain the necessary endorsement certificate.
5. Apply for Permanent Residence: Complete the application process with IRCC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The AIP is a federal immigration program aimed at attracting skilled workers and international graduates to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

2. Who is eligible for AIP?

Eligibility depends on factors like work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds. International graduates have specific requirements.

3. What are the benefits of AIP for immigrants?

Immigrants gain permanent residence, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life in the Atlantic provinces.

4. How do I apply for AIP?

Secure a job offer from a designated employer, create a settlement plan, and submit your application to IRCC with all required documents.

5. What documents do I need for AIP?

You need language test results, educational documents, proof of funds, a settlement plan, and a provincial endorsement certificate.

Conclusion

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a gateway to a new life in Canada’s picturesque Atlantic provinces. It offers immense opportunities for skilled workers and international graduates while addressing local economic needs. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or a better quality of life, the AIP could be your perfect path to Canadian permanent residence.

By following the outlined steps and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process. Contact the Canada immigration experts of ForisAvenue to ensure a hassle-free immigration process.