The Atlantic Immigration Program helps designated employers in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to settle permanently in Atlantic Canada.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal permanent residence program designed to address labor shortages in Atlantic Canada. It allows designated employers to hire foreign workers or recent international graduates without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The program supports:
● Local economic and population growth
● Regional workforce development
● Long-term retention of skilled talent
Designated Employers
Only designated employers in the Atlantic provinces can offer jobs under AIP. Employers must:
● Apply to their respective provincial government for designation
● Commit to supporting the newcomer and their family’s integration
● Connect the candidate with a designated settlement service providers
Note: Employers with multiple offices in different provinces must obtain separate designations in each province.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for AIP, you must:
● Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada
● Meet the work experience or education requirements
● Meet the language and education level for the job offered
● Have enough settlement funds (unless already working in Canada on a valid permit)
● Obtain an endorsed provincial certificate before applying for PR
Program Streams
AIP has two categories of applicants:
1. Skilled Workers
You must have:
● At least 1,560 hours of work experience in the last 5 years
● Experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job under NOC 2021
● A job offer that is full-time, non-seasonal, and at least 1 year long
● Work experience must be paid (not self-employed or volunteer)
2. International Graduates (from Atlantic Canada)
No work experience required if you:
● Graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in NB, NS, PEI, or NL
● Completed at least 2 years of full-time study
● Lived in Atlantic Canada for at least 16 months in the 24 months before graduation
● Held valid study authorization throughout your studies
Educational Requirements
| Job Offer TEER Level | Minimum Education Required |
| TEER 0 or 1 | 1-year post-secondary credential or equivalent |
| TEER 2, 3, or 4 | Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent |
If education was completed outside Canada, you must submit a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) issued within the last 5 years.
Language Requirements
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family unless:
You are already living in Canada with a valid work permit
Settlement funds requirement (2025):
| Job Offer TEER Level | Minimum CLB/NCLC |
| TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 5 |
| TEER 2, 3, or 4 | CLB 4 |
Language test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
Settlement Funds
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family unless:
● You are already living in Canada with a valid work permit
Settlement funds requirement (2025):
| Family Size | Funds Required |
| 1 | $3,303 |
| 2 | $4,112 |
| 3 | $5,055 |
| 4 | $6,138 |
| 5 | $6,962 |
| 6 | $7,852 |
| 7 | $8,742 |
| Each additional member | +$890 |
Application Process
1. Receive a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
2. Develop a settlement plan through a designated service provider
3. Employer applies for endorsement from the province
4. Receive a Provincial Endorsement Certificate
5. Submit a permanent residence application to IRCC
6. Optional: Apply for a temporary work permit to start working while PR is processed
Processing time: ~12 months for PR (temporary work permit may take 3–4 months)
Application Process
● No LMIA required
● Pathway to PR for candidates with lower CLB or high school education
● Opportunity for international graduates to settle without work experience
● Work permit available while PR application is processed
● Employer and settlement service provider support built into the program
No. AIP is a standalone PR program with its own process. It is not linked to Express Entry.
No. A job offer from a designated Atlantic employer is required to start the AIP process.
Yes. You are expected to live and work in the province where your designated employer is located.
Yes. You may include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your PR and/or work permit application.
Yes. All AIP applicants must complete a settlement plan through a designated provider.
Work and Settle in Atlantic Canada Through the AIP
If you have a job offer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, Sapra Immigration can help you navigate the Atlantic Immigration Program. From employer matching to PR submission, we provide step-by-step support.