Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is Canada's permanent-residence pathway for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in the four Atlantic provinces - New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Unlike Express Entry, the AIP is employer-driven: it connects designated employers in the Atlantic region with workers who fill genuine labour shortages. Once a job offer from a designated employer is matched with a settlement plan, the worker can apply directly for permanent residence - there is no points competition and no draw to wait for.

The AIP became a permanent program in 2022 and has been a reliable route for newcomers in healthcare, trades, hospitality, manufacturing and other sectors where the Atlantic provinces face persistent shortages. It is especially valuable for candidates whose Express Entry CRS scores are not competitive, because selection depends on having a real job offer and meeting straightforward criteria rather than on out-scoring a large pool. It also offers a temporary work permit so the worker can start before PR is finalised.

You need a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer designated under the AIP in one of the four Atlantic provinces. The offer must be for at least one year (or permanent, depending on skill level).

You must meet the work-experience requirement - generally at least one year of relevant experience in the past five years, with international graduates from a recognised Atlantic institution exempt. You need language ability of at least CLB 5 (or CLB 4 for some lower-skilled roles), a relevant educational credential with an Educational Credential Assessment if obtained abroad, and proof of settlement funds. The job must also match the skill level of your experience.

First, secure a job offer from an AIP-designated employer; you can search provincial designated-employer lists or apply to advertised roles. The employer, if it cannot fill the role locally, offers you the position.

Next, you complete an endorsement application: the employer applies to the province for endorsement of the job offer, and you work with a designated settlement service provider to create an individualised settlement plan covering housing, finances and community integration. The province issues a Certificate of Endorsement once satisfied.

With the endorsement, you submit your permanent-residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including language results, the ECA, proof of funds and the settlement plan. If you want to start work quickly, you can apply for a temporary work permit supported by the endorsement and a referral letter, allowing you to begin employment while the PR application is processed.

Federal PR application fees include the processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, with reduced amounts for dependent children. A language test (IELTS or CELPIP) costs roughly CAD 300-360, and an Educational Credential Assessment costs around CAD 200-300. The biometrics fee is CAD 85 per person. You must also show settlement funds appropriate to your family size. There is no separate provincial endorsement fee in most cases, but a medical examination (CAD 200-450 per person) and document translations are additional. Employers cover their own designation costs.

Once you submit a complete PR application with a Certificate of Endorsement, IRCC processing typically takes around six to twelve months, though times vary. The optional temporary work permit, supported by your endorsement and a referral letter, can be issued considerably faster, letting you begin working in the Atlantic region well before PR is finalised. Provincial endorsement itself takes a few weeks to a couple of months once the employer and settlement plan documents are complete.

The AIP grants permanent residence directly, so on approval you have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada - though the program is built on a genuine intention to settle in the Atlantic region. You can sponsor eligible family members and access healthcare and social services.

Permanent residents must meet a residency obligation of at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada within every five-year period to maintain status. After accumulating three years (1,095 days) of physical presence within the preceding five years, and meeting language and other requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship. The settlement plan you complete during the application is designed to help you integrate successfully into your new community from the start.