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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Complete Guide to Atlantic Canada Immigration in 2026

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a unique employer-driven pathway to Canadian permanent residence designed specifically for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in Atlantic Canada. This federal program partners with the four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—to help address regional labor shortages while providing newcomers with exceptional settlement support and integration services.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2026, including program categories, eligibility requirements for workers and graduates, designated employer requirements, the settlement plan and settlement services, application process, processing times, and pathways from temporary work permits to permanent residence in Atlantic Canada.

Ready to explore opportunities in Atlantic Canada? Get a free assessment to determine your eligibility for the Atlantic Immigration Program and connect with designated employers.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent immigration pathway launched in 2017 (originally as a pilot program) and made permanent in January 2022. Unlike many other immigration programs, the AIP is employer-driven, meaning you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces before you can apply. The program focuses on attracting skilled workers and international graduates who can help meet specific labor market needs while ensuring strong community integration through comprehensive settlement planning.

The AIP offers several significant advantages over other immigration pathways: no Express Entry profile required, no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) needed, faster processing times (approximately 6 months), robust settlement support included, and pathways for both skilled workers and recent graduates. The program recognizes that Atlantic Canada's unique demographic and economic circumstances require tailored immigration solutions that benefit both newcomers and local communities.

The Four Atlantic Provinces

The Atlantic Immigration Program operates in four provinces, each offering unique opportunities:

  • New Brunswick: Known for bilingual opportunities, affordable living, and growing technology and manufacturing sectors in cities like Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton
  • Nova Scotia: Home to Halifax's vibrant economy, strong ocean technology sector, healthcare opportunities, and rich cultural heritage
  • Prince Edward Island: Canada's smallest province offers close-knit communities, agricultural opportunities, tourism, and growing aerospace sector
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: Strong resource sector, emerging technology industry, and unique culture in St. John's and surrounding communities

Atlantic Immigration Program Categories

The AIP has three main categories designed to attract different types of candidates based on their skills, work experience, and educational background.

Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)

The Atlantic High-Skilled Program targets skilled workers with experience in management, professional, or technical occupations. This category is ideal for candidates with higher-skilled work experience.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Work Experience: At least one year of work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last five years
  • Job Offer: Valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
  • Education: Minimum Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Language: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French (for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs) or CLB 4 (for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs)
  • Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself and family members (unless currently working in Canada with a valid work permit)

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)

The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program is designed for workers in occupations that typically require a high school education or occupation-specific training. This category addresses labor needs in essential services and trades.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Work Experience: At least one year of work experience in a NOC TEER 4 occupation within the last five years
  • Job Offer: Valid job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic provinces in a NOC TEER 4 occupation
  • Education: Minimum Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential with ECA
  • Language: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
  • Settlement Funds: Sufficient financial resources (unless currently working in Canada)

NOC TEER 4 occupations include positions in food services, retail, hospitality, transportation, and other essential services critical to Atlantic Canada's economy.

Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

The Atlantic International Graduate Program helps international students who graduated from recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada transition to permanent residence. This category recognizes the value of graduates who already have Atlantic Canadian education and community connections.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Education: Completed a minimum two-year degree, diploma, or certificate from a publicly funded institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces
  • Graduation Timing: Graduated within the 24 months before applying for permanent residence
  • Physical Presence: Lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the two years before graduation
  • Job Offer: Valid job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic provinces (any NOC TEER category)
  • Language: Minimum CLB 5 for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs; CLB 4 for NOC TEER 4 or 5 jobs
  • Work Experience: None required (major advantage for recent graduates)
  • Work Permit: Must have legal status in Canada if currently in Canada

The AIGP is particularly valuable for Post-Graduation Work Permit holders who studied in Atlantic Canada and want to remain in the region permanently.

Designated Employers in the Atlantic Immigration Program

A critical component of the Atlantic Immigration Program is the requirement for a job offer from a "designated employer." Not all employers in Atlantic Canada are automatically eligible to hire through the AIP—they must first be designated by their provincial government.

What is a Designated Employer?

Designated employers are businesses in Atlantic Canada that have been approved by one of the four Atlantic provinces to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program. These employers commit to supporting their international employees with settlement planning and integration into Atlantic communities.

Employer Requirements for Designation

To become designated, employers must:

  • Be established and currently operating in one of the Atlantic provinces
  • Be in good standing with the provincial and federal governments
  • Commit to working with a settlement service provider organization to develop a settlement plan for the candidate
  • Demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents before hiring internationally
  • Meet specific provincial requirements regarding business operations, revenue, and employee numbers

How to Find Designated Employers

While there is no comprehensive public list of designated employers, candidates can:

  • Search job boards specifically mentioning Atlantic Immigration Program positions
  • Contact provincial immigration departments for guidance on connecting with designated employers
  • Work with settlement service provider organizations who often have connections with designated employers
  • Use professional immigration consultant services like VisaVio that have networks of designated employers
  • Connect with Atlantic Canada job fairs and recruitment events

VisaVio maintains relationships with designated employers across all four Atlantic provinces and can help facilitate introductions for qualified candidates.

Job Offer Requirements

The job offer is a central element of your Atlantic Immigration Program application. Understanding what constitutes a valid job offer ensures your application will be successful.

Valid Job Offer Criteria

Your job offer must be:

  • From a Designated Employer: The employer must be designated by one of the four Atlantic provinces
  • Full-Time: At least 30 hours per week
  • Non-Seasonal: Year-round position (seasonal or temporary positions don't qualify)
  • At Least One Year: Job offer must be for a minimum of one year from the date you become a permanent resident
  • In the Atlantic Region: The work must be performed at a business location in one of the four Atlantic provinces
  • Meets Provincial Standards: Salary and working conditions must meet provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates

Occupations and NOC Requirements

Your job offer must be in a specific NOC TEER category based on which AIP category you're applying through:

  • AHSP: NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • AISP: NOC TEER 4
  • AIGP: Any NOC TEER category (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)

The job offer doesn't need to be in the same occupation as your previous work experience, providing flexibility for candidates looking to transition into new career paths in Atlantic Canada.

Settlement Plan and Support Services

One of the unique features of the Atlantic Immigration Program is the mandatory settlement plan and comprehensive settlement support services. This ensures newcomers receive assistance integrating into their new communities in Atlantic Canada.

What is a Settlement Plan?

A settlement plan is a personalized plan developed with help from a designated settlement service provider organization. The plan outlines the services and resources you'll need to successfully settle in Atlantic Canada, including:

  • Housing assistance and community orientation
  • Information about schools, healthcare, and community services
  • Language training resources (if needed)
  • Employment support and workplace culture orientation
  • Social and cultural integration support
  • Connection to local community groups and networks

Settlement Service Provider Organizations

Settlement service providers are organizations designated by the Atlantic provinces to help newcomers integrate into their communities. These organizations work with both the employer and the candidate to develop and implement the settlement plan.

Services provided typically include:

  • Pre-arrival information and orientation
  • Needs assessment and settlement plan development
  • Airport reception and initial settlement assistance
  • Ongoing settlement support for up to one year after arrival
  • Connection to additional community resources and services
  • Family support services for spouses and dependent children

Employer's Role in Settlement

Designated employers commit to supporting their new employees' settlement by:

  • Working with settlement service providers to develop the settlement plan
  • Providing workplace orientation and support
  • Facilitating connections between the employee and community
  • Supporting the employee's integration into Canadian workplace culture

The Atlantic Immigration Program Application Process

The AIP application process involves several stages from securing a job offer to receiving permanent residence. Understanding each step helps ensure a smooth application experience.

Step 1: Find a Job with a Designated Employer

Search for positions with designated employers in Atlantic Canada. Highlight your qualifications, work experience, and genuine interest in settling in Atlantic Canada. VisaVio can assist in connecting you with designated employers seeking qualified candidates.

Step 2: Get a Job Offer

Once you've secured a position, receive a formal job offer letter from the designated employer that meets all AIP requirements (full-time, non-seasonal, minimum one year, appropriate NOC level).

Step 3: Create Your Settlement Plan

Work with a settlement service provider organization to develop your personalized settlement plan. The settlement provider will assess your needs and create a plan outlining the support you'll receive.

Step 4: Receive Provincial Endorsement

Your employer submits an application to the province requesting endorsement of your candidacy. The province reviews:

  • Your eligibility for the chosen AIP category
  • The validity of the job offer
  • The employer's designation status and compliance
  • Your settlement plan

If approved, you receive a Certificate of Endorsement (also called a provincial endorsement letter) from the Atlantic province. This endorsement is valid for six months.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence

With your Certificate of Endorsement, apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Submit:

  • Completed permanent residence application forms
  • Certificate of Endorsement from the province
  • Language test results
  • Educational credentials and ECA (if applicable)
  • Work experience documentation
  • Police certificates from all countries where you've lived 6+ months since age 18
  • Medical examination results
  • Proof of settlement funds
  • All required fees

Step 6: Apply for a Work Permit (Optional)

While your permanent residence application is being processed, you may be eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit to come to Canada and begin working. This allows you to start your job and integrate into the community while waiting for permanent residence approval.

Step 7: Receive Permanent Residence

Once approved, you'll receive:

  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
  • Permanent resident visa (if applicable based on nationality)
  • Instructions for landing in Canada or completing landing interview if already in Canada

After landing, you become a Canadian permanent resident with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada (though your intention is to settle in Atlantic Canada). You can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Processing Times and Fees

AIP Processing Times

The Atlantic Immigration Program is known for relatively fast processing times:

  • Provincial Endorsement: Varies by province, typically 1-3 months
  • Federal Permanent Residence Application: Approximately 6 months from complete application submission
  • Total Timeline: 7-9 months from receiving job offer to permanent residence (approximate)

These processing times are significantly faster than many other permanent residence pathways, making the AIP an attractive option for candidates with Atlantic Canada job offers.

Application Fees

  • Provincial Endorsement: No fee (processing is free)
  • Federal PR Application: $850 CAD principal applicant processing fee + $515 CAD right of permanent residence fee = $1,365 CAD total per adult
  • Dependent Children: $230 CAD per child under 22
  • Biometrics: $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family
  • Medical Examination: Varies by country and physician (approximately $200-450 per person)
  • Police Certificates: Varies by country

Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program

The AIP offers numerous advantages for skilled workers and international graduates seeking Canadian permanent residence:

  • No Express Entry Required: Don't need to compete in the Express Entry pool or achieve high CRS scores
  • No LMIA Needed: Employers don't need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment
  • Fast Processing: Approximately 6 months for federal processing after provincial endorsement
  • Lower Eligibility Requirements: More accessible language and education requirements compared to many federal programs
  • Comprehensive Settlement Support: Robust settlement services help ensure successful integration
  • Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse/partner and dependent children
  • Work While Processing: May be eligible for work permit while PR application processes
  • Affordable Living: Atlantic Canada offers lower cost of living compared to major Canadian cities
  • Quality of Life: Access to excellent education, healthcare, safe communities, and natural beauty
  • Growing Economies: Expanding opportunities in technology, healthcare, natural resources, and other sectors

Common Reasons for AIP Application Refusal

1. Invalid Job Offer

Job offers that are seasonal, part-time, or from non-designated employers result in refusal. Ensure your employer is properly designated and the job offer meets all program requirements before beginning the endorsement application.

2. Insufficient Work Experience

For AHSP and AISP categories, you must demonstrate at least one year of work experience in an appropriate NOC category. Work experience must be properly documented with detailed employment reference letters including job duties, hours worked, and employment dates.

3. Language Test Results Below Minimum

Language test results must meet the minimum CLB requirements for your job's NOC TEER category. Results must be from approved tests (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French) and be less than two years old at the time of application.

4. Missing or Incomplete Settlement Plan

The settlement plan is a mandatory component of AIP applications. Work closely with a designated settlement service provider to ensure your plan is complete and addresses all necessary settlement needs.

5. Medical or Criminal Inadmissibility

Like all Canadian immigration programs, AIP applicants must be medically and criminally admissible. Serious criminal convictions or medical conditions that could endanger public health or place excessive demand on healthcare services can result in inadmissibility.

6. Misrepresentation

Providing false information or omitting relevant details constitutes misrepresentation and results in application refusal plus a five-year ban from applying to Canada. Always be truthful and complete in all application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Atlantic Immigration Program

Do I need a job offer before applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

Yes, you must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces before you can apply for the AIP. The job offer must meet specific requirements including being full-time, non-seasonal, for at least one year, and in an appropriate NOC category for your chosen AIP stream. VisaVio can help connect you with designated employers actively seeking qualified candidates.

Can I apply to AIP if I'm already in Canada on a work permit?

Yes, you can apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program while in Canada on a valid work permit. If you're currently working for a designated employer in Atlantic Canada, you may be well-positioned to apply. If you're in Canada but not in Atlantic Canada, you'll need to secure a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. International graduates who studied in Atlantic Canada are particularly well-suited for the Atlantic International Graduate Program category.

How long does the Atlantic Immigration Program take?

Total processing time from job offer to permanent residence is approximately 7-9 months, though this can vary. Provincial endorsement typically takes 1-3 months, and federal permanent residence processing takes approximately 6 months after submission of a complete application. This is generally faster than many other permanent residence pathways, making the AIP attractive for candidates with qualifying job offers.

What is a settlement service provider and how do I find one?

Settlement service providers are organizations designated by Atlantic provinces to help newcomers integrate into their communities. Your designated employer will connect you with a settlement service provider in their region. These organizations are free to use and provide valuable services including needs assessment, settlement plan development, pre-arrival orientation, and ongoing support for up to one year after arrival. They play a crucial role in ensuring successful settlement in Atlantic Canada.

Can my family come with me through the Atlantic Immigration Program?

Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your permanent residence application. Your spouse may also be eligible for an open work permit, and dependent children can attend school. Your settlement plan will include services for your entire family, ensuring everyone receives support integrating into Atlantic Canada.

Do I need Express Entry for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

No, the Atlantic Immigration Program operates independently from Express Entry. You do not need an Express Entry profile, and your CRS score is irrelevant for AIP eligibility. This makes the AIP accessible to candidates who might not score competitively in Express Entry draws but have job offers from Atlantic employers.

Which Atlantic province is best for immigration?

Each Atlantic province offers unique advantages. Nova Scotia (particularly Halifax) has the largest population and most diverse economy. New Brunswick offers bilingual opportunities and affordability. Prince Edward Island provides close-knit communities and quality of life. Newfoundland and Labrador has strong resource sectors and unique culture. The "best" province depends on your occupation, language skills, lifestyle preferences, and where you can secure a job offer from a designated employer.

What happens after I become a permanent resident through AIP?

After receiving permanent residence, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, though you should have genuine intent to settle in the Atlantic province that endorsed you. You'll have access to healthcare, social services, and can sponsor eligible family members. After meeting residency requirements (living in Canada for 1,095 days in a 5-year period), you can apply for Canadian citizenship.

Can I change employers after getting permanent residence through AIP?

As a permanent resident, you have the legal right to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. However, you should have genuine intent to work for your sponsoring employer for a reasonable period and settle in the Atlantic region, as this was the basis of your application. Immediately leaving your employer or the Atlantic provinces after receiving permanent residence could raise questions about misrepresentation, though there's no legal requirement forcing you to stay with a specific employer or in a specific province permanently.

Should I hire an immigration consultant for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

While AIP applications can be completed independently, many applicants benefit from professional guidance, especially for finding designated employers, ensuring job offers meet all requirements, preparing comprehensive settlement plans, and navigating the documentation requirements. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can facilitate connections with designated employers, ensure all application components are complete, and maximize your chances of approval. Contact us for a consultation about your Atlantic immigration pathway.

Ready to Start Your Atlantic Canada Journey?

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers an accessible pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to build their future in Atlantic Canada's welcoming communities. With comprehensive settlement support, competitive labor market opportunities, and a high quality of life, Atlantic Canada provides an excellent foundation for your Canadian immigration journey.

Get Expert Atlantic Immigration Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in the Atlantic Immigration Program and maintains relationships with designated employers across all four Atlantic provinces. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped numerous candidates successfully navigate the AIP process from job offer through permanent residence.

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Additional Atlantic Canada and Immigration Resources

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About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC and provincial guidelines.

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