Is a Labour Market Impact Assessment required for AIP?

No. AIP is LMIA-exempt, but the employer must be designated.

Can I apply for AIP without a job offer?

No. A valid job offer from a designated employer is mandatory.

Can my family be included in my AIP application?

Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included.

What language level is required for AIP?

Language requirements depend on the job category and are generally lower than Express Entry requirements.

Can I work while my PR application is processing?

In some cases, you may be eligible for a temporary work permit.

Do I have to stay in the Atlantic province permanently?

You must have a genuine intention to live and work in the Atlantic region at the time of application.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

A Pathway to Permanent Residence in Atlantic Canada

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The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Canadian permanent residence pathway designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates to fill labour shortages. The program supports newcomers who wish to live and work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.

At Oshika Boteju Immigration Consulting, we provide clear, ethical, and personalised guidance to help you understand whether AIP is the right pathway for your Canadian immigration goals.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration program that allows designated employers in Atlantic Canada to hire foreign workers and international graduates and support them for permanent residence.

Unlike many other immigration programs, AIP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Instead, employers must be designated and work with the province to support the settlement of the worker and their family.

AIP focuses on long-term settlement, not temporary work alone.

Atlantic provinces covered under AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program applies to the following regions:

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island

Applicants must intend to live and work in one of these Atlantic provinces.

Who should consider the Atlantic Immigration Program?

AIP may be suitable for you if you:

Have a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
Have skilled, intermediate, or entry-level work experience
Are an international graduate from a recognized Canadian institution
Do not qualify for Express Entry or other federal programs
Are seeking permanent residence with employer support
Are open to settling in Atlantic Canada
Want a pathway that does not require LMIA

This program is especially valuable for candidates with moderate language scores and practical work experience.

Atlantic Immigration Program categories

The AIP includes three main categories, each designed for different applicant profiles.

Atlantic High-Skilled Program

For candidates with work experience in skilled occupations. Applicants must meet job offer, work experience, and language requirements.

Atlantic International Graduate Program

For recent graduates who completed eligible studies in Atlantic Canada. This stream does not require prior work experience but does require a qualifying job offer.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

For candidates working in occupations that typically require high school education or job-specific training. This category supports essential workers needed by Atlantic employers.

Key features of the Atlantic Immigration Program

Permanent residence focused program
Employer-driven but LMIA-exempt
Suitable for a wide range of occupations
Lower language requirements compared to many federal programs
Family members can be included
Settlement support is a mandatory part of the process

How the Atlantic Immigration Program works

The AIP process follows a structured sequence designed to support both the applicant and the province.

01 Job offer from a designated employer

You must receive a genuine job offer from an employer approved under the Atlantic Immigration Program.

02 Settlement plan

A settlement plan is created with an authorized settlement service provider to help you and your family integrate into the province.

03 Provincial endorsement

The employer submits the job offer and settlement plan to the province for endorsement.

04 Permanent residence application

Once endorsed, you submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

05 Optional temporary work permit

In some cases, you may be eligible to work in Canada while your PR application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements (general overview)

Eligibility criteria vary slightly by category, but generally include:

A qualifying job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
Relevant work experience (not required for international graduates)
Minimum language proficiency in English or French
Educational qualifications that meet program requirements
Proof of settlement funds, if applicable
Genuine intent to live and work in an Atlantic province

We assess your profile carefully to confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Documents typically required for AIP applications

Common documents include:

Passport and identity documents
Job offer and employer designation details
Employment reference letters and work history evidence
Educational certificates and transcripts
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
Proof of funds, where required
Settlement plan confirmation

We ensure all documents meet IRCC and provincial expectations.

Common challenges we help you overcome

Many AIP applications face delays or refusals due to:

Non-designated employers
Incorrect job offer classifications
Incomplete settlement plans
Weak employment documentation
Misunderstanding eligibility criteria

Our role is to eliminate these risks and present a clear, compliant application.

How We Can Help YOU

RCIC-led guidance, clear eligibility checks, and full compliance support for both employers and applicants. We manage every step with transparency, ethical practice, and realistic outcomes, no false promises, just clear pathways.

Start your Atlantic Immigration Program journey

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a practical and employer-supported pathway to Canadian permanent residence, especially for candidates who may not qualify through federal programs alone.