Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent pathway to Canadian permanent residence designed for the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The purpose of AIP is to attract skilled workers and international graduates to help address labour shortages in Atlantic Canada and encourage newcomers to settle and remain in these provinces.
In this program, the applicant must have a permanent full-time job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces and provide a settlement plan showing how they and their family intend to establish themselves in the destination province.
AIP Eligibility Requirements
To apply through AIP, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|
| Permanent Full-Time Job Offer | The offer must come from a designated employer in an Atlantic province. |
| Eligible Occupation / Skill Level | The job must usually fall under an appropriate TEER / NOC category. Temporary or seasonal jobs are not accepted. |
| Work Experience | Skilled workers usually need qualifying work experience, but international graduates in Atlantic Canada may qualify under an exemption. |
| Education | Depending on the job level, a high school diploma or post-secondary education may be required. |
| Language Ability | You must meet the minimum language level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The expected level varies by occupation. |
| Settlement Funds | You must show that you have enough money to support your initial settlement in the destination province. If you are already in Canada with a valid work permit, you may be exempt from this requirement. |
| Medical, Security, and Background Checks | Medical exams, security screening, and criminal background checks are part of the process. |
Important 2025 Updates and Notes
- The settlement funds requirement for 2025 has been updated, and applicants need to pay close attention to the new amounts.
- New Brunswick announced that as of April 4, 2025, it had paused new AIP intake because its annual allocation was full. Applications received before that date would continue, but later applications might not be accepted.
- Nova Scotia also temporarily paused processing for certain occupations or sectors, such as food services, and prioritized more essential occupations.
- If the applicant is already in Canada with a valid work permit, they may not need to show settlement funds.
- Employers under the AIP stream usually do not need an LMIA, because the employer must already be designated.
Atlantic Provinces and Their Specific Features
These provinces participate jointly in AIP, but each province may have its own priorities and special conditions:
In 2025, new AIP intake was paused after the annual allocation was filled.
Prioritizes healthcare, construction, and social service occupations. Some occupations such as food services may not currently be accepted.
Focuses on permanent full-time jobs in the province, often in trades, manufacturing, and service sectors.
Works closely with federal authorities to attract skilled workers and graduates, especially for regional labour needs.
Benefits and Challenges of AIP
Benefits
- A relatively direct and simpler pathway to permanent residence compared with some other immigration routes.
- The possibility of working in Canada while the application is being processed, if you meet the required conditions.
- The designated employer system can make the hiring process easier.
- Employers under AIP are generally exempt from LMIA requirements.
- The program focuses on long-term settlement through settlement planning and local support.
Challenges
- Finding a designated employer can be difficult.
- Provincial allocations may fill up quickly.
- Provincial conditions and priorities may change.
- You must still meet federal requirements such as language, medical, and security checks.
- Even if you meet all the requirements, approval is not guaranteed.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Review your general eligibility and basic qualifications.
- Find a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Agree on a settlement plan and prepare the required documents.
- The employer submits the endorsement request to the relevant province.
- The province reviews the case and issues an endorsement.
- Submit your permanent residence application to the federal government together with the endorsement.
- If eligible, apply for a temporary work permit so you can begin working sooner.
- Receive the final decision and settle in the destination province.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can people outside Canada apply through AIP?
Yes. International applicants can apply, unless the destination province has announced that it has paused intake.
2. Does the employer need an LMIA?
Under AIP, a designated employer usually does not need an LMIA.
3. How much settlement funds are required?
The settlement funds amount depends on family size and was updated for 2025.
4. Can I apply if the employer is not designated?
No. One of the key requirements of AIP is having a job offer from a designated employer.
5. Can I bring my spouse and children with me?
Yes. Eligible accompanying family members can receive permanent residence together with the principal applicant.
6. Which occupations are being prioritized?
In 2025, Atlantic provinces prioritized occupations in healthcare, skilled trades, construction, and social services.
Helios Immigration Professional Support
At Helios Immigration, we are ready to support you throughout your AIP journey:
- Careful review of your education, work experience, and language qualifications
- Help finding a designated employer in the Atlantic provinces
- Preparation of the settlement plan and required documentation
- Guidance for meeting financial requirements and translating documents
- Monitoring the right time to apply, especially before provincial quotas are filled
- Full support all the way through permanent residence approval