What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the 4 Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward island. The AIP allows Atlantic employers to hire foreign workers for jobs that they are unable to fill locally. Applicants who receive valid job offers are eligible to apply for permanent residency under this program.

The Atlantic Immigration Program has 3 streams: (a) International Graduate, (b) High Skilled, and (c) Intermediate Skilled. For each of these 3 streams, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• have a valid job offer from a designated employer
• meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4)
• meet minimum proof of funds requirements

Who can apply for the AIP International Graduate Stream?

You may qualify for the AIP International Graduate Stream if you:

• attended a recognized Atlantic institution for a 2-year post-secondary program
• obtained your certificate/diploma/degree within the past 12 months of AIP application
• lived in an Atlantic province for 16 months before graduation

Who can apply for the AIP High Skilled Worker Stream?

You may qualify for the AIP High Skilled Worker Stream if you:

• have a high-school diploma
• have at least 1 year work experience in the last 3 years in a managerial, professional, technical or skilled trades occupation
• have a valid job offer in a managerial, professional, technical or skilled trades occupation

Who can apply for the AIP Intermediate Skilled Worker Stream?

You may qualify for the AIP Intermediate Skilled Worker Stream if you:

• have a high school diploma
• have at least 1 year work experience in the last 3 years in a managerial, professional, technical/skilled trades, or intermediate occupation
• have a valid job offer in a managerial, professional, technical/skilled trades, or intermediate occupation

Can family members accompany the principal applicant?

Yes, you can bring family members that you declared in your Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) application. These include:

• your spouse or common-law partner
• your dependent child (<22 years old)
• your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child
• a dependent child of a dependent child

How long is the processing time and what are the processing fees?

The processing time for applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) varies based on the volume of applications and the information being processed and verified. It normally takes 6 months.

The processing fee and right of permanent resident fee for the principal applicant is C$1,325. The same fee apply to his/her spouse or common-law partner. The fee for each dependent child is C$225.

What are the key considerations in submitting an application?

The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program:

• Which immigration stream is the best match for your background and qualifications?
• How do you determine that your education and work experience meet the requirements?
• Does your job offer qualify for the program?