The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a targeted immigration initiative designed to attract and retain skilled workers and international graduates in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador. Launched permanently in January 2022 after a successful five-year pilot, the AIP is critical to supporting economic growth in the region by addressing labor shortages and population decline.
This 2025 guide will provide an in-depth understanding of the program, including real-time updates, eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and useful links. It’s written for skilled workers, international students, employers, and immigration consultants seeking clarity on how to leverage the AIP effectively.
Why the Atlantic Immigration Program Matters
Economic Context
Canada’s Atlantic provinces face acute demographic and economic challenges:
- Aging populations and low birth rates
- Outmigration of youth to other provinces
- Persistent labor shortages in key industries like healthcare, construction, and IT
According to Statistics Canada (2024), the Atlantic provinces had the highest vacancy rates in Canada:
- Nova Scotia: 5.8%
- New Brunswick: 6.1%
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 4.9%
- PEI: 6.5%
The AIP addresses these issues by connecting Canadian employers with foreign talent and making the settlement process smoother for newcomers.
Key Features of the Atlantic Immigration Program
1. Employer-Driven
Employers must become designated under the program and offer jobs to candidates. This ensures that immigrants arrive with a job offer and a clear pathway to integration.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residence
The AIP provides a direct route to permanent residency for eligible workers and graduates.
3. Support-Oriented
Employers are required to support the newcomer and their family through the settlement process, including help with housing and community connections.
4. Broad Eligibility
Unlike Express Entry, the AIP can include:
- Lower-skilled roles (NOC TEER 4 and 5)
- International graduates without work experience (within Canada)
Provinces Participating in AIP
Nova Scotia
- Focuses on healthcare, education, and skilled trades
- Learn more: Nova Scotia Immigration
New Brunswick
- Prioritizes IT, transportation, and nursing
- Learn more: Living and Working in New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
- Targets hospitality, agriculture, and seafood processing
- Learn more: PEI Immigration
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Key industries: ocean tech, mining, and health care
- Learn more: NL Immigration
Eligibility Requirements (2025 Update)
To qualify for the AIP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Job Offer
- Full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces
- Job must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or eligible 4
2. Work Experience
- At least one year (1,560 hours) of paid work experience in the last 5 years in a related occupation
- International graduates from eligible Atlantic institutions may be exempt
3. Education
- Minimum: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
4. Language Proficiency
- CLB 4 in English or French (low barrier)
- Proof via IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF tests
5. Proof of Funds
Unless already living and working in Canada, applicants must show they can support themselves and their family:
- 1 person: $3,439 CAD
- 2 people: $4,281 CAD
- 3 people: $5,263 CAD
- (updated annually)
6. Settlement Plan
- Must work with a designated settlement service provider
- Plan outlines how the applicant will adapt to life in Atlantic Canada
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
Only employers designated by the provincial government can make valid job offers under AIP. Applicants can find these opportunities via:
- Job Bank – AIP Employers List
- Provincial immigration portals
Step 2: Obtain a Settlement Plan
Use a designated settlement agency to draft your plan. This must include:
- Housing
- Community integration
- Job readiness
Examples of approved agencies:
- ISANS (Nova Scotia)
- MAGMA (New Brunswick)
- Association for New Canadians (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Step 3: Employer Endorsement
Employer submits application for endorsement from the province.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Once endorsed, apply to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for permanent residence under the Atlantic Immigration Program stream:
- Online via IRCC portal: AIP PR Application Guide
Step 5: Apply for Work Permit (Optional)
While waiting for PR, applicants may apply for a 1-year employer-specific work permit.
Processing Times and Costs
Processing Time (2025 Data)
- Endorsement: 2–6 weeks (province-dependent)
- PR Application: 6–12 months (IRCC)
- Work Permit (optional): 8 weeks
Fees
- Permanent Residence Application: $1,365 CAD (principal applicant)
- Work Permit Application: $255 CAD
- Medical exams and biometrics: extra cost
Designated Employers in 2025
Each province publishes a list of authorized employers. A few top examples include:
Nova Scotia:
- Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Irving Shipbuilding
New Brunswick:
- J.D. Irving Limited
- Horizon Health Network
Prince Edward Island:
- Cavendish Farms
- Murphy Hospitality Group
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Kraken Robotics
- Eastern Health
Find full lists on provincial websites or through Job Bank.
Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program
For Immigrants
- Low language and education barriers
- Job security from day one
- Fast-track to PR with full family inclusion
- Settlement support for easier integration
For Employers
- Simplified hiring process
- Access to global talent pool
- High retention rates due to structured support
Common Challenges and Solutions
1. Finding a Designated Employer
Tip: Regularly check provincial websites and network with employers at virtual job fairs.
2. Settlement Plan Delays
Tip: Contact service providers early and ensure your documents are ready.
3. Work Experience Issues
Tip: Maintain detailed employment records and reference letters.
Atlantic Immigration vs. Express Entry: Key Differences
| Feature | Atlantic Immigration Program | Express Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Job Offer Required | Yes | No (but helps) |
| Language Level | CLB 4 | CLB 7 or higher |
| Target NOC Levels | 0–5 | Primarily 0–3 |
| PR Processing Time | 6–12 months | 6–8 months |
| Employer Role | Mandatory | Optional |
| Settlement Plan | Required | Not required |
Real Stories: Success Through AIP
Amina from Nigeria
Amina secured a job as a continuing care assistant in Nova Scotia. Within one year, she brought her family and became a permanent resident. Today, she mentors newcomers through ISANS.
Luis from Brazil
Luis, an IT technician, was hired by an employer in PEI. Thanks to AIP, he avoided the CRS cut-offs in Express Entry. He now runs a tech startup with two local co-founders.
Key Resources and Links
- Atlantic Immigration Program – IRCC
- Designated Employer Lists
- Nova Scotia Immigration
- New Brunswick Immigration
- PEI Immigration
- Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration
Conclusion
The Atlantic Immigration Program is more than a job placement initiative—it’s a comprehensive pathway to permanent residency and long-term community integration. With its unique employer-driven and support-heavy design, the AIP stands out as one of the most accessible and stable immigration pathways in Canada.
For skilled professionals looking to build a life in a scenic, affordable, and welcoming region, the Atlantic provinces and the AIP offer a clear and promising route.
