ATLANTIC

OVERVIEW
HIGH-SKILLED WORKER
INTERMEDIATE-SKILLED WORKER
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE
OPTIONAL WORK PERMIT

LAST UPDATE: You can use this information for reference only. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) closed on December 31, 2021, and on March 5, 2022, IRCC stopped accepting Pilot applications. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) replaced the Pilot program.

What is the Atlantic immigration program in Canada?

Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from people with abilities, education, and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIPP) was initially launched in 2017 as a three-year pilot program to allow Atlantic provincial governments to choose immigrants according to the province’s economic needs. This pilot project aims to attract and retain skilled immigrants in Atlantic Canada by testing innovative approaches to permanent immigration. The AIPP was in place until December 31, 2021. Then, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) replaced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. The applicants can now submit their permanent residence application to the program.

Which provinces are under AIP Canada?

AIP is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s 4 Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) as part of a joint initiative to stimulate economic growth in there.

To immigrate to Atlantic Canada through the AIP, Foreign Nationals (applicants) must be recent graduates of a publicly funded institution in Atlantic Canada or skilled workers who meet the program requirements.

First, the applicants must have an official job offer from a designated employer for at least 12 months under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, B, or C. Usually, to receive a Canadian job offer valid for immigration purposes, the applicant must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that is not required for the AIP. Instead, the job offer must be from a Designated Employer.

Second, the applicants must meet the eligibility requirements (Work Experience, Education, Language Proficiency, and Proof of Funds).

Getting a Settlement Plan: After you get a job offer (At least one year in duration AND management, professional, technical/skilled, or intermediate job AND full-time AND non-seasonal), you require to get a settlement plan that will help you and your family adapt to your new home in Atlantic Canada. It will provide valuable resources and contacts to help you feel welcome in your new community at no cost.

Getting a Certificate of Endorsement: The province must endorse your job offer. Your employer will handle this process. If the area approves your job offer, you’ll receive a Certificate of Endorsement.

How to apply for PR Canada Through AIP?

You choose the application package for the designated Atlantic program you applied through that includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out, including these Atlantic Immigration documents:

Offer of Employment to a Foreign National
Certificate of Endorsement
Biometrics (if required)

Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): Once the IRCC has received your PR immigration application, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt, also known as an AOR. This AOR is a confirmation that your application file has been created. You may also be referred to as an “AOR date,” which is the date from when your 6-month intended processing time begins.

Which is better, PNP or AIP?

The AIP’s simplicity is its most significant benefit over provincial nomination programs. Except for Quebec, all provinces include streams solely accessible to applicants already in the Express Entry pool, with all other streams running on the traditional first-come, first-served basis.

What is the age limit for AIP Canada?

For AIP Canada, there is no set minimum or maximum age. However, applicants between 18 and 35 have a better chance of immigrating to Canada. They are regarded as ideal candidates for the necessary specialized professions. Additionally, individuals can apply for PR Canada until age 50.

Is IELTS required for the AIP?

A CLB grade of 4 or an IELTS score of 4.5, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.0 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking are prerequisites for candidates applying through AIP for a PR visa in Canada.

How do I get a job offer on AIP?

You must apply for employment with Atlantic Canadian companies that AIP has identified to be considered for a job offer. There is a list of companies from each province permitted to use the AIP to hire foreign workers.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

What is Atlantic High-Skilled Worker Program (AHSP)?

Through the Atlantic High-Skilled Worker Program (AHSP), eligible foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada can apply for Canadian permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) aims to process 80 percent of applications within six months.

The High-Skilled Program is for workers with experience in management, professional, or technical/skilled jobs. It must be in one of these areas: management, professional, technical/skilled. There are also educational requirements. The job must last at least one year from the date the candidate becomes a permanent resident.

The additional requirements of the Atlantic High–Skilled Program are as follows:

Language ability: An approved French or English language test and achieved a CLB/NCLC 5 for a job offer in skill level NOC 0, A, and B & CLB/NCLC 4 for a job offer in skill level NOC C in all sections of the test.
Education: A Canadian high school diploma OR equivalent foreign credential (An educational credential assessment verified within the last five years)
Work Experience Minimum of one year (1,560 hours total/30 hours per week), paid, non-continuous, full-time or an equal amount in part-time, within the past three years and must have been in one occupation which is classified as NOC 0, A or B. You cannot include any self-employed work experience.
Student Work Experience: obtained during studies counts if the work hours did not exceed 20 hours per week during school days and 40 hours per week during school breaks.
Proof of funds: For applicant and accompanying family
Admissibility to Canada: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada, have been in Canada illegally, have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or be under a removal order in Canada.
Where you can live in Canada: You must plan to live in the province you are applying for. (Intent)
Ability to reside in the province: Not required if working in Canada with a valid work permit.
Have a qualified job offer: Must be classified as NOC 0, A, or B and full-time for one year. Non-seasonal and from a designated employer in the Atlantic province. Applicants must prove they meet the education, training, and qualifications listed on the NOC. (Not need to meet Canadian licensing requirements in the case of regulated occupations) and supported by a Provincial Certificate of Endorsement, which shows the job offer is genuine, a need assessment has been completed, and a settlement plan is in place for the applicant and family.
The Employer: Designated by their PNP official, prove that they have attempted to hire locally, establish a partnership with an immigrant service provider organization and provide ongoing reports of staff hired through AIP, including position, wages, hours, settlement support provided

What is qualify Job Offer for AIP?

You must have a job offer that meets all these requirements:

The job offer was made using the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National [IMM 5650] form.
The employer has been designated as an employer taking part in the AIP by the Atlantic province where you’ll work (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island). They must have a Confirmation of Designation from the province.
The job must be full-time, meaning you’ll work at least 30 paid hours per week.
The job must be non-seasonal. Generally, you have consistent and regularly scheduled paid employment throughout the year.
The job is skill type/level 0, A, B, or C under the NOC.
Your employment is permanent; there is no set end date.

How Can We Assist You?

What is Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Worker Program (AISP)?

The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Worker Program (AISP) is for workers with experience requiring high school education and job-specific training. The position must be permanent and in one of these areas: management, professional, technical/skilled, jobs needing a high school education, and jobs requiring specific training. There are also educational requirements.

Who qualifies for AISP?

An overview of all Minimum requirements is provided below:

Language ability: An approved French or English language test and achieved a CLB/NCLC 5 for a job offer in skill level NOC 0, A, and B & CLB/NCLC 4 for a job offer in skill level NOC C in all sections of the test.
Education: A Canadian high school diploma OR equivalent foreign credential (An educational credential assessment verified within the last five years)
Work Experience Minimum of one year (1,560 hours total/30 hours per week), paid, non-continuous, full-time or an equal amount in part-time, within the past three years and must have been in one occupation which is classified as NOC 0, A or B. You cannot include any self-employed work experience.
Proof of settlement funds: For the applicant and accompanying family
Admissibility to Canada: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada, have been in Canada illegally, have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or be under a removal order in Canada.
Where you can live in Canada: You must plan to live in the province you are applying for. (Intent)
Ability to reside in the province (Not required if currently working in Canada with a valid work permit)
Have a Qualify Job Offer: Must be classified as NOC 0, A, B, C (NOC 3413, 4412 for nursing work experience) and full-time for one year. Non-seasonal and from a designated employer in the Atlantic province. Applicants must prove they meet the education, training, and qualifications listed on the NOC. (Not need to meet Canadian licensing requirements in the case of regulated occupations) and supported by a Provincial Certificate of Endorsement, which shows the job offer is genuine, a need assessment has been completed, and a settlement plan is in place for the applicant and family.
The Employer: Designated by their PNP official, prove that they have attempted to hire locally, establish a partnership with an immigrant service provider organization and provide ongoing reports of staff hired through AIPP, including position, wages, hours, and settlement support provided.

What is qualified Work Experience for AIP?

You can use your work experience to qualify for the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program in 2 different ways.

Option 1

You have work experience at National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level C, which is a type of job that usually requires a secondary (high school) education and job-specific training, such as Industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, food, and beverage servers

Option 2

You have work experience as one of the following:

As a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse (NOC skill level A 3012)
As a licensed practical nurse (NOC skill level B 3233)

You also have one of the following job offers:

A nurse’s aide, orderly, or patient services associate (NOC skill level C 3413)
A home support worker (NOC skill level C 4412)

What is qualify Job Offer for AIP?

You must have a job offer that meets all these requirements:

- The job offer was made using the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National [IMM 5650] form.
- The employer has been designated as an employer taking part in the AIP by the Atlantic province where you’ll work (New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island). They must have a Confirmation of Designation from the province.
- The job must be full-time, meaning you’ll work at least 30 paid hours per week.
- The job must be non-seasonal. Generally, you have consistent and regularly scheduled paid employment throughout the year.
- The job is skill type/level 0, A, B, or C under the NOC.
- Your employment is permanent; there is no set end date.

How Can We Assist You?

What is Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)?

The International Graduate Program (AIGP) is for workers with specific educational requirements, including having a degree, diploma, or other credentials from a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province. Work experience is not required. The job must last at least one year from the date the candidate becomes a permanent resident. It must be in one of these areas: management, professional, technical/skilled, jobs needing a high school education, and specific training.

Who qualifies for AIP?

An overview of all Minimum requirements is provided below:

Language ability: An approved French or English language test and achieved a CLB/NCLC 5 for a job offer in skill level NOC 0, A, and B & CLB/NCLC 4 for a job offer in skill level NOC C in all sections of the test.
Education: You must have at least a 2-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship credential from a recognized publicly-funded institution in an Atlantic province within 24 months before the application. ESL/FSL/Distance learning could not have been over 50% of the program and not have a scholarship that requires a return to the home country. Must have been a full-time student for the entire duration of your studies
Work Experience: NONE
Live in an Atlantic province: for 16 to 24 months before graduation Experience.
Proof of settlement funds: For the applicant and accompanying family
Admissibility to Canada: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada, have been in Canada illegally, have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or be under a removal order in Canada.
Where you can live in Canada: You must plan to live in the province you are applying for. (Intent)
Have a Qualify Job Offer: Must be classified as NOC 0, A, B or C and full-time for one year. Non-seasonal and from a designated employer in the Atlantic province. Applicants must prove they meet the education, training, and qualifications listed on the NOC. (Not need to meet Canadian licensing requirements in the case of regulated occupations) and supported by a Provincial Certificate of Endorsement, which shows the job offer is genuine, a need assessment has been completed, and a settlement plan is in place for the applicant and family.
The Employer: Designated by their PNP official, prove that they have attempted to hire locally, establish a partnership with an immigrant service provider organization and provide ongoing reports of staff hired through AIP, including position, wages, hours, and settlement support provided.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. If you want to discover how the RCIC can help you, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

What is an AIP work permit? (Optional)

Foreign nationals who receive a job offer from an employer and a referral letter issued by one of the Atlantic provinces may be eligible to apply for a 1-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt employer-specific work permit, under paragraph 204(C) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) and C18 – International Mobility Program. The referral letter is issued once the province has the following:

Received the needs assessment and settlement plan as well as the job offer provided by the employer
Confirmed receipt of a commitment by the applicant to submit an eligible permanent residence application within 90 days from the submission of the work permit application
Ensured that the documents were complete

Who is eligible for Atlantic Work Permit?

To be eligible to apply for a 1-year employer-specific work permit, under the program, foreign nationals must submit an online work permit application. Foreign nationals applying for a work permit under the AIP are not eligible to apply at a port of entry. The application must include the following:

Referral letter, issued by one of the Atlantic provinces, requesting that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issue a work permit
Signed commitment form, undertaking an application for a work permit exempted from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) as part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, indicating the foreign national will apply for permanent residence within 90 days of submitting the work permit application.
An offer of employment number (LMIA exemption number), per section R209.11 (Check Employer Portal for details)
Proof of work experience in support of the occupation sought and education

Any work permit applications received from May 1, 2019, will be assessed under the new eligibility criteria and must include the following.

Language ability: You must have written an approved French or English language test and achieved a CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher in all test sections.
Education: As per each AIP stream that applicants apply
Qualifying work experience: As per each AIP stream that applicants apply

Can I apply AIP Open work permit for my spouse or partner?

As of June 1, 2019, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit. Officers may issue an open work permit, under LMIA exemption code C41, to the spouse or common-law partner of an AIP participant if that participant is employed in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, B, or C position. The open work permit should have a validity that matches the principal applicant’s work permit up to a maximum of 1 year or until the expiry of the spouse or common-law partner’s passport or travel document, whichever is earlier. The spouse or common-law partner’s work permit may be issued at a port of entry (POE).