LMIA FinderAtlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
A permanent residence pathway for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in Atlantic Canada.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces. Made permanent in 2022, the AIP helps Atlantic Canadian employers hire qualified candidates when they cannot find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill job vacancies.
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
For workers with job offers in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations. Requires at least 1 year of work experience.
- NOC TEER 0/1/2/3
- 1 year work experience
- Managerial & professional roles
- Post-secondary education required
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
For workers with job offers in NOC TEER 4 occupations. Requires at least 1 year of work experience in the occupation.
- NOC TEER 4
- 1 year work experience
- High school diploma minimum
- Trades & service roles
Atlantic International Graduate Program
For international graduates from recognized Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions. No work experience required.
- No work experience needed
- 2-year credential minimum
- Atlantic institution graduate
- Lived in Atlantic province
Eligibility Requirements
Meet these requirements to qualify for the AIP
Job Offer
Full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
Work Experience
1 year (skilled) or 6 months (intermediate) in the last 5 years
Language
CLB 5 for TEER 0/1/2/3, CLB 4 for TEER 4
Education
Canadian equivalent credential (ECA required for foreign credentials)
Settlement Funds
Sufficient funds to support yourself and family (or currently working in Canada)
Settlement Plan
Must complete a needs assessment and settlement plan with a designated organization
Intent to Live
Must intend to live in the Atlantic province where the job is located
Employer Designation
Employer must be designated by the provincial government
Atlantic Provinces
The four provinces participating in the AIP
New Brunswick
Capital: Fredericton
Key Sectors:
Nova Scotia
Capital: Halifax
Key Sectors:
Prince Edward Island
Capital: Charlottetown
Key Sectors:
Newfoundland and Labrador
Capital: St. John's
Key Sectors:
How It Works
Follow these steps from job offer to permanent residence
Get a Job Offer from a Designated Employer
Find an employer in Atlantic Canada who is designated under the AIP. The job must be full-time and non-seasonal.
Employer Applies for Designation (if needed)
The employer applies to the provincial government to become a designated employer under the AIP.
Complete Settlement Plan
You and your family complete a needs assessment and settlement plan with a designated settlement service provider organization.
Province Endorses Your Application
The province reviews your application package and issues a provincial endorsement (Letter of Support).
Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit your PR application to IRCC along with your endorsement letter. You can also apply for a work permit to start working while you wait.
Receive Permanent Residence
Once approved, you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can settle permanently in Atlantic Canada.
Settlement Plan Requirement
A unique feature of the AIP that sets it apart from other programs
What is a Settlement Plan?
Before you can receive a provincial endorsement, you and your family members must complete a needs assessment with a designated settlement service provider organization in your destination province.
The organization will help you create a personalized settlement plan that identifies the services and support you'll need to successfully integrate into your new community.
This is a free service — you do not need to pay for your settlement plan.
🗣️ Language Training
English or French language classes and conversation circles to help you communicate confidently.
🤝 Community Connections
Introduction to community groups, cultural organizations, and newcomer networks.
💼 Employment Support
Help with understanding workplace culture, credential recognition, and career development.
🏠 Housing & Services
Assistance finding housing, accessing healthcare, enrolling children in school, and more.
Processing Times
Estimated timelines for each stage
Provincial Endorsement
2–3 Months
After submitting to province
PR Application
~6 Months
Federal processing time
Total End-to-End
6–12 Months
From job offer to PR
Benefits of the AIP
Why choose the Atlantic Immigration Program
No LMIA Required
Employers do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment, making the process faster and simpler.
Permanent Residence Pathway
Apply directly for permanent residence — not a temporary work permit that requires conversion later.
Work While Waiting
You can get a work permit to start working while your PR application is being processed.
Apply from Anywhere
You can apply from inside Canada (if you have valid status) or from outside Canada.
Family Included
Your spouse/partner and dependent children are included in your PR application.
Community Support
Settlement plan ensures you have support services to help you integrate into your new community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program
Ready to Move to Atlantic Canada?
Explore job opportunities in Atlantic Canada and start your permanent residence journey through the AIP.