AIPP

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is designed to welcome additional newcomers to the Atlantic Canada region to fill the needs of local employers and communities. The three-year pilot program allows designated local employers to identify, recruit and retain global talent. The program also has the goals of supporting population growth, developing a skilled workforce, and increasing employment rates in the region.

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The pilot program forms part of an overall Atlantic Growth Strategy that is focused on the following five priority areas:

  • skilled workforce and immigration;
  • innovation;
  • clean growth and climate change;
  • trade and investment; and
  • infrastructure

Infact, in actual the Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a fast-track immigration program that allows employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces — Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island — to hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. While most immigrants have been drawn to the most populous cities of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, a great deal of work opportunity exists in these provinces, and this program offers a mutually beneficial opportunity for employers and immigrants alike.

To participate, employers must meet certain requirements, including a commitment to support the newcomer and their family as they integrate into their new life in Atlantic Canada. Employers can bring workers through AIP’s High Skilled, Intermediate Skilled, and International Graduate categories.

AIP was launched as a three-year employer driven immigration program aimed at addressing skills gaps and labour market needs in the four Atlantic Provinces by assisting employers in attracting and retaining skilled immigrants.

Newfoundland and Labrador is working closely with the other Atlantic Provinces and the Federal Government to ensure the successful development and delivery of the AIP. The Pilot will facilitate the entry of up to 442 applications allocated to Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is an employer-driven program that facilitates the hiring of foreign workers. All principal applicants arriving in Canada under the pilot program must have a job offer from a designated employer and an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their family. Once a designated employer finds a candidate who meets their employment needs and the program criteria, that employer will need to first offer them a job. Employers do not need to go through the process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under this program.

Once the candidate has accepted the job, the employer will connect the candidate with a designated settlement service provider organization for a needs assessment and to develop a settlement plan. Employers will also support the long-term integration of the new immigrant and his or her family, if applicable, so they can reach the goals of their settlement plan once they arrive in Canada.

Employers that need to fill a job vacancy quickly will have access to a temporary work permit, so that the candidate and his or her family can come to Canada as soon as possible. In order to obtain this work permit, candidates will need:

  • a valid job offer;
  • a letter from the province; and
  • a commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.

Employers that would like to hire skilled immigrants under the pilot program must apply to the province(s) in order to receive designation. Employers with locations in multiple provinces will require a separate designation for each province. Employers must meet certain requirements, including a commitment to support the newcomer and his or her family as they integrate into their new life in Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program has two programs for skilled workers:

and one program for international student graduates:

The work experience, education, and job offer required will depend on whether the individual is applying as a worker or as an international student graduate. The other requirements are the same for both.

The Atlantic provinces have already been active in immigration over recent years, principally through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Through these programs, the provinces have been able to welcome a wide range of skilled workers, graduates who have studied in Canada, and business immigrants such as entrepreneurs.

The Atlantic provinces have already been active in immigration over recent years, principally through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Through these programs, the provinces have been able to welcome a wide range of skilled workers, graduates who have studied in Canada, and business immigrants such as entrepreneurs.

Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)

Through this program, eligible foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada can submit an application for Canadian permanent residence.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) aims to process 80 percent of applications within six months.

The Job Offer

The AHSP is an employer-driven program, and therefore all applicants are required to obtain a valid job offer.

Applicants to the AHSP must demonstrate that they have a job offer that is:

  • from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces;
  • for full-time employment for at least one year;
  • non-seasonal;
  • skilled (i.e. in a managerial, professional, or technical/trades position at skill type 0, A or, B of the National Occupational Classification [NOC]); and
  • supported by a provincial certificate of endorsement from the province that indicates that the job offer is genuine and that a needs assessment has been completed and a settlement plan is in place for the applicant and each member of the family.

Employers in the Atlantic region can review designation requirements on our AIPP Employer Designation page.

Work Experience

Applicants to the AHSP must demonstrate that they have obtained work experience for at least one year (1,560 hours total/30 hours per week), non-continuous, full-time or an equal amount in part-time, within the last three years. This work experience must be:

  • paid work (i.e. volunteer work, unpaid internships do not count); and
  • in a managerial, professional, or technical/trades position (NOC 0, A, or B).

Additional notes on work experience:

  • Applicants must have carried out the activities listed in the lead statement of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description and a substantial number of the main duties.
  • Canadian experience must have been obtained while the foreign national was authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
  • Applicants do not have to be employed at the time they apply.
  • Periods of self-employment will not be included when calculating the period of qualifying work experience.
  • Work experience acquired during a period of study is allowed, as long as the work hours did not exceed what the applicant was authorized to do for that period.
Language Ability

Applicants to the AHSP must prove language ability of at least fluent basic level in either English or French in order to apply to the program. This is equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4. To find out how this corresponds with the standardized language tests recognized by IRCC for this program, use the Canada Immigration Language Converter.

The following language tests are approved for the AHSP:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) — General test only.
  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) — General test only.
  • TEF (Test d’évaluation de français).
  • Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada)

Language test results must be less than two years old at the time the application is submitted.

Education

Applicants to AHSP must demonstrate they have one of the following:

  • a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree; or
  • a completed foreign educational credential.

For applicants with an education completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required in order to prove that the level of education is commensurate with Canadian standards. The ECA must be less than five years old the time the application is submitted.

Settlement Funds

The required settlement funds must be equal to or greater than the sums listed below for each family size.

Number of family members (including those supported by the applicant, even if they are not included on the application) Funds required
1 $3,167
2 $3,943
3 $4,847
4 $5,885
5 $6,675
6 $7,528
7 or more $8,381
Provincial Endorsement

Applicants must be endorsed by an Atlantic province in order for the application to be complete and accepted by IRCC.

An endorsement letter is issued by the province to persons who have been endorsed. Applicants should submit a copy of this letter with their application for permanent residence submitted to IRCC.

All endorsements are valid for six months after the date of issuance, and extensions are not permitted under these programs. The application for permanent residence must be submitted before the expiry date of the endorsement letter.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)

Through the AISP, eligible foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada can submit an application for Canadian permanent residence.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) aims to process 80 percent of applications within six months.

The Job Offer

The AISP is an employer-driven program, and therefore all applicants are required to obtain a valid job offer.

Applicants to the AISP must demonstrate that they have a job offer that is:

  • from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces;
  • for full-time, indeterminate employment;
  • non-seasonal;
  • skilled or intermediate level (i.e. in a managerial, professional, technical/trades, or intermediate position at skill type 0, A, B, or C of the National Occupational Classification [NOC]); and
  • supported by a provincial certificate of endorsement from the province that indicates that the job offer is genuine and that a needs assessment has been completed and a settlement plan is in place for the applicant and each member of the family.
Education

Applicants to AISP must demonstrate they have one of the following:

  • a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree; or
  • a completed foreign educational credential.

For applicants with an education completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required in order to prove that the level of education is commensurate with Canadian standards. The ECA must be less than five years old the time the application is submitted.

Work Experience

Applicants to the AISP must demonstrate that they have obtained work experience for at least one year (1,560 hours total/30 hours per week) within the last three years. This work experience may be non-continuous, full-time or part-time, but must add up to a total of 1,560 hours. This work experience must be:

  • in one occupation (work with different employers is permitted);
  • paid work (i.e. volunteer work, unpaid internships do not count); and
  • in a NOC C level occupation.

Additional notes on work experience:

  • Applicants can include work experience under skill level B obtained while working as a registered nurse (NOC 3012), registered psychiatric nurse (NOC 3012) and licensed practical nurse (NOC 3233). This experience can only be included if the applicant has a job offer as a nurse’s aide (NOC 3413), orderly (NOC 3413), patient services associate (NOC 3413) or home support worker (NOC 4412).
  • Applicants must have carried out the activities listed in the lead statement of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description and a substantial number of the main duties.
  • Canadian experience must have been obtained while the foreign national was authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
  • Applicants do not have to be employed at the time they apply.
  • Periods of self-employment will not be included when calculating the period of qualifying work experience.
  • Work experience acquired during a period of study is allowed, as long as the work hours did not exceed what the applicant was authorized to do for that period.
Language Ability

Applicants to the AISP must prove language ability of at least fluent basic level in either English or French in order to apply to the program. This is equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4. To find out how this corresponds with the standardized language tests recognized by IRCC for this program, use the Canada Immigration Language Converter.

The following language tests are approved for the AISP:

Potential applicants may note that the language threshold for this program is lower than for many other Canadian economic immigration programs, including the programs managed under the Express Entry system. Moreover, because there is no points system for the AISP, once a potential applicant has proven the required language ability, there is no additional incentive — with respect to applying to the AISP, at least — in re-taking a language test.

Language test results must be less than two years old at the time the application is submitted

Settlement Funds

The required settlement funds must be equal to or greater than the sums listed below for each family size.

Number of family members (including those supported by the applicant, even if they are not included on the application) Funds required
1 $3,167
2 $3,943
3 $4,847
4 $5,885
5 $6,675
6 $7,528
7 or more $8,381

Applicants must show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family member, if applicable, after landing in Canada unless they are working in Canada under a valid work permit.

These funds cannot be borrowed from another person.

Provincial Endorsement

Applicants must be endorsed by an Atlantic province in order for the application to be complete and accepted by IRCC.

An endorsement letter is issued by the province to persons who have been endorsed. Applicants should submit a copy of this letter with their application for permanent residence submitted to IRCC.

All endorsements are valid for six months after the date of issuance, and extensions are not permitted under these programs. The application for permanent residence must be submitted before the expiry date of the endorsement letter.

Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

This program allows graduates to submit an application for permanent residence without first having to obtain work experience.

The AIGP is part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), a new Canadian immigration venture for 2017 and beyond.

Through the AIGP, eligible foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada can submit an application for Canadian permanent residence.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) aims to process 80 percent of applications within six months.

Not aligned with Express Entry.

No points system.

Work experience is not required.

Applicants may obtain a work permit before permanent residence.

The Job Offer

The AIGP is an employer-driven program, and therefore all applicants are required to obtain a valid job offer.

Applicants to the AIGP must demonstrate that they have a job offer that is:

  • from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces;
  • for full-time employment for at least one year;
  • non-seasonal;
  • skilled (i.e. in a managerial, professional, or technical/trades position at skill type 0, A or, B of the National Occupational Classification [NOC]); and
  • supported by a provincial certificate of endorsement from the province that indicates that the job offer is genuine and that a needs assessment has been completed and a settlement plan is in place for the applicant and each member of the family.
Education

Applicants to AIGP must demonstrate that they:

  • obtained a degree, diploma, certificate or trade or apprenticeship credential following completion of a post-secondary education program of at least two years from a recognized publicly-funded institution in Atlantic Canada (i.e. in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador);
  • were enrolled as a full-time student in Canada for a minimum of two years;
  • lived in either Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador for at least 16 months within the 24-month period before their credential was granted; and
  • had valid or legal temporary resident status throughout their stay in Canada and had authorization for any work, study or training they engaged in while in Canada.

IRCC states that the educational credential must have been obtained within 24 months of the date on the application for permanent residence.

Language Ability

Applicants to the AIGP must prove language ability of at least fluent basic level in either English or French in order to apply to the program. This is equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4. To find out how this corresponds with the standardized language tests recognized by IRCC for this program, use the Canada Immigration Language Converter.

The following language tests are approved for the AIGP:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) — General test only.
  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) — General test only.
  • TEF (Test d’évaluation de français).
  • Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada)

Potential applicants may note that the language threshold for this program is lower than for many other Canadian economic immigration programs, including the programs managed under the Express Entry system. Moreover, because there is no points system for the AIGP, once a potential applicant has proven the required language ability, there is no additional incentive — with respect to applying to the AIGP, at least — in re-taking a language test.

Language test results must be less than two years old at the time the application is submitted.

Settlement Funds

The required settlement funds must be equal to or greater than the sums listed below for each family size.

Number of family members (including those supported by the applicant, even if they are not included on the application) Funds required
1 $3,167
2 $3,943
3 $4,847
4 $5,885
5 $6,675
6 $7,528
7 or more $8,381

Applicants must show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family member, if applicable, after landing in Canada unless they are working in Canada under a valid work permit.

These funds cannot be borrowed from another person.

Provincial Endorsement

Applicants must be endorsed by an Atlantic province in order for the application to be complete and accepted by IRCC.

An endorsement letter is issued by the province to persons who have been endorsed. Applicants should submit a copy of this letter with their application for permanent residence submitted to IRCC.

All endorsements are valid for six months after the date of issuance, and extensions are not permitted under these programs. The application for permanent residence must be submitted before the expiry date of the endorsement letter.