Feeling the need to seek greener pastures? If you are interested in immigrating to and working in Canada, consider the Atlantic Immigration Program.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the new Atlantic Immigration Program will be a permanent Immigration program of Canada starting on March 2, 2022. This replaces the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) aims to bring qualified candidates from abroad to fill jobs that could not be done locally. Applicants may seek permanent residence and a work position by a designated employer in one of four Atlantic provinces:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

The program also helps employers support candidates and their families in getting adjusted and integrated into their communities.

AIP is a part of an Atlantic Growth Strategy to stimulate economic growth in Atlantic Canada. AIP targets five areas of interest in specific:

• Trade and investment
• Skilled Workforce/Immigration
• Innovation
• Clean growth and climate change
• Infrastructure

Who can apply?

Applicants:

Skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian Atlantic institution may apply to the program. Fees start from $1,325, and processing takes about 12 months.

New applicants can start submitting their permanent residence applications beginning March 6, 2022.

Applicants who have a valid provincial certificate of endorsement from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot that preceded this program may apply for permanent residence until March 5, 2022, for a work permit or work permit extension.

Steps for Applicants:

1- Ensure that you meet the requirements to apply for the program.

• There are several educational, financial, and language requirements that must be met. Adequate work experience is also necessary, unless you are a graduate. See the list of applicant requirements here.

2- Get a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer:

• Ensure the job offer meets requirements relating to skill level and duration. The job must also be full-time (30h/week) and non-seasonal. See the list of job offer requirements here.
• Sign the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form. The employer will provide this for you.

3- Gather necessary documents:

• Start preparing documents for the permanent residence application, which includes a language test, educational credit assessment (ECA), proof of funds (if you are not currently working in Canada with a valid work permit), among others.
• Get a free settlement plan for adjusting in Canada by contacting a settlement service provider organization.
• Wait for the employer to get your job offer endorsed by the province, then get a Certificate of Endorsement. The certificate must be included in the permanent residence application.

4- Apply for permanent residency through Guide 0154 – Atlantic Immigration Program – Canada.ca.

While waiting for the permanent residence application to process, applicants may apply for a temporary work permit that allows them to be employed by the employer who gave them a job offer. If this is the case:

5- OPTIONAL – Apply for a temporary work permit online. This must be done within 90 days of the permanent residence application. To apply for a work permit, you will need the job offer from your designated employer and the referral letter from the province.

Employers:

Atlantic employers interested in hiring candidates through AIP must get designated and have their job offer endorsed by their province in order for the candidate to successfully complete their application. There is no fee to participate in the program.

Steps for Employers:

1- Become a designated employer:

• Meet the necessary requirements as outlined in the Government of Canada website. See Hire through the Atlantic Immigration Program: Get designated – Canada.ca.
• Apply to the province of interest through their website. Each province has their own designation process, all of which are free.

2- Complete both the onboarding and intercultural competency training to learn about the program and how to help prepare for a candidate’s arrival.

3- Ensure that both the candidate and job offer meet their requirements, and encourage the candidate to get their documents ready.

4- Make the job offer:

• Fill out the Offer of Employment to Foreign National form.
• Work with a settlement service provider organization and get a settlement plan for the candidate to adjust in Canada. This is required to get the job endorsed by the province.

5- Submit an endorsement application to the province. See the province’s website for details.

While waiting for the permanent residence application to process, applicants may apply for a temporary work permit that allows them to be employed by the employer who gave them a job offer. If this is the case:

6- OPTIONAL – Request a referral letter from the province when applying for the job’s endorsement.

If you need further advice and assistance on how to go about this exciting immigration program, you may give us a call at 1-855-522-5290 or send us a direct message on our Facebook Page.

Resources:

• Atlantic Immigration Program Portal for Applicants – Canada.ca
• How COVID-19 affects immigration applicants
• Atlantic Immigration Portal for Employers – Canada.ca
• Additional support and resources for employers

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