ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
Canada AIP Immigration
The AIP is an immigration program run by the four eastern provinces known as Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador) to strengthen the regional economy. Its requirements are comparatively easy to meet, and permanent residence can be approved before you enter Canada.
ABOUT AIP
What is the AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program)?
It began in 2017 as a pilot called the AIPP. It proved popular with applicants, the pilot period was extended, and in March 2022 its track record earned it a conversion into a permanent immigration program.
The AIP is a federal program at heart, but because it is delivered by four provinces you must first be approved by the provincial government, so requirements differ from province to province. It is an employer-driven program designed to strengthen the regional economy and address labour shortages: the employer must be approved as a designated AIP employer, and because no LMIA is required the burden on both employer and worker is light.
KEY FEATURES
Features of AIP immigration
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A job offer from a designated employer is required
The defining feature of the AIP is that you cannot proceed without a job offer from a designated AIP employer. Securing employment with a designated company is therefore the first priority for anyone pursuing permanent residence through the AIP.
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Temporary work permit while your file is processed
After applying under the AIP you can obtain a temporary work permit that lets you work while the application is processed. There is no need to run a separate LMIA — you can go straight to permanent residence.
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Approval abroad, then entry to Canada
If you meet the requirements you can apply for permanent residence from your home country. Being approved abroad and only then travelling is a significant advantage. Bear in mind that employers need staff, so they will usually expect you to arrive promptly.
BENEFITS
Advantages of the Canadian AIP
- Manageable language requirement (CLB 4 to 5)
- Permanent residence approved abroad before you travel
- Overseas work experience accepted
- Fast processing as a federal program
- Family may accompany you (spouse and children)
- Wide range of eligible occupations and experience (TEER 0 to 4)
- Favourable for international students in the AIP region
- Manageable education requirement (high school or a one-year program or above)
ELIGIBILITY
AIP requirements
The AIP offers three pathways — for high-skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers and international graduates — and the requirements vary slightly by province and by occupation.
| Requirement | AHSP High Skilled | AISP Intermediate Skilled | AIGP International Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | High school graduation or completion of a one-year program or above *varies by province and occupation | High school graduation or completion of a one-year program or above *varies by province and occupation | Graduation from a two-year program or above at a designated public institution in the four Atlantic provinces · full-time (language courses and online study excluded) · at least 16 months of local residence during the two academic years · apply within 2 years of graduation · valid study permit held |
| Experience | At least 1 year (1,560 hours) within the past 5 or 3 years (varies by province) · full-time, or equivalent part-time hours combined · unpaid work excluded | At least 1 year (1,560 hours) within the past 5 or 3 years (varies by province) · full-time, or equivalent part-time hours combined · unpaid work excluded | Not applicable |
| Job offer | Full-time / contract of 1 year or more, TEER 0 to 3 *from a designated employer in one of the four provinces | Full-time / permanent, TEER 0 to 4 *from a designated employer in one of the four provinces | Full-time / contract of 1 year or more, TEER 0 to 4 *from a designated employer in one of the four provinces |
| Language | TEER 4: CLB 4 / TEER 0 to 3: CLB 5 or above | TEER 4: CLB 4 / TEER 0 to 3: CLB 5 or above | TEER 4: CLB 4 / TEER 0 to 3: CLB 5 or above |
| Proof of funds | Minimum settlement funds for your family size *waived if you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit | Minimum settlement funds for your family size *waived if you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit | Minimum settlement funds for your family size *waived if you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit |
PROOF OF FUNDS
Minimum settlement funds
You must show minimum settlement funds for yourself and your dependants. Family members who are not coming with you to Canada, and those who are already permanent residents or citizens, must still be counted.
For families larger than seven, add $989 for each additional member. (As of June 3, 2024)
| Family size | Minimum funds |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,672 |
| 2 people | $4,572 |
| 3 people | $5,620 |
| 4 people | $6,824 |
| 5 people | $7,740 |
| 6 people | $8,729 |
| 7 people | $9,718 |
PROCESS
The Canadian AIP process
- 01 Employer designation (4 to 5 months) The employer applies for Employer Designation and must be approved as a designated AIP employer.
- 02 Provincial endorsement (1 to 3 months) The employer obtains the province's endorsement of the foreign national it intends to hire.
- 03 Federal approval (6 to 12 months) The applicant files with the federal government, together with the provincial endorsement letter, for final permanent residence approval.
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