Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – Canada
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal immigration pathway designed to support economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping employers hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates.
The program applies to the following Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
The AIP connects designated employers with foreign nationals who want to live and work permanently in Atlantic Canada.
Overview of the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program was launched as a pilot in 2017 and became a permanent immigration program in 2022. Each year, the program supports the settlement of over 6,000 newcomers across Atlantic provinces.
One of the major benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program is that it does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Instead, applicants must secure a valid job offer from a designated employer.
Learn more about LMIA-free immigration options here:
How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works
The program connects two main parties:
- Foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Atlantic Canada
- Designated employers approved by provincial governments
Both applicants and employers must meet specific eligibility and compliance requirements.
Foreign National Requirements
To apply under the Atlantic Immigration Program, foreign nationals must first obtain a genuine job offer from a designated employer located in one of the Atlantic provinces.
Once a job offer is secured, applicants must meet work experience, education, and language requirements.
Work Experience Requirements
Applicants must have:
- At least one year of paid, full-time work experience
- Experience gained within the last five years
- Work experience obtained inside or outside Canada
- Experience matching NOC skill levels 0, A, B, or C
International Graduate Requirements
International graduates may qualify without work experience if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Completed a minimum two-year post-secondary program
- Studied at a recognized institution in an Atlantic province
- Studied full-time for the entire program
- Lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the last two years
- Held a valid study permit (and work permit if required)
Education Requirements
Education requirements depend on the skill level of the job offer:
Skill Level 0: Minimum one-year post-secondary credential
Skill Level A: Minimum one-year post-secondary credential
Skill Level B: High school diploma
Skill Level C: High school diploma
Applicants with education completed outside Canada must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language Requirements
Minimum language levels are based on job skill type:
- Skill Level 0 – CLB 5
- Skill Level A – CLB 5
- Skill Level B – CLB 5
- Skill Level C – CLB 4
Language results must come from approved English or French testing organizations.
Proof of Funds
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada. Required funds depend on family size.
Designated Employer Requirements
Employers hiring through the Atlantic Immigration Program must first become designated by their provincial government.
Designated employers:
- Can hire foreign workers without LMIA
- Must provide genuine, full-time job offers
- Are required to support newcomer settlement
Employer-based immigration programs:
Employer Designation Process
To become designated, employers must:
- Apply to the province where the business operates
- Demonstrate good standing with provincial authorities
- Explain labor shortages and recruitment needs
- Show ability to provide settlement support
Each Atlantic province manages employer designation independently.
New Brunswick Recruitment Events
New Brunswick regularly hosts international recruitment events, job fairs, and information sessions for foreign nationals.
Candidates selected through these events may qualify under:
- The Atlantic Immigration Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
Learn more about Provincial Nominee Programs:
Pathway to Permanent Residence
The Atlantic Immigration Program provides a direct pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada for eligible foreign workers and graduates.