The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
Introduced in March of 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) works to recruit newcomers to the Atlantic provinces giving a pathway to permanent residency to skilled foreign workers. 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.
The Atlantic provinces include:
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Processing Time: 6 months
Requirements
To successfully immigrate through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, you must be a recent graduate of a publicly funded institute in Atlantic Canada or a skilled worker who meet the programs requirements. Other documentation you must prove includes:
Language proficeny
Education
Work experience
Financial stability
Once you’ve received a job offer you must:
ask for a copy of the employer’s Confirmation of Designation, or
tell them about the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and ask them to consider becoming designated, if they aren’t already
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programs
There are 3 programs within The Atlantic Pilot. It is possible to qualify for all 3 programs but you can only apply to one so it’s important to choose the best program for your case. Learn more about these programs below!
Atlantic International Graduate Program
In general, you must:
have a degree, diploma or other credential from a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province
have lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before getting your degree, diploma or credential
take a language test to prove language proficiency
show you can support yourself and your family when you come to Canada
Work experience is not required for international graduates hired through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
Learn about the full requirements within The Atlantic International Graduate Program!
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
Getting a Settlement Plan
After you get a job offer, you are required to get a settlement plan.
A settlement plan will help you and your family adjust to your new home in Atlantic Canada. It will provide you with useful resources and contacts to help you feel welcome in your new community with no cost.
If you’re already in Canada, you must work with a settlement service provider organization in the region where you’ll be working. Your employer can help you find one.
If you’re outside Canada, there are several settlement service provider organizations in Canada you can contact. Check with your designated employer for recommendations.
Once you have your settlement plan, give a copy to your employer and keep a copy for yourself. If you’re not in Canada, bring the plan with you when you move to Canada.
Getting a Certificate of Endorsement
After you have your settlement plan, the province must endorse your job offer. Your employer will handle this process. No need to submit your permanent residence application until you confirm with the employer that your offer has been endorsed.
If the province endorses your job offer, you’ll get a Certificate of Endorsement in the mail which you must include with your permanent residence application.
Applying for Permanent Residence Through AIPP
If interested in permanent residency you choose the application package for the designated Atlantic program you applied through:
The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out, including these Atlantic Immigration Pilot documents:
Offer of Employment to a Foreign National
Certificate of Endorsement
Biometrics (if needed)
Applying for a Temporary Work Permit
If you applied for permanent residence under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, you may be eligible for a 1-year work permit. This would allow you work while your permanent residence application is being processed for the employer that gave you job offer.
You must send your permanent resident application within 90 days of submitting your temporary work permit application to qualify.
