Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is an innovative Canadian immigration program launched in 2017. It is designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Overview and Objectives

The AIPP focuses on meeting the unique labour market needs of the Atlantic provinces.

By facilitating the immigration of qualified individuals, the program aims to promote economic growth and address demographic challenges in these regions.

Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The AIPP offers a streamlined and employer-driven process that simplifies the immigration journey for candidates and employers alike.

This program is advantageous because it provides a quicker pathway to permanent residency (PR) and supports employers in filling labor shortages with skilled talent. The program benefits applicants by offering:

• Faster processing times
• Employer support throughout the application process
• A clear path to permanent residence (PR)

It benefits the Atlantic provinces by attracting individuals who can contribute to local economies and help address labour market gaps.

How the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Works

Candidates interested in the AIPP need to secure a job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces.

Once a job offer is secured, the employer must support the candidate through the application process.

Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including work experience, education, and language proficiency requirements. Upon meeting these criteria and obtaining employer endorsement, candidates can apply for Canada PR. Candidates can also obtain a temporary work permit while waiting for PR. The program has three streams:

1. Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)
3. Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

Each stream caters to different types of candidates, ensuring a broad range of skilled workers and graduates can benefit from the program.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Launched to address regional labour market needs, AIPP targets skilled foreign workers and international graduates who wish to immigrate and settle in Atlantic Canada. Through the program, employers and companies can fill jobs they haven't been able to fill locally by hiring competent foreign workers.

Key Components

• Employer Designation: Employers in Atlantic Canada must be designated by the relevant provincial government to participate in AIPP. These employers hire qualified candidates for the job vacancies that they have been unable to fill locally.
• Job Offer: Applicants need a valid job offer from a designated employer who needs to fill a job vacancy in one of the Atlantic provinces. The job offer must be for a full-time, non-seasonal position that meets provincial wage rates and employment standards. Designated employers in Atlantic Canada provinces can hire foreign workers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This streamlined process helps address local labour shortages more efficiently.
• Endorsement: Once a job offer is secured, applicants must receive an endorsement from the respective provincial government of the Atlantic province where the job is located. This endorsement demonstrates that the applicant meets the program's requirements and intends to immigrate to Atlantic Canada.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet minimum education and work experience requirements based on the position they are being hired for.
• Language Proficiency: Depending on the job requirements and the applicant's occupation, language proficiency in English or French may be required to live and work in Canada.
• Settlement Plan: Applicants must have a settlement plan for themselves and their families, including information on how they plan to integrate into the local community upon arriving in Canada. Applicants must confirm their engagement with a designated settlement service provider organization to facilitate their settlement in Atlantic Canada. Candidates with a designated settlement can receive support in adapting to their new environment and accessing essential services.

How it Works

Here's how the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) works for individuals seeking permanent residency in one of the Atlantic provinces of Canada through employment:

Eligibility: To qualify for the AIPP, applicants need a valid job offer from a designated employer in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick. The job must be full-time, non-seasonal, and meet specific skill level requirements. Additionally, applicants must fulfill education and work experience criteria and demonstrate proficiency in English or French.

Application Process: After securing a job offer, applicants must submit their application to the AIPP, providing all necessary documentation, including proof of the job offer, educational credentials, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds.

Provincial Endorsement: Employers and applicants of the AIPP program must apply for provincial endorsement. This step involves the employer and the candidate jointly submitting an endorsement application to the relevant province, demonstrating the match between the job and the candidate’s skills and experience.

Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English or French through approved language tests. The required proficiency level varies based on the job's National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.

Processing Time: The AIPP aims to offer quicker processing times compared to other provincial immigration programs. This expedited process helps the Atlantic provinces meet their labour market needs more efficiently.

Permanent Residency Application: Once they receive provincial endorsement, applicants can apply for permanent residence in Canada with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The federal government will then assess the applicant’s health, security, and financial status.

Compliance: Throughout the process, applicants must adhere to all provincial and federal regulations and conditions, ensuring they maintain their eligibility and meet any additional requirements specified by the program.

Benefits of AIPP

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program benefits employers by addressing labour gaps and benefits applicants by providing a straightforward pathway to permanent residency in the Atlantic provinces of Canada.

Facilitated Permanent Residency: The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates with job offers from designated employers in Atlantic Canada.

Employer Engagement: Employers are actively involved in the AIPP process, helping to meet their specific labour needs and ensuring candidates are committed to staying in the Atlantic region of Canada.

Accelerated Processing Times: AIPP aims for quicker processing times compared to other immigration programs, helping to address immediate labour market needs.

Regional Development: By attracting skilled workers and graduates, AIPP supports economic growth in Atlantic Canada region and helps address demographic challenges.

Inclusive Criteria: The AIPP program criteria are inclusive, considering various factors like skill levels, education, work experience, and language proficiency, making it accessible to a diverse range of applicants.

Pathway to Citizenship: Successful AIPP applicants can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship, offering long-term stability and integration into Canadian society.

Steps for the AIPP Application

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) process involves several key steps. These steps ensure that you navigate the AIPP process effectively, from securing a job offer to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

1. Job Offer from Designated Employer: Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick). The job must be full-time, non-seasonal, and meet specific skill level requirements.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications, work experience, language proficiency (English or French), and settlement funds.
3. Submit Application to Employer: Provide necessary documents to your employer, who will review and confirm your eligibility for the AIPP.
4. Employer Endorsement: The employer applies for endorsement from the respective provincial government. This involves demonstrating that the job offer is genuine and necessary for their business.
5. Receive Endorsement: Once endorsed, you receive a letter of endorsement from the province, which you will include in your application for permanent residence.
6. Submit Permanent Residence Application: Apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including all required documents such as an endorsement letter, proof of a job offer, education credentials, work experience, language test results, and settlement funds.
7. Medical and Security Checks: Undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates as part of the IRCC application process.
8. Application Processing: IRCC reviews your application, and background checks including the job offer, to determine eligibility for permanent residency.
9. Decision: Upon approval, you will receive confirmation of permanent residency and further instructions on becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
10. Compliance and Settlement: Once in Canada, comply with any post-arrival requirements and settle in your new home in the Atlantic province where you have been endorsed.

Requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) Application

• Job Offer: Full-time, permanent job offer from an approved employer in an Atlantic province.
• Work Experience: Minimum one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B as per NOC.
• Education: Meet educational requirements specified for the job offer in NOC.
• Language Skills: Meet minimum language requirements (English or French) specified for the job.
• Settlement Funds: Ability to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, unless already working in Canada.
• Intent to Reside: Plan to live in an Atlantic province.

Documents Required:

• Job Offer Letter
• Proof of Work Experience: Reference letters from previous employers.
• Education Credential Assessment (if applicable)
• Language Test Results
• Proof of Funds
• Photocopy of Passport
• Additional Supporting Documents: Varies by province and employer requirements.

Ensure to verify specific provincial requirements as they may vary slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions about the AIPP

Who is Eligible to Settle in Atlantic Canada via the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)?

The Canada Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) targets skilled workers and international graduates interested in settling permanently in Canada's Atlantic provinces.

Skilled Workers: Eligible individuals include those with a valid job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B) from a designated employer in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick.

International Graduates: Graduates who have completed at least a two-year program at a recognized institution in an Atlantic province and have a job offer related to their field of study from a designated employer.

Intermediate-skilled Workers: In some cases, intermediate-skilled workers with job offers in NOC Skill Level C occupations may qualify under specific conditions.

The AIPP provides pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates, contributing to regional economic development and community growth in Atlantic Canada.

How Do I Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program?

Applying for the AIPP involves several steps designed to match skilled workers and graduates with employers in Atlantic Canada.

Secure a Job Offer: Find a job offer from a designated Canadian employer in one of the Atlantic provinces participating in the AIPP.

Receive Provincial Endorsement: Once you accept the job offer, your employer obtains an endorsement from the provincial government of the province where the job is located.

Submit Your Application: Complete the federal application process, including providing necessary documents such as proof of work experience, education credentials, and language proficiency.

Processing and Decision: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses your application based on AIPP criteria, with processing times varying based on application completeness and volume.

Successful completion of the AIPP application process can lead to permanent residency opportunities in Atlantic Canada, supporting both personal and regional growth.

What Documents Are Required for the AIPP?

To apply for the AIPP, applicants must gather specific documents demonstrating eligibility and compliance with program requirements. Here are the documents needed for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program program.

Job Offer: You must have a job offer from an employer designated under the AIPP in one of the Atlantic provinces.

Provincial Endorsement: Confirmation from the provincial government that the job offer meets AIPP criteria.

Proof of Work Experience: Documentation verifying relevant work experience, typically through employer reference letters.

Education Records: Copies of diplomas, degrees, or certificates along with transcripts from a recognized institution in the Atlantic region or province for educational credential assessment. Should you want to include your academic credentials from outside Canada, you will need to have them evaluated (demonstrating their equivalent to an education from Canada). If not, just your studies completed in Canada are taken into account.

Language Proficiency: Proof of language ability in English or French, usually through language test results like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.

Additional Supporting Documents: Identification, proof of funds, police certificates, and medical exams as required. Other documents such as the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), Additional Family Information (IMM 5406), and Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

By providing comprehensive documentation, applicants demonstrate their eligibility for the AIPP, facilitating a streamlined application process for permanent residency in Atlantic Canada.

How Long Does It Take to Process an Application Under the AIPP?

Processing times of application for the Atlantic Immigration Program can vary based on several factors, including application volume and completeness.

Standard Processing Time: Typically, complete applications are processed within approximately 6 months.

Factors Affecting Processing: Delays may occur if additional information or documents are required, or if there are eligibility issues.

Checking Application Status: Applicants can monitor their application status online through the IRCC portal or by contacting the processing office.

Timely submission of all required documents and information enhances the likelihood of a smooth AIPP application process and eventual permanent residency in Atlantic Canada.

What Are the Benefits of Applying Under the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIPP offers various benefits to applicants and contributes to the economic and social development of Atlantic Canada.

Employment Opportunity: Access to job offers from designated employers in Atlantic provinces, fostering career growth and stability.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their spouses or common-law partners and families can apply for permanent residence and live in Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP).

Community Integration: Support from local communities and provincial services to facilitate settlement and integration into Atlantic Canadian life.

Provincial Endorsement: Endorsement by provincial governments underscores local support and strengthens applicants' overall permanent residency applications.

Regional Development: Contributions to regional economic growth and workforce development through skilled immigration under the AIPP.

The AIPP not only offers a pathway to permanent residency but also enriches Atlantic Canada's communities by addressing labour market needs and promoting long-term economic prosperity.