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The sparingly populated region of Canada- the Atlantic consists of four Canadian provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador.
According to a report titled ‘Employer Attitudes Towards Hiring Newcomers and International Students in the Atlantic Provinces’ by The Harris Centre at Memorial University in Newfoundland, employers across Atlantic Canada are favouring the immigration of high skilled workers to the region to fulfil the labour market demand.
| More than half of employers in Atlantic Canada who received applications from immigrants and international students ended up hiring an immigrant or international student. |
The governments, employers and learning institutions have been developing strategies to attract and retain more immigrants, international students and temporary workers to the region. However, many immigrants to Canada tend to choose larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal over Atlantic Canada.
More favourable measures like spousal employment, children’s education, affordable housing, accessible healthcare as well as increased social connection activities in Atlantic Canada are on the cards as Canada opens up its borders for full-vaccinated travellers.
Improved Retention Rates In Atlantic Canada
Canada invites any foreigner with adequate work experience and language proficiency to gain “Canadian experience” by qualifying for temporary visa options like AIP and qualify for Canada PR within 3 years. The “Canadian experience” would typically include work experience in any province, family ties in any province, or study/graduation from any provincial institution.
Atlantic Canada consists of provinces such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. The region is dependent on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to fuel its rising immigration levels. In addition to it, the Atlantic immigration Program (AIP) is projected to make significant gains in the coming years.
The AIP is mainly an employer-driven program that allows foreign talents to immigrate to the four Atlantic provinces without having to get the expensive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LIMA). A recent study reviewed the performance of AIP from its launch in March 2017 to the end of the 2019-2020 fiscal year and found positive short-term outcomes of immigrants who moved to Atlantic Canada under the AIP.
The study found that immigrants retained themselves in Atlantic Canada, even after two years of their stay because,
- they liked their community,
- the cost of living was affordable, and
- they liked their job.
About one-third of respondents also stayed with their family or friends in the province.
The report also read, “Retention rates in Atlantic Canada were slightly higher among female principal applicants (92%) compared to male principal applicants (89%).”
Source: AIP Review Report
The representation above depicts the retention rates for immigrants in Atlantic Canada under various categories. While immigrants under “base” and “enhanced” Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams have shown above-average retention rates, the AIP proved to be significant in improving the positive short-term outcomes for immigrants.
AIP is currently extended until December 2021 and may soon be converted into a permanent immigration program. Take this free assessment online to determine your unique eligibility based on your work profile.
If you are looking to immigrate to Canada any time soon, you need to consult a reputable and experienced immigration lawyer & consultant. CanApprove can help you with all the necessary documentation, counselling, and other legal support. Book your free appointment with us today!
