Atlantic Immigration Program(AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal, employer-driven immigration initiative that offers skilled foreign workers and international graduates a streamlined pathway to permanent residence in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Under this program, designated employers in these provinces can recruit foreign talent without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), provided the candidate has a valid job offer, a personalized settlement plan developed with a settlement service provider, and obtains a provincial endorsement. Candidates must meet criteria including relevant work experience, education, language proficiency, and proof of funds. The program supports faster processing times and provides extensive settlement assistance to help newcomers integrate into the local community and workforce, thereby addressing labor shortages and promoting regional economic growth.

Benefits of AIP Program

• Faster processing times for permanent residency than many other programs, enabling newcomers to settle and start working sooner.
• Simplified application process without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it easier for both applicants and employers.
• Permanent residency for the entire family, with access to Canadian education, healthcare, and social benefits.
• Open to skilled workers and international graduates, including those already living in Canada or abroad, providing broad accessibility.
• Strong employer support, with designated employers able to directly address local labor shortages.
• Settlement support services, such as help with housing, language training, and job search assistance, are provided to ease integration.
• High quality of life in Atlantic Canada, with welcoming communities, affordable housing, and a good standard of living.
• Contributes to vibrant, diverse communities, supporting both population and economic growth throughout the Atlantic provinces.

Requirements for Atlantic Immigration Program

To be eligible for the Atlantic immigration program, you must:

• Have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
• Meet qualifying work experience (at least 1,560 hours in the last 5 years), unless you are a recent international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
• Satisfy educational requirements as set by the program (including an educational credential assessment if studies were outside Canada).
• Achieve the minimum language levels set for your job offer.
• Show proof of funds to support yourself and your family (unless already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit).
• Obtain a settlement plan for yourself and your family with a designated settlement provider.
• Receive an endorsement certificate from the province before applying for permanent residence.

Required Documents for Skilled Foreign Workers

• Copy of a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
• Endorsement certificate from the relevant Atlantic province.
• Completed application forms and the document checklist.
• Language test results from an approved testing agency (regardless of study location).
• Educational credential assessment (ECA) and copy of your educational diploma/certificate if your education was obtained outside Canada.
• Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay stubs, etc.) meeting AIP criteria.
• Proof of funds, unless exempt.
• Settlement plan from a designated provider.
• Police certificates for yourself and family members aged 18 or older, for every country where you lived more than 6 months since the age of 18.
• Copies of valid passports/travel documents for all accompanying family members.
• Additional supporting documents as per IRCC’s official document checklist.

Required Documents for International Graduates

• Copy of valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
• Endorsement certificate from the relevant Atlantic province.
• Completed application forms and the document checklist.
• Language test results from an approved testing agency.
• Proof of graduation: degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized public post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, confirming full-time study for at least two years and graduation within 24 months of applying.
• Proof of residency in the Atlantic province: evidence that you lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before graduation.
• Proof of temporary resident status in Canada throughout your studies (study permit, TRP, etc.).
• Proof of funds, unless exempt.
• Settlement plan from a designated provider.
• Police certificates for yourself and family members aged 18 or older, for every country where you lived more than 6 months since the age of 18.
• Copies of valid passports/travel documents for all accompanying family members.
• Additional supporting documents as per IRCC’s official document checklist.

How to Apply for Atlantic Immigration Program from Dubai?

Follow these steps to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program from Dubai.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Confirm your work experience, education, language, and proof of funds meet AIP Canada program requirements.

2. Obtain a Valid Job Offer

• Secure a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island).
• The employer must be approved (designated) by the respective province to participate in the AIP.

3. Develop a Settlement Plan

• Once you have a job offer, the employer will connect you with a designated settlement service provider.
• You’ll develop a personalized settlement plan for yourself and your family.

4. Receive a Provincial Endorsement

• Your employer applies to the relevant Atlantic province for your endorsement certificate.
• You need this certificate to apply for permanent residence.

5. Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence

• Prepare documents, including your job offer, endorsement certificate, language results, educational credentials, work experience proofs, and proof of funds.
• Apply online for permanent residence through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
• Pay the required fees and upload all documents.

Processing Time of AIP Program Applications

The typical processing time for permanent residence applications under the AIP program Canada is approximately 12 months. This timeline begins once a complete application, including a provincial endorsement, is submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times can vary depending on factors such as application completeness, volume, and individual circumstances. The processing times are updated regularly on the official IRCC website, so it is important to check there for the most current information.

List of Atlantic Immigration Program-Designated Employers

Below are examples of notable or high-demand sector employers designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for each Atlantic province. These employers, drawn from the latest published lists, represent key sectors such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.

New Brunswick

• Irving Oil
• J.D. Irving, Limited
• Horizon Health Network
• Vitalité Health Network
• McCain Foods Limited
• Ganong Bros., Limited
• Opportunities NB
• University of New Brunswick

Find the complete official list on New Brunswick’s Government site before applying; availability of positions may change frequently.

Nova Scotia

• Sobeys Inc.
• Nova Scotia Health Authority
• Dalhousie University
• Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
• Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.
• Jazz Aviation LP
• Eastlink
• High Liner Foods

Visit Nova Scotia’s official immigration and job search platforms for the current employer list and openings.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

• CBI Island Health Centre Inc.
• Larkin Bros Inc.
• PEI Lube Limited
• Blackbush Beach Resort
• Majhail Construction Ltd.
• Oyster Creek Farms Inc.
• SpryPoint Services Inc.

PEI’s government site regularly updates the designated employer roster, with a current total of over 360 recognized employers.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Eastern Health
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• PAL Airlines
• Ocean Choice International
• Colemans Food Centre
• Penney Group
• Wood Group Canada Inc.

The province’s employer list is updated frequently online, featuring businesses across a wide range of sectors.

Note:

• Being on the designated list does not guarantee active job openings. Applicants should check provincial immigration websites and job boards for current postings.
• Each province publishes and updates its full designated employer lists and application details regularly online. Always verify employers and current requirements directly on official provincial portals for the most up-to-date information.

How CanApprove Experts Can Help You for AIP?

CanApprove makes the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) process easy and straightforward for those looking to immigrate to Canada from Dubai. As one of the trusted Canada immigration consultants in Dubai, our expert team handles everything, from checking your eligibility and preparing documents to connecting you with designated employers in Atlantic Canada. With up-to-date knowledge of immigration policies, we ensure each step is completed accurately and on time. We offer complete support, including job search guidance, settlement planning, and application submission. Backed by 27+ years of experience and a strong success rate, CanApprove, an ICCRC-registered immigration consultant in Dubai, continues to help skilled professionals successfully navigate their Canada immigration journey through AIP. Your path to a new life in Canada begins with trusted guidance, and that’s exactly what we deliver.