Short answer: the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent federal pathway to permanent residence (PR) for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a government-designated employer in Canada's four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. There is no points competition and no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): the job offer plus a provincial endorsement is the core of the application. To qualify you also generally need the right work experience (or an eligible Atlantic credential), enough language ability (Canadian Language Benchmark 4 or 5 depending on the job's TEER level), the required education with an Educational Credential Assessment, proof of settlement funds, and a settlement plan.
Originally launched as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in 2017, the program transitioned to a permanent program on January 1, 2022, with PR applications opening on March 6, 2022, under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). What this means for you: the AIP is built for people who genuinely want to live and work in Atlantic Canada and already have, or can secure, a job offer there. If you do, it is often a more accessible route than the points-based Express Entry system. This guide explains who qualifies, how employer designation and provincial endorsement work, the full step-by-step process, and how the AIP compares to Express Entry. It is educational information, not legal advice; always confirm details on the official IRCC and provincial websites or with a licensed immigration representative.
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The AIP was created to address persistent labour shortages in Atlantic Canada by giving qualified foreign workers and international graduates a streamlined route to permanent residence. Unlike Express Entry (which is points-based and competitive), the AIP is employer-driven: a job offer from a designated employer is the central requirement, not a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. In practice this means that if you have an offer from a designated Atlantic employer and meet the work-experience, language, and education thresholds, your application does not have to outscore a national pool of candidates.
It is important to be clear about what the AIP is not. It is not a guaranteed visa, it does not waive IRCC's federal admissibility checks (security, criminality, and medical), and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee approval, an officer reviews each application. The AIP also will not help you unless your employer is designated; designation is what replaces the LMIA. Below are the core facts to anchor your understanding before we go deeper.
Key facts about the program:
- ✓ Transitioned from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (2017) to a permanent program on January 1, 2022; PR applications opened March 6, 2022
- ✓ Leads directly to permanent residence (PR), not a temporary work-permit pathway
- ✓ No LMIA required, the provincial employer designation replaces the LMIA process
- ✓ Covers all four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador
- ✓ Three categories, defined by the TEER level of the job offer and whether you are an Atlantic graduate
- ✓ You must have a qualifying job offer, meet language and education requirements, show settlement funds, and complete a settlement plan
- ✓ A provincial endorsement is required before you can apply to IRCC for PR
The Four Atlantic Provinces
All four Atlantic provinces participate in the AIP and each has its own designated employer registry and provincial endorsement process:
Nova Scotia
Capital: Halifax
Largest Atlantic economy; significant tech, healthcare, and ocean industries. Nova Scotia Immigration Office manages endorsements.
New Brunswick
Capital: Fredericton
Bilingual province with growing tech and manufacturing sectors. Population Growth Division handles AIP endorsements.
Prince Edward Island
Capital: Charlottetown
Smallest province; tourism, agriculture, and fisheries drive demand. Office of Immigration handles AIP.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Capital: St. John's
Growing tech and energy sectors. Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism handles endorsements.
The endorsement process, and the list of designated employers, is managed by each province independently. Contact the relevant provincial immigration office for the current list of designated employers and endorsement timelines.
Three AIP Categories: Which One Fits Your Job Offer?
The AIP has three categories. Which one applies to you depends almost entirely on the TEER level of your job offer (under the 2021 National Occupational Classification, or NOC) and on whether you are a recent graduate of an Atlantic institution. The requirements below reflect the official IRCC criteria; always confirm the current thresholds for your situation on the IRCC website, because details can change.
Category 1: Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)
For skilled workers with a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (NOC 2021). These are management, professional, technical, and skilled-trade roles, for example a nurse, software developer, accountant, electrician, or chef.
- ✓ At least 1 year of qualifying work experience (1,560 hours, full-time being 30 paid hours per week) in a TEER 0/1/2/3 occupation in the last 5 years
- ✓ Job offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, and last at least 1 year from when you become a permanent resident
- ✓ Language: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) / Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 5 in all four abilities for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- ✓ Education: a Canadian post-secondary credential, or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) that is less than 5 years old (a completed high-school diploma equivalent is the minimum for TEER 2 or 3)
- ✓ Proof of settlement funds (unless you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit)
Category 2: Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)
For workers with a job offer in a TEER 4 occupation, intermediate-level roles such as retail or food-service supervisors, long-haul truck drivers, and many production and service jobs.
- ✓ At least 1 year of qualifying work experience (1,560 hours) in a TEER 4 occupation in the last 5 years
- ✓ Job offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, and permanent (with no set end date) for TEER 4 roles
- ✓ Language: CLB / NCLC 4 in all four abilities (your employer must also provide language training to help you reach CLB 5)
- ✓ Education: a completed high-school diploma equivalent with an ECA that is less than 5 years old
- ✓ Proof of settlement funds (unless already working in Canada on a valid work permit)
Category 3: Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)
For recent graduates of a recognized publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada who have a job offer from a designated employer. The big advantage: no prior work experience is required.
- ✓ A degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship credential from a recognized Atlantic post-secondary institution requiring at least 2 years of full-time study
- ✓ You were a full-time student throughout, and obtained the credential within 24 months before applying for PR
- ✓ You lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before you got your credential, with valid temporary resident status the whole time
- ✓ Job offer from a designated employer (any TEER level) lasting at least 1 year
- ✓ Language: CLB / NCLC tied to the TEER level of your job offer (generally 5 for a TEER 0/1/2/3 offer, 4 for a TEER 4 offer) in all four abilities; no work experience required, the eligible Atlantic credential satisfies that requirement
Not sure of your occupation's TEER level? Use ClearToEnter's NOC Finder to look it up, then match it to the right AIP category above.
Employer Designation: The Cornerstone of AIP
Unlike many work-based pathways, the AIP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Instead, employers must obtain designation from their provincial government before they can offer a position that qualifies under the AIP. What this means for you as an applicant: the single most important thing to confirm, before you do anything else, is that your employer is designated. No designation, no AIP, regardless of how strong your profile is.
Key facts about employer designation:
- ✓ Employers apply to their provincial government (not IRCC) for designation status
- ✓ Designation verifies the employer is legitimate, in good standing, and committed to settlement support
- ✓ Designated employers must provide a settlement plan to incoming workers
- ✓ The job offer itself must still meet wage floor and NOC requirements
- ✓ Designation replaces LMIA, no separate LMIA application is required
If your employer is not designated, you cannot use the AIP. Verify their designation status with the provincial immigration office before accepting a job offer for AIP purposes.
Step-by-Step AIP Process
- 1
Secure a job offer from a designated employer
The employer must already hold AIP designation from the relevant province. The offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, and meet wage requirements for the NOC code.
- 2
Confirm your category eligibility
Determine whether you qualify under AHSP (TEER 0–3), AISP (TEER 4), or AIGP (Atlantic graduate). Review language, education, and experience requirements for your category.
- 3
Complete a settlement plan
Work with a settlement service provider and your employer to create a plan that demonstrates how you will integrate into the Atlantic community. This is mandatory before endorsement.
- 4
Apply for provincial endorsement
The province, not IRCC, issues the endorsement. Submit your application to the provincial immigration office with your job offer, settlement plan, language results, and education credentials.
- 5
Receive your provincial endorsement letter
Once endorsed, you receive a letter from the provincial government confirming AIP eligibility. This letter is submitted with your PR application.
- 6
Apply for permanent residence with IRCC
Submit your PR application online through the IRCC portal. Include your provincial endorsement letter, job offer, language test results, police certificates, and other supporting documents.
- 7
Biometrics and medical exam
Complete biometrics ($85 CAD) and an immigration medical exam as required. Processing resumes after IRCC receives your biometrics.
- 8
Receive COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)
If approved, you receive your COPR. You can land as a permanent resident and begin life in Atlantic Canada.
Settlement Plan Requirement
A settlement plan is a mandatory component of AIP applications. It is designed to help newcomers integrate successfully into Atlantic Canadian communities, not just to find employment.
The plan typically covers:
- ✓ Housing arrangements (initial accommodation, longer-term housing plan)
- ✓ Language training needs and available resources
- ✓ Community connections and social integration
- ✓ Employer support commitments
- ✓ Family settlement needs (schools, childcare, spouse employment)
Settlement plans are created in partnership with a designated settlement service provider in the province. Each provincial immigration office can direct you to approved settlement organizations.
Processing Times
AIP processing has two stages: provincial endorsement and IRCC PR processing.
| Stage | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial endorsement | 4–12 weeks | Varies by province; NB and NS typically faster |
| IRCC PR application | 12–16 months | Check IRCC's current processing times before applying |
| Total (typical) | 12–18 months | From endorsed application to COPR |
The timelines above are general illustrations, not promises: actual times vary by province, completeness of your application, and IRCC workload, and IRCC updates its official processing-time estimates regularly. Always check the current processing time for the Atlantic Immigration Program on the official IRCC website before you apply, and do not treat any figure here as a guaranteed timeframe.
AIP vs Express Entry: Key Differences
| Feature | AIP | Express Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Selection method | Employer-driven (designated employer + provincial endorsement) | Points-based (CRS score + draws) |
| LMIA required? | No | Not required for pool entry, but job offer LMIA boosts CRS |
| Geographic restriction | Must settle in Atlantic Canada | No restriction |
| Processing time | 12–18 months | ~6 months (ITA to COPR) |
| CRS score needed | Not applicable | Competitive, varies by draw |
Not sure which pathway is right for you?
Use the ClearToEnter Program Finder to compare AIP, Express Entry, PNP, and other pathways based on your profile.
Find My ProgramFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job offer before applying for AIP?+
Yes. A qualifying job offer from a designated employer is the foundation of every AIP application. Unlike Express Entry, you cannot enter the AIP without a confirmed job offer.
Can I apply for AIP from outside Canada?+
Yes. You can apply for AIP from abroad. However, you will need to meet all eligibility requirements, secure a job offer from a designated employer, and receive a provincial endorsement before IRCC processes your PR application.
What language score do I need for AIP?+
The minimum is tied to the TEER level of your job offer. A TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job offer generally requires CLB/NCLC 5 in each ability; a TEER 4 job offer generally requires CLB/NCLC 4. Language requirements may vary, so verify with IRCC's official AIP instructions for your category.
Can my family come with me under AIP?+
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your AIP PR application as accompanying family members. Your settlement plan should address their needs.
Am I required to stay in Atlantic Canada after getting PR through AIP?+
The AIP includes an intention to reside in Atlantic Canada. As a permanent resident, you have the right to live anywhere in Canada, however, the AIP is designed for those genuinely intending to build their life in Atlantic Canada. Your settlement plan reflects this intent.
Can I apply for AIP and Express Entry at the same time?+
Yes, in principle. There is no rule preventing you from maintaining an Express Entry profile while also pursuing AIP. Many applicants keep both options open. Use the CRS Calculator to see where you stand in Express Entry.
How do I know if an employer is designated for the AIP?+
Employer designation is granted and tracked by the provincial immigration office, not IRCC. Before you rely on a job offer for the AIP, ask the employer directly and confirm their designation status with the relevant provincial immigration office (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland and Labrador). A job offer from a non-designated employer cannot be used for the AIP, even if everything else about it qualifies.
Do I need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for the AIP?+
If your education was completed outside Canada, you generally need an ECA from an IRCC-designated organization to show your foreign credential is equivalent to a Canadian one, and for TEER 2, 3, and 4 job offers the ECA generally must be less than 5 years old on the date IRCC receives your application. If you studied in Canada (including under the Atlantic International Graduate Program), a Canadian credential is used instead. Confirm the current rules on the IRCC website.
How much money do I need to show for the Atlantic Immigration Program?+
Most applicants must show proof of settlement funds to support themselves and their family when they arrive, and the required amount depends on family size and is updated by IRCC. You generally do not need to show funds if you are already living and working in Canada on a valid work permit. Always check the current settlement-fund amounts on the official IRCC website before you apply.
What is the difference between the AIP and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot?+
They are the same program at different stages. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot ran from 2017 as a temporary pilot. It became the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program on January 1, 2022, and permanent-residence applications under the permanent program opened on March 6, 2022. The permanent program updated some requirements (for example, settlement plans, language and education rules), so always follow the current AIP instructions rather than older pilot guidance.
Can I include a job offer at any wage, and does the job have to be permanent?+
The job offer must meet the program's requirements, including being full-time and non-seasonal and meeting wage and occupation rules for the NOC code. For TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 roles the job must last at least 1 year from when you become a permanent resident; for TEER 4 (intermediate-skilled) roles the offer generally must be permanent with no set end date. An officer assesses whether the offer is genuine and meets the criteria.
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This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.