The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent federal immigration pathway that connects skilled foreign workers and international graduates to designated employers in Canada's four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Launched as a pilot in 2017 and made permanent in March 2022 under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the AIP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — but employers must be officially designated by their provincial government, and workers must receive a provincial endorsement before applying for permanent residence.
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The AIP was created to address persistent labour shortages in Atlantic Canada by providing a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for qualified foreign workers and international graduates. 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.
Key facts about the program:
- ✓ Made permanent on March 5, 2022 (was a pilot program 2017–2022)
- ✓ Leads directly to permanent residence (PR) — not a temporary work permit pathway
- ✓ No LMIA required — employer designation replaces the LMIA process
- ✓ Covers all four Atlantic provinces
- ✓ Three categories: Atlantic High-Skilled Program, Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, and Atlantic International Graduate Program
- ✓ Applicants must complete a settlement plan before applying
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 Is Right for You?
Category 1: Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)
For skilled workers with a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (using the 2021 NOC classification). These are management, professional, technical, and skilled trade occupations.
- ✓ Minimum 1 year of qualifying work experience in a TEER 0/1/2/3 occupation within the last 3 years
- ✓ Job offer must be non-seasonal, full-time, permanent or for at least 1 year
- ✓ Language: CLB 4 minimum for TEER 2/3; CLB 5 for TEER 0/1 (consult IRCC for full requirements)
- ✓ Education: high school diploma minimum; higher education may be required for specific NOCs
Category 2: Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)
For workers with a job offer in a TEER 4 occupation — intermediate-level positions such as retail supervisors, truck drivers, and food service supervisors.
- ✓ Minimum 1 year of qualifying work experience in a TEER 4 occupation within the last 3 years
- ✓ Job offer must be non-seasonal, full-time, permanent or at least 1 year
- ✓ Language: CLB 4 minimum
- ✓ Education: high school diploma minimum
Category 3: Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)
For graduates of a recognized Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institution with a job offer from a designated employer. Work experience is NOT required under this stream.
- ✓ Completed a full-time program of at least 2 years at a recognized Atlantic institution
- ✓ Physically resided in Atlantic Canada for at least 16 months during the program
- ✓ Job offer from a designated employer (any TEER level)
- ✓ Language: CLB 4 minimum
- ✓ No work experience required — the degree itself satisfies this stream
Use ClearToEnter's NOC Finder to identify your occupation's TEER level and determine which AIP category applies to your job offer.
Employer Designation — The Cornerstone of AIP
Unlike Express Entry, 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.
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 |
Processing times are subject to change. Always verify current times at the official IRCC website before submitting your application.
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?+
Minimum CLB 4 for most categories. TEER 0/1 occupations under the AHSP require CLB 5. Language requirements may vary — 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 pursue both simultaneously to maximize their options. Use the CRS Calculator to see where you stand in Express Entry.
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Find My Immigration ProgramImportant: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.