Atlantic Immigration Pilot

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is an employer-driven immigration program designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to the Atlantic Canada provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The AIPP aims to address labor market needs and demographic challenges by facilitating the immigration process for candidates who have job offers from designated employers in these provinces.

Benefits

• Employer-Driven: Directly addresses the labor market needs of Atlantic Canada.
• Permanent Residence: Provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates.
• Support for Settlement: Employers assist with settlement and integration of employees.
• No LMIA Required: Job offers do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Eligibility Requirements

1. For Skilled Workers:

• Job Offer: Full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic region.
• Work Experience: At least one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in a NOC skill type 0, A, B, or C job within the last three years.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, or higher.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
• Intent to Settle: Intent to live in the Atlantic province.

2. For International Graduates:

• Job Offer: Full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic region.
• Education: At least a two-year diploma, degree, or other credential from a recognized publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
• Residence in Province: Must have lived in the province for at least 16 months in the two years before obtaining the credential.
• Intent to Settle: Intent to live in the Atlantic province.

Required Documents

• Passport and Travel Documents: Valid passport and copies of all pages.
• Language Test Results: Results from accepted language proficiency tests.
• Educational Credentials: Diplomas, certificates, transcripts, and Educational Credential Assessment (if obtained outside Canada).
• Work Experience Proof: Reference letters, employment contracts, and pay stubs (for skilled workers).
• Job Offer: Valid job offer from a designated employer.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other proof of sufficient funds to support oneself and family members.
• Medical Examination: Medical clearance from an IRCC-approved physician.
• Police Certificates: Police clearance certificates from each country where the applicant has lived for more than six months since the age of 18.
• Endorsement Certificate: Proof of endorsement from the Atlantic province.

Application Process

1. Job Offer: Obtain a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
2. Endorsement Application: Employer assists in obtaining a provincial endorsement for the candidate.
3. Submit Endorsement Application: Submit the endorsement application to the provincial government.
4. Receive Endorsement Certificate: If approved, receive an endorsement certificate.
5. Permanent Residence Application: Submit an application for permanent residence to IRCC, including the endorsement certificate and required documents.
6. Medical Examination and Police Clearance: Complete the medical exam and obtain police certificates.
7. Review and Decision: IRCC reviews your application and makes a decision.
8. Receive Permanent Residence Visa: If approved, receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa.

Cost Breakdown

Processing Time

• Endorsement Application: 3 to 4 months.
• Permanent Residence Application (after endorsement): Approximately 6 to 12 months.

Summary

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates with job offers from designated employers in Atlantic Canada. The program is designed to address labor market needs and promote settlement in the region. The process includes obtaining a job offer, provincial endorsement, and applying for permanent residence. Costs and processing times are generally manageable, making the AIPP an attractive option for eligible candidates.