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The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Note: The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) replaced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), which closed on December 31, 2021.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of the fast-track Canadian immigration programs that allow employers in Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces – New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia to hire foreign skilled workers for jobs they are unable to fill locally.

IMMIGRATION TARGETS

Year Target
2022 6,250
2023 6,500
2024 6,500

FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM

  • The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign skilled workers who want to immigrate to Atlantic Canada.
  • Launched in 2017 for an initial three-year pilot run; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) closed the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) on December 31, 2021. Due to its huge success, AIP has become a permanent program starting January 1, 2022.
  • AIP has two programs for skilled workers: Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)- for Level O, A, B occupations and Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) for Level C occupations
  • All prime candidates arriving in Canada under the AIP must have a job offer from a designated employer along with an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their families.
  • Once a designated employer finds a candidate who meets their employment needs and the program criteria, that employer will need to first offer them a job.

Note: A major advantage of the AIP is that designated employers are not required to go through the process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for jobs endorsed under this program.

  • Once the candidate has accepted the job, the employer will connect the candidate with a designated settlement service provider organization for a needs assessment and develop a settlement plan.
  • Then the employer needs to submit an endorsement application to the province. The province must endorse Employers’ job offer before the candidate can apply for permanent resident status.
  • One of the most interesting aspects of the AIP is the fact that the applicant’s immediate family (Spouse/Dependent children) can come to Canada with him. Even intermediate-skilled spouses of principal applicants can apply for an open work permit if the principal applicant opts for a Work Permit.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Candidate Requirements Employer Designation
In order to obtain this work permit, candidates will need:

·         a valid job offer from a designated employer;

·         an endorsement certificate from the province; and

·         A commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.

 

All employers who want to hire skilled immigrants under this pilot program need to apply to the province(s) to receive the designation.

 

Note: Previous designations stand revoked and new applications to obtain a designation status are open!!

Candidates need an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their families. Employers with locations in multiple provinces require a separate designation for each province.
Minimum 12 years of education is mandatory.

 

The principal applicant also needs to hold an Educational Credential Assessment

 

Employers are also required to give an assurance to support the newcomer and his/her family as they start their new life in Atlantic Canada.

 

Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) that are at least equal to a language level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

·         Listening – 4.5

·         Reading – 3.5

·         Writing- 4.0

·         Speaking – 4.0

 

 
Work Experience – Minimum 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience In the last 3 years in an occupation related to the job offer is  required

 

 

 To complete their application, the selected applicant will need to include:

  • provincial confirmation of endorsement letter
  • A completed Offer of Employment form
  • Proof of work experience, such as a resume or letters from previous employers.
  • Any other necessary requirements for immigrating to Canada, including fee payment, medical exams, police certificates, and proof of settlement funds, if required

Estimated processing time: 12 to 18 months approx.

WWICS Services Process

  • Assistance in applying and obtaining an ECA report from a designated organization
  • Initiate Applicant for clearing Language Test Results
  • Resume formatting as per Canadian Standards
  • Marketing Resume in 4 Atlantic Provinces as per available positions online
  • Prepare applicant for the interview, if get selected by the employer
  • Offer Letter upon Selection by Designated Employer upon Employer’s discretion
  • Getting Endorsement from the Employer
  • Initiate Settlement Plan
  • Assistance in PR / Work Permit Application preparation and submission
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