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
|
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| 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
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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
