The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a government initiative designed to help Atlantic Canada address labor shortages by attracting skilled workers and international graduates to its four provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

What Is the Atlantic Pilot Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent immigration pathway aimed at filling critical workforce gaps in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Employers who can’t find local workers for specific roles can hire foreign talent to fill these gaps. 

The program is designed to be more flexible than other immigration programs, providing an opportunity for both employers and applicants to benefit from a faster route to permanent residency. 

With this program, both high-skilled and intermediate-skilled workers, as well as international graduates, can find a way to settle and thrive in the Atlantic provinces.

AIPP Qualification and Requirements

Qualifying for the Atlantic Immigration Program means meeting certain key criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Work Experience: You’ll need to prove that you’ve worked at least 1,560 hours in a relevant field within the last five years. That’s roughly one year of full-time work. It doesn’t matter if you gained this experience inside or outside of Canada, as long as it was paid work. 

However, self-employment won’t count toward this requirement. Your experience must also align with one of the NOC 2021 TEER categories (TEER 0–4).

Education: Your education requirements depend on the type of job offer you receive. For jobs in TEER 0 or 1, you’ll need at least a post-secondary education credential from Canada or an equivalent from another country. 

Jobs in TEER 2, 3, or 4 require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. If your education was completed outside of Canada, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm it meets Canadian standards.

Language Proficiency: Your language ability is also critical. The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level you need depends on your job’s TEER category. For TEER 0–3, you’ll need a CLB/NCLC level 5, while TEER 4 jobs require a CLB/NCLC level 4.

Proof of Funds: Finally, unless you’re already working in Canada with a valid work permit, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family after moving. The amount you’ll need depends on your family size.

If you meet all these criteria, you’re well on your way to qualifying for the Atlantic Immigration Program.

How to Apply for Atlantic Pilot Program

The application process for the AIP is straightforward but involves several key steps. Here’s a guide to help you through it:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Before anything else, confirm that you meet the program’s eligibility criteria, which include work experience, education, and language skills.

Make sure to choose the correct stream (International Graduate, High-Skilled, or Intermediate-Skilled) based on your profile.

1. Find a Job Offer: To apply, you need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. This job must be full-time and permanent, and it must align with your chosen AIP stream. 

Having a genuine job offer is a critical part of your application.

1. Get Endorsed by a Province: Once you have a job offer, the next step is to apply for an endorsement from the province where your job is located. 

Each province has its own process, but in general, you’ll need to submit documents like your job offer, proof of qualifications, language test results, and work experience. The endorsement from the province is necessary for your permanent residence application.

1. Apply for Permanent Residence: After receiving your endorsement, you can apply for permanent residence through the federal government. 

This involves creating an Express Entry profile, submitting your endorsement, and waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving your ITA, you’ll submit your completed application, along with all necessary documents, and pay the required fees.

1. Wait for Processing: The processing time for AIP applications can vary, but most applications take several months from start to finish. 

Once approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing you to move to Canada as a permanent resident.

Atlantic Pilot Program Fee

Applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program comes with a few costs. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved:

• Application Fee: $950 (excluding the right of permanent residence fee)
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575, which is added to your application fee
• Including a Spouse/Partner: $1,525 (with the right of permanent residence fee) or $950 (without it)
• Dependent Child Fee: $260 per child
• Biometrics: $85 per person or $170 per family (for two or more people applying together)

Make sure to budget for these costs and any additional expenses like medical exams or police clearances.

Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The AIP offers several advantages compared to other immigration programs in Canada:

• Faster Route to Permanent Residency: The program is designed to process applications quickly, making it an ideal option for those looking to settle in Canada sooner.
• Lower Language Requirements: Compared to other immigration programs, AIP has relatively low language requirements, making it more accessible to a broader range of applicants.
• No LMIA Required: Unlike some programs, AIP does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which can be a significant hurdle in other immigration streams.

How Long Does AIPP Take?

The processing time for the AIP can vary based on individual cases and whether the applicant has all necessary documents. 

Typically, it takes around 6–12 months to process a complete application, but this can differ depending on factors like biometrics, medical checks, and background verification. If your case is straightforward, expect your application to be processed within this time frame.

Ready to take the next step toward your future in Canada’s Atlantic provinces? Contact SEP Immigrants today to start your AIP application. We’re here to help you every step of the way.