Atlantic Immigration Program

Overview of the Atlantic Immigration Program Framework

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Canadian permanent residence pathway created through cooperation between the Federal Government of Canada and four Atlantic provinces. These provinces include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The program was introduced to address regional workforce needs while supporting population growth across Atlantic Canada.

This pathway is employer-driven, meaning foreign nationals must secure a valid employment letter from an approved business in one of the participating provinces. Individuals applying through this route must also complete a Settlement Plan for themselves and accompanying family members prior to submitting their permanent residence application.

Program Structure and Purpose

The Atlantic Immigration Program allows designated employers in Atlantic Canada to recruit overseas workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once a suitable candidate is identified, the employer issues an employment letter and connects the applicant with an approved settlement service organization. This organization evaluates settlement needs and prepares a Settlement Plan that outlines community services, housing considerations, and integration steps.

The program also allows eligible applicants to enter Canada quickly through a temporary work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed, provided they commit to submitting their PR application within three months of the temporary permit request.

This pathway is particularly useful for applicants who were unable to receive an invitation under the federal Express Entry system and are seeking an alternate federal route supported by provincial participation.

Streams Under the Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program comprises three streams, each designed for a specific applicant profile.

Atlantic High-Skilled Program

This stream is intended for individuals with professional, managerial, or technical work backgrounds.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must hold a non-seasonal, full-time employment letter (minimum 30 hours per week) issued by a designated Atlantic employer. The role must fall under NOC skill levels 0, A, or B and be valid for at least 1 year.

Work Background

Applicants must demonstrate at least 1,560 hours of paid work experience within the last three years. This experience must be in one occupation, though it may be accumulated across multiple employers. Volunteer work and unpaid internships are not counted. Experience may be gained either inside or outside Canada.

Educational Background

Applicants must hold a Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The ECA must confirm equivalency to a Canadian credential and be issued within five years of application submission.

Language Requirement

Applicants must meet a minimum of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Test results must be less than two years old.

Financial Capacity

Applicants must show sufficient settlement funds based on family size unless they are already residing and working in Canada on a valid work permit.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

This stream is intended for occupations that require job-specific training or a high school credential.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must have a permanent, full-time, non-seasonal employment letter from a designated Atlantic employer. The occupation must fall under NOC skill level C.

Work Background

Applicants must show at least one year of paid work experience (1,560 hours) within the past three years. This experience must be in a single occupation and may be accumulated across different employers.

Educational Background

Applicants must hold a Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an ECA obtained within the last five years.

Language Requirement

A minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French is required in all language abilities.

Financial Capacity

Proof of settlement funds is required unless the applicant is already working in Canada on a valid permit.

Atlantic International Graduate Program

This stream is available to recent graduates of publicly funded institutions located in Atlantic Canada.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must hold a permanent, full-time, non-seasonal employment letter from a designated Atlantic employer under NOC skill levels 0, A, B, or C.

Work Experience

No prior work experience is required for this stream, provided all education criteria are met.

Educational Background

Applicants must have completed at least a two-year program at a publicly funded Atlantic institution. They must have studied full-time for at least 2 years, graduated within the last 24 months, and lived in the Atlantic region for at least 16 months during the 2 years preceding graduation. Distance learning and language training programs beyond permitted limits may affect eligibility.

Applicants whose scholarships require a return to their home country after graduation are not eligible.

Language Requirement

Applicants must meet CLB 4 or NCLC 4 across all language abilities using test results issued within the last two years.

Financial Capacity

Settlement fund requirements apply unless the applicant is already residing and employed in Canada.

Settlement Plan Requirement

All applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program must submit a Settlement Plan after receiving an employment letter. The plan is prepared in collaboration with an approved settlement service organization. During this process, applicants discuss housing, employment transition, education for children, and community connections. The finalized plan is submitted during the provincial endorsement stage.

Provincial Endorsement

Before submitting a permanent residence application, the employer must obtain an endorsement certificate from the province. This endorsement confirms that the employment letter and Settlement Plan meet provincial requirements. Applicants may only submit their PR application after receiving this certificate.

Settlement Fund Thresholds

Settlement fund requirements depend on family size, including non-accompanying dependents:

• 1 member: $3,167
• 2 members: $3,943
• 3 members: $4,847
• 4 members: $5,885
• 5 members: $6,675
• 6 members: $7,528
• 7 or more: $8,381

Role of Travia Immigration and Consultancy

Travia Immigration and Consultancy supports applicants throughout the Atlantic Immigration Program process, from eligibility review to document preparation and application submission. Each case is reviewed carefully to ensure compliance with federal and provincial requirements. Our team works closely with applicants to help them move through each stage efficiently and accurately while maintaining full procedural transparency.