As part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is designed to fill labour shortages in the Canadian Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Read on to know more about the AIP.

What is The Atlantic Immigration Program?

Originally launched in 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has now brought in 10,000+ new permanent residents to Atlantic Canada. Four Canadian provinces – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island – together make up Atlantic Canada. 

Building upon the success of the pilot, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program was made permanent on December 17, 2021, and accordingly renamed as Atlantic Immigration Program. The new permanent program officially opened on January 1, 2022.

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a type of immigration program that allows employers in the Atlantic provinces of Canada to hire immigrants for jobs. You can also apply for permanent residence via this program.

Originally launched in 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has now brought in 10,000+ new permanent residents to Atlantic Canada. Four Canadian provinces – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island – together make up Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a type of immigration program that allows employers in the Atlantic provinces of Canada to hire immigrants for jobs. You can also apply for permanent residence via this program.

Who can apply under Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Program?

To be able to apply under the AIP, you must

• Intend settling in Atlantic Canada,
• Have recently completed graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, or
• Be a skilled worker.

Do I have to be in Canada when applying for the AIP?

You can be either

• Living abroad, or
• Already be in Canada as a temporary resident.

Can I get Canadian permanent residence by AIP?

If eligible, you can take the AIP route to Canada PR and settle within any of the Canadian provinces that make up Atlantic Canada

• Newfoundland and Labrador,
• Nova Scotia,
• New Brunswick, or
• Prince Edward Island.

Who is exempted from the AIP work experience requirement?

You don’t have to meet the work experience requirement if you fulfil all of the following conditions.

• An international graduate
• With a degree, certificate, or diploma etc.
• That took a minimum of two years’ studies
• From any of the recognized 24 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada,
• Were a full-time student for the entire period
• Lived in any one of the Atlantic Canada provinces for at least 16 months during the two years before graduating, and
• Had the required visa or permit while you were in Canada.