Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

A job-driven, settlement-focused pathway to Permanent Residence with Canada Central

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and build their future in Atlantic Canada.

The program was created to help employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador fill persistent labour shortages by hiring qualified foreign workers and graduates.

What makes AIP unique is its structured, support-first approach. Every successful applicant enters Canada with:

• A valid job offer from a designated employer
  
  
• A personalized settlement plan designed to support long-term integration
  
  

With Canada Central, AIP becomes a clear, guided process – from securing a qualifying job offer to provincial endorsement and final permanent residence approval.

Who the Atlantic Immigration Program Is For

AIP is ideal for:

• Skilled foreign workers seeking permanent employment and stability in Atlantic Canada
  
  
• International graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic provinces
  
  
• Employers in Atlantic Canada that cannot fill positions locally and need qualified international talent
  
  

The program is especially suitable for candidates who:

• Have relevant work experience or Atlantic Canadian education
  
  
• Are willing to commit to living and settling in one of the Atlantic provinces
  
  
• Prefer a pathway built around real employment and settlement support, not points competition
  
  

Canada Central evaluates whether AIP is the strongest pathway for you and helps match your profile with eligible employers.

Participating Provinces

The Atlantic Immigration Program covers four provinces in Eastern Canada:

• Nova Scotia
  
  
• New Brunswick
  
  
• Prince Edward Island
  
  
• Newfoundland and Labrador
  
  

Each province works closely with designated employers and settlement service providers to attract, support, and retain newcomers under AIP.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates must meet several essential conditions.

Key requirements include:

• Job offer
  A valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
  
  
• Work experience
  At least 1,560 hours of qualifying work experience in the past five years
  (International graduates from Atlantic institutions may be exempt)
  
  
• Education
  Minimum education level meeting program standards
  Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  
  
• Language ability
  Approved English or French language test results meeting the minimum CLB/NCLC level for the job
  
  
• Settlement funds
  Proof of funds to support yourself and your family unless you already live and work in Canada
  
  

Canada Central confirms eligibility early to ensure your application meets all AIP requirements.

Work Experience Requirements

Most AIP applicants must demonstrate recent and relevant work experience.

Your experience must:

• Total 1,560 hours (equivalent to one year of full-time work) within the last five years
  
  
• Be paid employment (volunteer work, unpaid internships, and self-employment do not count)
  
  
• Come from one or more jobs, inside or outside Canada, provided the work was legally authorized where applicable
  
  

Work experience can be combined across employers and roles as long as the required hours and skill levels are met.

Canada Central reviews job duties, timelines, and documentation to ensure your experience is counted correctly.

Language, Education, and Settlement Funds

AIP includes clear requirements designed to support successful long-term settlement.

You must:

• Complete an approved language test with results valid at the time of application
  
  
• Meet the minimum CLB/NCLC level required for your job category
  
  
• Hold at least the required level of education and obtain an ECA for foreign credentials
  
  
• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, unless exempt
  
  

These requirements help ensure newcomers can communicate effectively, support themselves, and integrate into Atlantic communities.

Employer Role and Designation

AIP is employer-driven, meaning employers play a central role in the process.

Designated employers must:

• Be officially approved by the province to participate in AIP
  
  
• Offer genuine, full-time employment in eligible occupations
  
  
• Work with settlement service providers to support newcomer integration
  
  

Unlike many other work-based pathways, AIP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Canada Central ensures employers and job offers meet all AIP rules before proceeding.

Settlement Plan and Provincial Endorsement

One of AIP’s defining features is its mandatory settlement plan and provincial endorsement.

The process includes:

• Settlement plan
  Created with a recognized settlement service provider to support housing, healthcare, finances, education, and community integration
  
  
• Provincial endorsement
  The employer submits the job offer and settlement plan to the province for approval
  
  

If approved, the province issues an endorsement certificate, which is required for permanent residence and, in some cases, a temporary work permit.

Step-by-Step AIP Process with Canada Central

1. Eligibility assessment
   Confirm work experience, education, language, and funds requirements.
   
   
2. Job offer strategy
   Identify and secure a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
   
   
3. Settlement plan development
   Work with an approved settlement organization to create a personalized plan.
   
   
4. Provincial endorsement application
   Employer submits your endorsement request to the province.
   
   
5. Permanent residence application
   Submit a complete federal PR application with endorsement and supporting documents.
   
   
6. Optional temporary work permit
   Start working in Canada while PR is being processed (where applicable).
   
   
7. Final approval and settlement
   Move to Atlantic Canada and begin life as a permanent resident.
   
   

Required Documents

Typical AIP documents include:

• Valid passport and identity documents
  
  
• Approved language test results
  
  
• Educational credentials and ECA (if required)
  
  

You will also usually need:

• Signed job offer from a designated employer
  
  
• Provincial endorsement certificate
  
  
• Settlement plan confirmation
  
  
• Proof of work experience
  
  
• Proof of settlement funds (if required)
  
  
• Police certificates and medical exams
  
  

Canada Central ensures all documents are accurate, consistent, and submission-ready.

Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program

AIP offers distinct advantages:

• Employer-driven selection with secure employment from day one
  
  
• Structured settlement support for applicants and families
  
  
• Clear pathway for skilled workers and Atlantic graduates
  
  
• Strong long-term opportunities in growing Atlantic communities
  
  

For candidates willing to commit to Atlantic Canada, AIP provides a stable, supportive, and efficient route to permanent residence.

Why Choose Canada Central for AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program rewards preparation, employer alignment, and correct documentation.

Canada Central helps you:

• Confirm eligibility and province choice
  
  
• Secure compliant job offers
  
  
• Navigate settlement planning and provincial endorsement
  
  
• Avoid delays and refusals
  
  
• Move confidently from job offer to permanent residence
  
  

With Canada Central, the Atlantic Immigration Program becomes a guided, employer-backed pathway to building your future in Canada’s Atlantic region.