Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a fast-track pathway for skilled workers and graduates to immigrate to the four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador) and gain permanent residency in Atlantic Canada.

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Atlantic Canada is quickly becoming a favorite for newcomers. Why? Friendly communities, a slower pace of life, and stunning nature make it feel more relaxed and often more affordable than big cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

If you’re looking for a smooth path to permanent residency in Canada, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) could be your ticket. It’s designed to help skilled workers and international graduates move to these provinces, while providing guidance to settle comfortably into their new communities.

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What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

In simple terms, AIP connects skilled workers and graduates with employers in Atlantic Canada. Its main goals are:

• Fill labour shortages in the region
• Attract newcomers to live and work in smaller provinces
• Help people and families settle successfully in their new communities

The program covers four provinces:

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island (PEI)
• Newfoundland & Labrador

✅ Unlike some other immigration pathways, AIP requires a job offer from a designated employer. That means it’s employer-driven and comes with strong support to help you integrate into local life.

Key Features of AIP

AIP is designed to make immigration easier, faster, and family-friendly:

• Employer-driven program: You need a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
• No LMIA required: Employers don’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment, which speeds up the process.
• Faster PR processing: Applications usually move quicker than many other programs.
• Mandatory settlement plan: You’ll get guidance on housing, schools, and community integration.
• Family-friendly: Spouses and children can come along, with work and study permits available.

It’s a practical and supportive way to start a new life in Canada, especially if you want guidance along the way.

Atlantic Immigration Program in Canada by Province

1. Prince Edward Island (PEI)

PEI was the first province to announce that, due to high demand and limited quota, it will only accept applications from candidates working in these sectors:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Manufacturing

Applicants in other fields can only submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the provincial PNP at this time.

2. Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia announced that in 2025, priority will be given to candidates already working in the province whose work permits expire within the same year.

Among these candidates, priority is higher for those in:

• Healthcare and social services
• Construction

For applicants outside Canada, applications in these sectors will be processed faster.

Additionally, exceptions are made for employers hiring in these areas:

• Trucking
• Science and technology
• Clean energy
• Natural resource development

3. Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland & Labrador has not paused the AIP, but it has released a list of priority occupations that are exempt from labour market testing and are processed faster.

Priority healthcare occupations include:

• Physician (various specialties)
• Nurse
• Clinical psychologist
• Physiotherapist
• Radiation therapist
• Dosimetrist, and more

Information and Technology (ICT) sector:

• Software programmer/developer
• Electrical/Mechanical/Biomedical engineer
• AI developer
• Infrastructure engineer
• Security, cloud, and network specialist
• Data analyst, bioinformatics specialist, etc.

Aquaculture sector:

• Farm manager
• Equipment technician, and more

From February 2025, this province will also use the EOI model for AIP, meaning candidates must first submit an EOI. After receiving an invitation, they can apply for endorsement.

4. New Brunswick

New Brunswick announced that from April 4, 2025, until the end of the year, it will not accept new AIP applications due to quota completion.

• Only applications submitted before April 4 will be considered, as long as they are for jobs outside the closed list.

However, in June 2025, the province received 1,500 additional PNP quotas, and candidates can check their eligibility in NB PNP streams.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for AIP, you need to meet some basic requirements:

Step-by-Step Process of AIP

Here’s how AIP works from start to finish:

1. Get a Job Offer from a Designated Employer
   • Check official provincial lists for designated employers
   • Make sure your offer is full-time and meets program requirements
2. Create a Settlement Plan and Get Provincial Endorsement
   • Work with a settlement service provider to plan housing, schools, and community integration
   • Province reviews your plan and endorses your job offer, which is required for PR
3. Apply for a Temporary Work Permit (Optional)
   • Start working in Atlantic Canada while your PR is processed
   • Gain Canadian work experience and settle early
4. Apply for Permanent Residence
   • Submit application to IRCC with required documents: job offer + endorsement, language results, education credentials, proof of funds, settlement plan
   • Processing is usually faster than many other programs
5. Receive PR and Settle in Atlantic Canada
   • Once approved, you and your family become permanent residents
   • Start your new life in a welcoming, smaller province

AIP vs Other Programs

AIP vs Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Feature	AIP	PNPs
Region	Atlantic Canada only	Most provinces & territories
Job Offer	Required	Some streams require it, others don’t
Settlement Support	Mandatory	Optional
Processing Speed	Usually faster	Varies
PR Path	Direct PR application	Often two steps (nomination → PR)
Candidate Flexibility	Best with job offer	More flexible without a job offer

AIP vs Express Entry

Feature	AIP	Express Entry
Points System	No	Yes, CRS score
Job Offer	Mandatory	Optional
Settlement Plan	Required	Not required
Processing	Fast, employer-driven	Fast but competitive

Advantages of AIP

• No LMIA required: Less paperwork for employers
• Faster PR processing: Applications move quickly
• Direct path to PR: Straightforward route
• Settlement support: Personalized help for housing, schools, and integration
• Family-friendly: Spouses and children included
• Employer-driven: Job offer increases approval chances

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Atlantic Canada
• Job offer is mandatory
• Tied to employer initially
• Smaller provinces, smaller job markets

Why Choose Atlantic Canada?

It’s not just about a job, it’s a better quality of life:

• Friendly communities that welcome newcomers
• Affordable living compared to big cities
• High demand for skilled workers
• Settlement services to help you integrate
• Stunning natural surroundings: beaches, forests, and charming towns

Final Thoughts

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a practical, supportive pathway to Canadian permanent residency. It connects skilled workers and graduates with employers, provides settlement support, and helps families start a new life in Atlantic Canada.

Take the first step today and begin your journey to a welcoming, affordable, and beautiful part of Canada.

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