The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a key initiative designed to bring skilled workers and their families to Atlantic Canada, comprising the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Launched to meet the specific needs of the region’s employers and communities, the AIP has become a critical pathway for newcomers seeking to live and work in one of Canada’s most dynamic areas.
VisaWorks Canada Ltd. is committed to providing you with a thorough understanding of the AIP, detailing the program’s benefits, requirements, and application process to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Canada.
Overview of the Atlantic Immigration Program
Purpose and Goals of the AIP
The Atlantic Immigration Program was established to address the labour shortages and demographic challenges facing Atlantic Canada. The program allows designated employers to recruit and retain global talent, thereby supporting:
- Population growth: By attracting immigrants to the region, the AIP helps counterbalance the declining birth rates and aging population.
- Workforce development: The program ensures that local employers have access to a skilled and diverse workforce.
- Economic stability: By filling job vacancies with qualified candidates, the AIP promotes economic growth and increases employment rates.
Success of the AIP
Since its inception, the AIP has been a resounding success, benefiting immigrants, employers, and the Atlantic region as a whole. The program has consistently provided permanent resident status to thousands of newcomers each year, addressing the immediate and long-term needs of local employers while fostering population growth and economic development in the region.
How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works
Employer-Driven Recruitment
One of the unique features of the Atlantic Immigration Program is that it is employer-driven. This means that the program begins with local employers in Atlantic Canada identifying and recruiting skilled foreign nationals to fill specific job vacancies. The AIP streamlines the hiring process by eliminating the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it easier and faster for employers to bring in international talent.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Job Offer from a Designated Employer
The AIP process starts when a designated employer finds a candidate who meets the criteria of the program and the needs of their business. The employer must be designated by the province to hire under the AIP, which involves meeting specific requirements and committing to supporting the newcomer’s settlement and integration.
2. Settlement Plan Development
Once the job offer is accepted, the employer connects the candidate with a designated settlement service provider organization. This organization conducts a needs assessment and works with the candidate to develop a personalized settlement plan for themselves and their family. The settlement plan is crucial for ensuring that the newcomer and their family can successfully integrate into their new community in Atlantic Canada.
3. Temporary Work Permit Option
If an employer needs to fill a position quickly, they can apply for a temporary work permit for the candidate, allowing them and their family to move to Canada promptly. To obtain this work permit, the candidate must:
- Have a valid job offer.
- Obtain a letter from the province.
- Commit to applying for permanent residence within 90 days of obtaining the temporary work permit.
This temporary work permit option is a significant advantage of the AIP, enabling employers to address their immediate workforce needs while the candidate works toward permanent residency.
Employer Designation Requirements
Employers who wish to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program must apply to the province to receive designation. This designation is essential for employers who want to hire skilled immigrants through the AIP.
Employer Designation Process
The designation process involves several steps, including:
- Application to the Province: Employers must submit an application to the provincial government to be designated under the AIP. Each province in Atlantic Canada has its own specific requirements and process for designation.
- Commitment to Settlement Support: Employers must demonstrate a commitment to supporting the newcomer’s settlement and integration into the community. This includes providing or facilitating access to resources that will help the newcomer and their family adjust to life in Atlantic Canada.
- Multiple Designations for Multiple Provinces: Employers with operations in more than one Atlantic province must obtain separate designations for each province where they intend to hire under the AIP.
Candidate Requirements
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria related to work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
1. Work Experience Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum of 1,560 hours of paid work experience within the last five years. This experience must be:
- Full-time or part-time: Candidates can count hours worked in both full-time and part-time jobs.
- Paid work only: Only paid work hours are considered; volunteer or unpaid work does not count.
- Legally authorized work: For work experience gained in Canada, candidates must have been legally authorized to work (e.g., under a valid work permit).
- Specific NOC TEER Categories: The work experience must fall under a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category of 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Calculating Work Hours
Candidates must accumulate the required work hours over a period of at least 12 months. The work experience can be gained inside or outside Canada, and can include experience gained while studying, provided it complies with the conditions of the study permit.
2. Educational Requirements
The educational requirements for the AIP vary depending on the NOC TEER category of the job offer:
- NOC TEER Category 0 or 1: Candidates must have a one-year post-secondary educational credential or higher, or the equivalent if the education was completed outside Canada.
- NOC TEER Categories 2, 3, or 4: Candidates must have a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent if the education was completed outside Canada.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
For candidates who completed their education outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required to confirm that their educational qualifications meet Canadian standards. The ECA report must be less than five years old when Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives the candidate’s application.
3. Language Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French, depending on the NOC TEER category of the job offer:
- NOC TEER Category 0 or 1: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level of 5.
- NOC TEER Categories 2, 3, or 4: CLB or NCLC level of 4.
Accepted Language Tests
Candidates must submit language test results from a designated testing organization. These results must be less than two years old at the time of application. Accepted language tests include:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
4. Settlement Funds
Candidates must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada, unless they are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit. The required amount of settlement funds depends on the size of the family, including anyone who is financially dependent on the candidate but not immigrating with them.
Settlement Fund Requirements
The settlement fund requirements are based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures, which vary depending on the family size and the number of dependents. Candidates must show proof of these funds when applying for permanent residence.
International Graduates: Special Considerations
International students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada may be eligible for the AIP without meeting the work experience requirements. To qualify, international graduates must:
- Have a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship certification that took at least two years of study from a recognized institution in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Be a full-time student throughout their studies.
- Have the necessary visa or permit to work, study, or receive training while in Canada.
- Have lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the last two years before graduation.
Explore Our Services
Additional Pathways: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In addition to the Atlantic Immigration Program, each Atlantic province offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that provide additional pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants. These PNPs are tailored to meet the specific needs of each province and often align with the federal Express Entry system.
Atlantic Canada PNP Options
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
These PNPs offer various streams for immigration, including those focused on skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.
How VisaWorks Canada Ltd. Can Help You
Navigating the Atlantic Immigration Program and other immigration pathways can be complex. VisaWorks Canada Ltd. is here to help you every step of the way. Our team of experienced immigration professionals can assist with:
- Eligibility Assessment: We’ll help you determine if you meet the criteria for the AIP or any other immigration pathway.
- Application Preparation: Our experts will guide you through the process of gathering and submitting the necessary documents.
- Employer Connection: We can assist in connecting you with designated employers in Atlantic Canada.
- Settlement Planning: We’ll support you in developing a comprehensive settlement plan to ensure a smooth transition to life in Canada.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a unique opportunity for skilled workers and their families to build a new life in one of Canada’s most welcoming regions. With the support of VisaWorks Canada Ltd., you can navigate the complexities of the AIP and other immigration pathways with confidence.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards immigrating to Atlantic Canada, contact VisaWorks Canada Ltd. today. Our team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to make your Canadian dream a reality.
