Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): How to find a job offer

Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) has been growing in strides since its introduction in 2017, and has quickly become a promising option for those interested in Canadian immigration. Under the AIPP, skilled workers can be nominated and fast-tracked through the immigration process to a province in Canada’s Atlantic region: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

What is the AIP?

AIPP allows immigrant applicants with job offers to apply for Canadian permanent residence while working in the Atlantic region. The program has been highly successful so far. Since its introduction, the Atlantic provinces have been increasingly able to fill AIPP immigration quotas. The growth of the program pushed Canada’s Minister for Immigration to announce a quota increase in the summer of 2018, pushing the AIPP intake from 2,000 to 2,500.

Are you eligible?

For a skilled worker to be eligible for AIPP, you have to get an offer of employment from someone who has been designated through the program. An employer becomes designated after applying to AIPP. As well, you must meet additional eligibility criteria regarding work experience, language proficiency, and education, that varies depending on the AIP stream through which you apply.

How do you get a job offer?

In order to receive a job offer, you must apply for employment opportunities with Atlantic Canadian employers who have been designated by AIPP. Thankfully, all four provinces have now released complete lists of designated employers:

Newfoundland & Labrador

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

With an offer of employment from a designated Atlantic employer, applicants will be able to begin the rest of the process. This will include collaborating in an endorsement phase with your employer, and the creation of a settlement package that will describe the personalized settlement services the candidate will receive once they arrive in Canada.

If the province approves this, the candidate will receive a nomination and be able to apply federally for Canadian permanent residence. As well, they will be able to begin working in Canada with a work permit while they await the processing of their application.