Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The Atlantic Immigration pilot program was launched in 2017 as part of a joint initiative to stimulate economic growth in Canada’s Atlantic provinces by attracting skilled workers. The Atlantic Provinces include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
In order to qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, applicants must have an official job offer. Usually, in order to obtain a Canadian job offer valid for immigration purposes, the applicant must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is not required for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Instead, the job offer must be from a designated employer. In 2018 the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program aimed to welcome a maximum of 2,500 new immigrants to the Atlantic region, with targets increasing to 4,000 by 2020.
Initially a three-year pilot program, AIP has been extended until at least December 2021.
Atlantic Immigration Program Requirements
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program facilitates immigration through connecting two parties:
- Foreign nationals interested in becoming residents of Atlantic Canada
- Employers designated by the government to hire foreign nationals
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program has different requirements for both of these parties.
Foreign National Requirements
Foreign nationals interested in immigrating to either New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island, may do so through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program only if they meet certain requirements. First, the foreign national must have an official job offer from a designated employer.
Second, the foreign national must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the program streams. These requirements vary depending on which of the three streams of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program an applicant uses:
- High-Skilled Workers Stream
- Intermediate-Skilled Workers Stream
- International Graduates Stream
The province of New Brunswick regularly organizes events overseas for foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada. Please refer to our schedule of upcoming New Brunswick information sessions and job fairs. Those who are successful through these information sessions will be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the New Brunswick PNP or the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
High-Skilled Worker Stream
To qualify under this stream, an applicant must have a job offer from a Designated Employer for a duration of at 12-months for a position under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. In addition to a job offer, applicants in this stream must meet the following criteria:
- Work Experience: A minimum of at least 12-months of full-time, skilled work experience (or the equivalent amount in part-time).
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma, or the foreign equivalent.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 on an approved test in either English or French.
- Proof of Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself and one’s family when settling in Canada.
Intermediate-Skilled Worker Stream
To qualify under this stream, an applicant must have a job offer from a Designated Employer for a permanent position under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, B, or C. In addition to a job offer, applicants in this stream must meet the following criteria:
- Work Experience: A minimum of at least 12-months of full-time, work experience (or the equivalent amount in part-time) at NOC level 0, A, B, or C.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma, or the foreign equivalent.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 on an approved test in either English or French.
- Proof of Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself and one’s family when settling in Canada.
International Graduates Stream
To qualify under this stream, an applicant must have a job offer from a Designated Employer for a duration of at least 12-months under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, B, or C. In addition to a job offer, applicants in this stream must meet the following criteria:
- Work Experience: No work experience requirement.
- Education: A completed educational credential (minimum 2 years) from an institution in an Atlantic province where the applicant lived for at least 16 months in the final two years of study. This credential must have been completed within the previous 24-months.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 on an approved test in either English or French.
- Proof of Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself and one’s family when settling in Canada.
Designated Employer Requirements
Employers interested in participating in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program must apply to become designated employers. As a designated employer, a business will have the ability to hire foreign nationals without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Designated employers required to assist employees hired through the pilot with settlement in their province of residence.
Employer Designation
In order to hire foreign nationals through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, first an employer must apply to be officially designated. In order to become designated, the employer may apply directly to the province where the business for which they want to hire foreign nationals is located. The employer will have to demonstrate that they are in good standing with any provincial regulatory bodies. They will also have to submit a description of their labour needs, including their reason for hiring international workers.
Finally, designated employers must demonstrate that they can provide settlement supports to the workers they hire through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. In order to obtain applications to become a designated employer, businesses can consult the immigration WebPages of the Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
For more information or to see if you qualify, please make an enquiry with one of our qualified and experienced Migration Consultants.