Canada Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The AIPP is a partnership between the federal government of Canada and the governments of the four participating provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. Under the program, eligible employers in the Atlantic region can hire foreign workers to fill vacancies that they are unable to fill with Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

One of the benefits of the AIPP is that it provides a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada for foreign workers. Once a worker has been employed in the Atlantic region for at least one year, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the program.

Overall, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and for employers in the Atlantic region to access the talent they need to grow and thrive.

Eligibility for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

To be eligible for the AIPP, you must first have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the four participating provinces. The job offer must be for a full-time, non-seasonal position that is skilled in nature and meets the prevailing wage for the occupation and region. The position must also be classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type 0, A, or B.

Once you have a job offer, you must also meet the program's eligibility requirements. These include:

Education: You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

Language: You must meet the minimum language requirements for the program. This includes scoring at least a CLB 4 in English or French in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time work experience in the past three years in the occupation for which you have a job offer.

Settlement Funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members who are immigrating with you to Canada.

If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the AIPP.

How the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Works

The AIPP works by connecting eligible employers in the Atlantic region with skilled foreign workers who have the qualifications and experience needed to fill their vacancies. Employers who wish to participate in the program must first be designated by the provincial government in which they operate.

The AIPP is unique in that it includes three streams, each with its own eligibility criteria:

Atlantic High-Skilled Program: This stream is for employers looking to hire skilled workers for jobs that require a high level of education and experience. To be eligible, workers must have at least a bachelor's degree or a Canadian equivalent and a minimum of three years of fulltime work experience.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: This stream is for employers looking to hire workers for jobs that require a high school diploma or trade certification. To be eligible, workers must have at least one year of full-time work experience.

Atlantic International Graduate Program: This stream is for international graduates who have a post-secondary degree or diploma from a publicly-funded institution in Atlantic Canada. To be eligible, graduates must have a job offer from a designated employer in the region.

Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

For employers in the region, the AIPP offers access to a pool of skilled workers who may not be available through traditional recruitment methods. This can help businesses in the region to grow and expand by filling important vacancies with skilled workers.

Faster Processing Times

One of the key benefits of the AIPP is that it offers faster processing times for immigration applications. This means that qualified applicants can begin working in the Atlantic provinces sooner than they would be able to under other immigration programs. This has been a significant advantage for employers in the region who need workers quickly.

No Labor Market Impact Assessment

Under the AIPP, employers do not have to go through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This process is typically required for employers who want to hire foreign workers under other immigration programs. The LMIA process can be time-consuming and costly, so the fact that it is not required under the AIPP is a significant advantage for employers in the Atlantic provinces.

Permanent Residency

One of the biggest benefits of the AIPP is that it can lead to permanent residency in Canada. Skilled foreign workers who come to the Atlantic provinces under the AIPP can apply for permanent residency after working in the region for a certain amount of time. This has been a major incentive for many foreign workers to come to the Atlantic provinces.

Spousal Work Permits

The AIPP allows spouses of skilled foreign workers to apply for open work permits. This means that spouses are able to work for any employer in the Atlantic provinces, which has been a significant benefit for many families who have come to the region under the program.

Improved Diversity

The AIPP has led to an increase in the diversity of the Atlantic provinces. Skilled workers from a wide range of countries have come to the region under the program, bringing with them new ideas, cultures, and perspectives. This has been beneficial for the region as a whole, as it has helped to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reduced Regional Disparities

The AIPP has helped to reduce regional disparities in Canada. The Atlantic provinces have traditionally been seen as economically disadvantaged compared to other regions of the country. The AIPP has helped to address this by attracting skilled workers to the region and boosting the local economy.

Increased Innovation

The AIPP has led to increased innovation in the Atlantic provinces. Skilled workers who come to the region under the program often bring with them new ideas and approaches, which has helped to stimulate innovation and growth in the local economy.

Improved Quality of Life

The AIPP has improved the quality of life for many skilled foreign workers and their families. The Atlantic provinces are known for their natural beauty, high standard of living, and welcoming