What is AIP?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Permanent Residence (PR) pathway for foreign workers and international graduates who are living and working in one of the four Canadian provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island (PEI).

This program is open to temporary residents already living in Canada or are currently abroad and want to immigrate to these Atlantic provinces.

 

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must have:

1. One year of full-time work experience (at least 1,560 hours) in the last 5 years, unless you’re an international graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
2. Work experience must be in NOC TEER 0,1,2,3,4. TEER 5 is not eligible under this category.
3. Job offer must be in TEER 0,1,2,3,4 from an AIP designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
4. The necessary educational requirements according to your job offer:
   1. For TEER 0 or 1 – you must have a one-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential or higher, OR the equivalent from outside Canada.
   2. For TEER 2, 3 or 4 – you must have a Canadian high school diploma or the equivalent from outside Canada.
5. The minimum language score according to your job offer:
   1. CLB 5 if working in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job.
   2. CLB 4 if working in a TEER 4 job.
6. Have enough settlement funds. If you’re already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you don’t need to show proof of funds.

 

What is an AIP-designated employer?

The Atlantic provinces have designated some employers who can extend an AIP job offer to temporary residents, making them eligible to apply for PR under the AIP program. These employers understand their responsibilities and compliance requirements related to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). They go through mandatory onboarding and cultural competency training to familiarize themselves with the process and their obligations as an employer.

 

Is AIP the right program for me?

• If you are already living in one of the Atlantic provinces, AIP might be your best pathway to permanent residency.
• If you live in other provinces with very competitive PNP programs, your CRS score is low compared to the recent draws and your work permit is expiring soon, AIP might be the way to go!

 

How can I get a work permit extension through AIP?

Once you get a job offer in an eligible TEER and with an eligible employer, the employer can submit your job offer to the applicable Atlantic province for an endorsement and a supporting work permit referral letter. You can use this work permit referral letter to apply for an additional two-year work permit under the AIP program. Keep in mind that there are additional criteria to consider while determining eligibility for this work permit.

 

The AIP process can be technical and daunting. That is why we are here to help! For further information and to discuss specifics of your case, contact us at [email protected] ; or 226-881-3343. We will be happy to assist you!

 

Disclaimer: The above application is meant for informational and knowledge purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration.html