Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration program that helps employers recruit skilled foreign workers and international graduates to meet labor needs. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot or AIP was launched in March 2017 by the federal government in response to the population challenges faced by all the Atlantic Provinces. The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed to welcome additional newcomers to the Atlantic Canada region to fill the needs of local employers and communities. The program allows designated local employers to identify, recruit and retain global talent. The program also has the goals of supporting population growth, developing a skilled workforce, and increasing employment rates in the region.
Eligibility
To participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program, employers must first be approved by being designated and then have their positions endorsed by the province. Once the employer’s positions are endorsed, foreign worker(s) identified by the employer can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residency. The foreign worker can also get a temporary work permit while waiting for permanent residency.
How it Works
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven program that facilitates the hiring of foreign nationals All principal applicants arriving in Canada under the program must have a job offer from a designated employer and an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their family. Once a designated employer finds a candidate who meets their employment needs and the program criteria, that employer will need to first offer them a job. Employers do not need to go through the process of obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once the candidate has accepted the job, the employer will connect the candidate with a designated settlement service provider organization for a needs assessment and to develop a settlement plan. Employers will also support the long-term integration of the new immigrant and his or her family, if applicable, so they can reach the goals of their settlement plan once they arrive in Canada. Employers that need to fill a job vacancy quickly will have access to a temporary work permit, so that the candidate and his or her family can come to Canada as soon as possible. To obtain this work permit, candidates will need:
- a valid job offers.
- a letter from the province; and
- a commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work.
How to Apply
- Review the guides and resources listed below.
- Complete the online application form and include all required information.
- Applications for designation and endorsement must be submitted using the online system. Sample application forms below are not an accepted form of submission.
Some of the Universities providing the AIP Course are as follows -
- Crandall University - New Brunswick
- Mount Allison University - New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador College – North Atlantic
- Cape Breton University - Nova Scotia
- Acadia University - Nova Scotia
- Mount Saint Vincent University - Nova Scotia
- Prince Edword Island Holand College
