Atlantic Canada Immigration Program

Atlantic Canada Immigration Program
Atlantic Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Program is a new immigration pathway that allows newcomers to move to one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This article provides an overview of the eligibility criteria and application process for immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident (PR) through the AIP.

What is the Atlantic Canada Permanent Resident Program (AIP)?
This immigration program is a federal government immigration program, known as the Atlantic Canada immigration program, that allows qualified foreign workers and international students who have studied in Canada to live permanently in one of the provinces. to settle in Atlantic Canada and find a job in the following four provinces:

Nova Scotia (NS),
New Brunswick (NB),
Prince Edward Island (PEI),
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
On December 31, 2021, the successful Atlantic immigration pilot program was replaced by this new permanent residency program. The Atlantic Migration Program, like the pilot program, is employer-driven. It seeks to address labor shortages in the above four provinces by helping companies fill positions they have been unable to find locally qualified people.

Who can apply for the Atlantic Canada AIP Immigrant Program?
You can apply for the Atlantic Migration Program if:

have recently graduated from a post-secondary educational institution (college or university) recognized by the Atlantic Canadian provinces or are a skilled foreign worker in Canada or abroad;
Having a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic Canadian provinces,
Having a minimum level of work experience,
Fulfilling educational qualifications,
Meet English or French language proficiency requirements, and
Show that you have the financial resources to support yourself and your family in Canada.
What are the requirements for work experience in the Atlantic AIP immigration program?
You will be eligible for the Atlantic Canada AIP Immigrant Program when you meet all of the following requirements:

In the past five years, you must have worked at least 1,560 hours (roughly equivalent to 30 hours per week for a year). This can include time spent working full-time or part-time, as well as time spent studying.
Your previous work experience was in a National Classification Occupation (NOC) with TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (formerly Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, B, or C). Your employment history must match the job responsibilities listed for that NOC.
You are paid to work. Volunteer work, unpaid internships, and self-employment are not eligible.
Working hours in and out of the country may be included. To work legally in Canada as a temporary resident, you must have the necessary authorization.
Add up the number of hours you worked during at least 12 months.
As long as the hours are within the guidelines of your study permit, work experience gained while studying is acceptable.
If you are an international student studying in Canada, you must meet the following conditions:

You have completed at least a two-year degree, diploma, certificate, trade certificate or apprenticeship from a college or university recognized by Atlantic Canada.
You are enrolled full-time during your entire course of study.
Lived at least 16 months in one of the Atlantic Canadian provinces in the two years prior to graduation.
Have a valid visa or permit to study or work in Canada.
What are the educational requirements for the Atlantic Canada immigration program? To be eligible for the Atlantic Canada program, you must meet one of the following educational requirements:

If the job you’re applying for requires NOC TEER 0 or 1 (formerly known as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A), you must have a one-year Canadian degree (post-secondary) or its international equivalent .
If your job offer is for NOC TEER 2, 3 or 4 (formerly skill level B or C) you must have a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent outside of Canada.
Let’s say you completed your education outside of Canada. In this case, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your education meets the requirements of the Canadian Education Standards for the position you have been offered. On the day IRCC receives your application, the ECA report must not be more than five years old.

What are the language proficiency requirements for Atlantic Canada’s immigration program? The minimum language requirements for your job offer are determined by the NOC category. Depending on the language, it may be the Canadian Language Benchmark Level (CLB, for English) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC, for French).

For a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job (previous skill type 0 or skill level A or B), you need at least a CLB/NCLC 5.
For a NOC TEER 4 job (previous skill level C), you must have at least a CLB/NCLC 4.
Test results from an accredited language testing organization must be sent to IRCC. When applying, test results should not be more than two years old.

Funding required for the Atlantic Canada immigration program During the first few months of your stay in Canada, you must have enough cash to support yourself and your family. Regardless of whether they are traveling to Canada with you, the amount of cash needed depends on the size of your family. If you already reside in Canada and work there under a valid work permit

You do not need to provide proof of funds.

The number of people in your family, which includes anyone you sponsor who is not moving with you, will determine how much money you need. All candidates must demonstrate that they can support their families financially upon arrival in Canada. Please check the table below.

Number of family members (including those in your file but not migrating with you)

Required funds (in Canadian dollars)
1

$3,327

2

$4,142

3

$5,092

4

$6,183

5

$7,013

6

$7,909

7

$8,806

For each additional family member

$896

What are the Atlantic Canada job offer requirements?
You must submit a job offer (job offer) from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces as part of the application process for the Atlantic Immigration Program. On the websites of Atlantic provincial governments, you can find a list of employers who are allowed to hire applicants under the AIP and unfilled positions.

Your Atlantic Canada job offer must meet the following requirements to be eligible for AIP:

Must be for a full-time position requiring at least 30 hours of paid work per week.
The job position must be stable throughout the year and without a seasonal component.
A qualifying job offer employing NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 (formerly Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B) must be for at least one year from the moment you become a permanent resident.
Job offer for NOC TEER 4 (former skill level C) must be permanent with no expiration date.
The company offering employment cannot be a company in which you or your spouse have a majority stake.
The offer of employment must require at least the same degree of ability as your relevant work experience. There are exceptions for foreign graduates and certain positions in the treatment sector.
When you accept an Atlantic Canada job offer from a recognized Atlantic employer, you and the employer must sign the Foreign Employment Offer Form. A copy of the form must be included in your application for permanent residence in Canada. You should also request a copy of your employer’s confirmation from them.

Steps of the Atlantic immigration program
Here is the application process for the Atlantic AIP Immigrant Program:

Make sure you qualify for the AIP Atlantic Immigration Program
Collect the necessary documents
Get your accommodation plan
Get a provincial approval certificate
Complete your application for permanent residence in Canada and pay the application fees
Submit your request
Wait for the application to be reviewed by Immigration Canada
The possibility of applying for a work permit while waiting for permanent residence approval (optional)
Prepare for the day of arrival in Canada
Step 1: Make sure you are eligible for the Atlantic AIP Immigrant Program Before applying, you must meet the eligibility requirements (work experience, education, language skills, and proof of funds) of the Atlantic Canada Immigrant Program described above. Step 2 : Collect the required documents for the Atlantic Canada Immigration Program To avoid delays in your application for permanent residence through AIP, it is better to start collecting your necessary documents early. Some of the necessary documents for your permanent residence application include the following:

Language test results: All applicants, including those who studied in Canada, must pass a test to demonstrate their proficiency in English, French, or both languages. For your Atlantic Canada job offer, your CLB/NCLC results must meet the minimum language standards.
Evaluation of Educational Qualifications (ECA): If your education was outside of Canada, you will need an ECA to confirm that your qualifications are at or above the level required for your NOC.
Proof of work experience: You must provide employer’s work reference letters, work contracts or salary slips to show that you have the necessary work experience. If you have previously worked in Canada, you must also provide a copy of your work visa and T4 tax information slip. The work experience requirement for foreign graduates of institutions in Atlantic Canada with designated status is waived.
Proof of funds in the account: A bank statement or other proof from your financial institution that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada is required, unless you are already working there under a valid work permit.
Offer of Employment to a Foreign National – AIP (IMM 0157): This form is filled out by your authorized employer, who also provides you with a copy.
Use of Agent (IMM 5476): You need this form if you are hiring an Official Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or other paid or unpaid agent to file your application.
Proof of temporary resident status: If you are currently in Canada, you must provide a copy of your work or study permit as proof of your temporary resident status.
Identity documents and other personal documents: Additional documents such as birth certificate, marriage or divorce decree, etc. may be required.
Police clearance: Your local law enforcement must conduct a criminal background check.
Step 3: Get your accommodation plan.
After receiving an Atlantic Canada job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada, you will need a settlement plan to apply for the Atlantic Canada immigration program. Your designated employer may provide recommendations for accommodation providers. Alternatively, depending on whether you are inside or outside of Canada, you can choose an accommodation provider from the government’s website.

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Your friends, accommodation provider will assess your resources and needs and provide a customized accommodation plan. Your settlement plan will guide you as you settle into your new life in Canada and inform you of the free services offered in your new community.

You must give your employer a copy of your accommodation plan so they can submit it to the province for approval with your application. When moving to Canada, don’t forget to include your settlement plan.

You cannot receive employment assistance from accommodation providers in Canada. Once you have received an official job offer from a designated Atlantic employer, all you have to do is contact them.

Step 4: Get Provincial Approval Certificate After receiving your accommodation plan, your employer must get provincial approval for your job offer. You cannot apply for permanent residence until your Atlantic Canada job offer has been approved. Once the province approves your job offer, you will receive a certificate of approval to send with your application for permanent residence. Step 5: Complete your application for permanent residence and pay the application fees and thoroughly review the documentation checklist (IMM 0155). Make sure you fill out all the required fields accurately and honestly. Before applying, you must pay the application fees, including the biometric fee. Your email address and debit or credit card can be used to pay online. A printed copy of the payment receipt must be included with your completed application. How much does it cost to apply for the AIP program? Each adult must pay $1,365 as part of the Atlantic Canada Immigrant Program application process. This includes an $850 application processing fee and a $515 fee for permanent residency. If you apply for AIP with your family, there is an additional fee of $230 per dependent child. A biometric fee of CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 per family is required, in addition to country-specific fees for medical examinations. Step 6: Submit your application for permanent residence Your application for permanent residence can be made online at Send by post or courier. Follow the instructions on the Immigration Canada website to submit your application by regular mail or courier. Make sure you print and sign the application and send a copy of your payment receipt.

To apply online, create an account on the PR online application portal. You can digitally fill out the Canadian Permanent Residency Application Form (IMM 0008), Schedule A – History/Declaration (IMM 5669), Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) and Additional Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562) and upload the rest . Submit your online application forms in PDF format.

When submitting online, no form should be printed or manually signed by you (unless the form requires a third party signature). Applying online could be faster and easier as the Canadian government is working to digitize its immigration application process and shorten processing times.

Step 7: Wait for the application to be reviewed by the Canadian Immigration Service The Immigration Service of Canada (IRCC) will review your application after submitting it. Your application will be submitted for processing if complete and you will receive a letter or email with your IRCC office file number and instructions on next steps. After thoroughly reviewing your application and comparing it to the selection criteria, an IRCC Immigration Officer will make a decision. You can find out how to attend a medical examination at an authorized center in your country.

If your application is accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If you are outside of Canada, the Immigration Canada website provides instructions for submitting your biometrics and getting a visa stamp in your passport. A few weeks after you arrive in Canada, you will receive your permanent resident card in the mail.

How long is the processing time for the Atlantic AIP application? The government website states that the current processing period for the Atlantic Canada immigration application for obtaining Canadian permanent residence is 12 months. However, processing periods may vary depending on the number of applications received, the completeness of your application, the ease of verifying your information, and other factors. Your payment may take some time to be processed and accepted. While you are waiting for a response to your permanent residence application, you may be able to apply for a Canadian temporary work visa. This work permit is only valid for employees of designated Atlantic employers who have extended an offer of employment to candidates under the Atlantic Immigration Program. The temporary work permit is valid for one year, and you have 90 days after applying for the work permit to apply for permanent residence. To be eligible for a work permit, you must:

Have an acceptable job offer from a designated Atlantic Canadian employer.
Have a letter of recommendation from the province where you will work.
Submit additional documents, such as language test results, academic qualifications, and evidence of work experience.
Obtaining a temporary work permit is optional while the permanent residence application is being processed. If an Atlantic Canada job offer (provided by an approved employer in the Atlantic regions

(a Canadian) and want to start working before you are granted permanent residence, you will need a work permit.

Step 9: Prepare for the day of arrival in Canada Be prepared to show yourself to the Immigration Canada (IRCC) officer at the border of entry (POE). Your Canadian Resident Card, which serves as proof of your status as a permanent resident of Canada, will be mailed to the Canadian address you listed on your COPR.

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