The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal initiative designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates to address labor shortages. To qualify, all principal applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer and an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their families to support their successful integration into the region.

Eligibility: For employers to participate in the AIP, they must first receive provincial designation and then have their job positions endorsed. This ensures the positions meet program requirements and align with local labor needs.

Once the job offer is endorsed by the province, the foreign worker identified by the employer can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency. While awaiting PR approval, the foreign worker may also be eligible for a temporary work permit, allowing them to start working immediately in Canada.

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a streamlined pathway for both employers and workers, making it an effective solution for addressing the region’s labor demands while providing a clear route to permanent residency for foreign workers.