The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): Unlocking Opportunities in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a unique immigration initiative designed to address labor market needs and encourage economic growth in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces. Launched in 2017, the AIPP provides a streamlined pathway for employers in Atlantic Canada to hire foreign workers and support their permanent residency.

The AIPP is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces:

1. Newfoundland and Labrador
2. Prince Edward Island (PEI)
3. Nova Scotia
4. New Brunswick

Benefits of the AIPP:

1. Employer-Driven: The AIPP focuses on the needs of employers in the Atlantic Provinces. Employers must first receive designation from their respective provincial government to participate in the program. Once designated, they can recruit foreign workers to fill job vacancies that they have been unable to fill locally.

2. Streamlined Process: The AIPP simplifies the immigration process by providing a dedicated pathway for skilled workers and international graduates to obtain permanent residency. The program has specific streams for different categories of applicants:

   a. Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP): Targets individuals with a job offer for a high-skilled position (National Occupational Classification Skill Level 0, A, or B) from an employer in one of the Atlantic Provinces.

   b. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP): Designed for individuals with a job offer for an intermediate-skilled position (National Occupational Classification Skill Level C) from an employer in one of the Atlantic Provinces.

   c. Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP): Geared towards international graduates who have completed a program of at least two years in duration at a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the Atlantic Provinces.

3. Job Offer Requirement: Applicants to the AIPP must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic Provinces. The job offer must meet specific requirements, such as offering competitive wages and being supported by the employer’s settlement plan.

4. No Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): One of the notable advantages of the AIPP is that it exempts employers from the traditional requirement of obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This streamlines the hiring process and expedites the arrival of skilled workers.

5. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their families receive an Atlantic Immigration Work Permit, allowing them to work and live in one of the Atlantic Provinces. After meeting specific requirements, such as working for a designated employer for a minimum period, they can apply for permanent residency through the AIPP.

The AIPP presents a unique opportunity for skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates to build a long-term career and contribute to the vibrant communities of the Atlantic Provinces. With its employer-driven approach and simplified processes, the AIPP has proven to be an effective program for attracting and retaining talent in the region.

If you are a skilled worker, intermediate-skilled worker, or international graduate looking to pursue opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program may be the pathway to a successful and fulfilling future in one of Canada’s most picturesque and welcoming regions.