Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of Canada’s flagship regional immigration pathways, created to support long-term population growth, labour force stability, and economic development across Atlantic Canada. Designed as a permanent successor to the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, AIP enables designated employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador to hire skilled workers and international graduates for positions they are unable to fill locally. Unlike many provincial programs, AIP offers a streamlined process, employer-driven selection, faster processing, and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Let's have a complete, lawyer-level analysis of AIP requirements, employer designation, job-offer rules, candidate eligibility, settlement plans, documentation, refusal risks, and strategic factors influencing successful permanent residence applications. AIP is particularly attractive for applicants seeking stable employment, regional settlement opportunities, and fast-track PR processing.

Overview of the Atlantic Immigration Program

The AIP is an employer-driven program allowing designated Atlantic employers to hire qualified workers for positions they cannot fill locally. The program has three applicant categories:

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Intermediate-Skilled Worker Stream
• International Graduate Stream

All categories share common requirements, including a job offer from a designated employer, a settlement plan, and provincial endorsement.

Designated Employers

Employers must apply for designation in their respective province. To become designated, the employer must:

• be in good standing with provincial and federal regulators,
• demonstrate recruitment needs,
• show the ability to support settlement of newcomers,
• sign a commitment to help the applicant integrate.

Designation is renewable and monitored. Employers must comply with settlement support obligations.

Core Steps in the AIP Process

Step 1: Employer Designation

Employer becomes designated by the province.

Step 2: Job Offer & Recruitment

The employer extends a full-time, non-seasonal job offer that meets program criteria.

Step 3: Settlement Plan

Candidates are referred to settlement service providers who prepare an individualized settlement plan tailored to their needs.

Step 4: Provincial Endorsement

The employer submits the job offer, settlement plan, and other documents for endorsement by the province.

Step 5: Permanent Residence Application

Once endorsed, candidates apply to IRCC for permanent residence under the AIP.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

Requirements vary by category but include common elements:

• Job Offer: Must be full-time, non-seasonal, and from a designated employer.
• Work Experience:
  • Skilled Worker: 1 year in TEER 0–3.
  • Intermediate-Skilled: 1 year in TEER 4.
  • International Graduates: No experience required if graduated from an Atlantic institution.
• Language: CLB 4+. (Higher scores recommended for competitiveness.)
• Education: Minimum high school or equivalent; ECA required for foreign credentials.
• Funds: Proof of settlement funds (unless already working in Canada).

International Graduate Stream

This stream is typically the most accessible, requiring:

• a credential from a publicly funded Atlantic institution,
• a job offer from a designated employer,
• no minimum work experience requirement.

Graduates must have lived in the Atlantic province for at least 16 months during the final 2 years of their program.

Job Offer Requirements

All job offers must:

• be non-seasonal,
• be full-time (at least 30 hours/week),
• be for at least one year (TEER 0–3) or permanent (TEER 4),
• fall within NOC TEER 0–4,
• align with provincial occupational priorities.

Unlike many PNP programs, no LMIA is required.

Settlement Plan Requirements

Each applicant must undergo an intake with a settlement service provider, who prepares a mandatory settlement plan. This plan outlines:

• housing support recommendations,
• language training needs,
• community services,
• employment transition supports.

Employers must review and sign the plan, agreeing to assist the worker upon arrival.

Provincial Endorsement

The endorsement process involves:

• submitting the job offer,
• attaching the settlement plan,
• showing recruitment efforts (if required),
• confirming employer compliance,
• receiving a Certificate of Endorsement.

Endorsement is required before applying to IRCC.

Documentation Required for PR Application

• endorsement certificate,
• identity and civil documents,
• police certificates,
• medical exams,
• proof of funds (if applicable),
• language test results,
• educational credentials/ECA,
• work experience documents (except for international graduates).

Common Refusal Issues

• settlement plan inconsistencies or lack of employer support,
• job offer not meeting TEER or non-seasonality requirements,
• insufficient work experience documentation,
• language results below CLB 4,
• inability to demonstrate intent to reside in the Atlantic region,
• incomplete provincial endorsement applications,
• inadmissibility (medical, criminal, misrepresentation).

Judicial Review & Procedural Fairness

AIP refusals may be challenged where:

• officers ignore key evidence,
• eligibility criteria are misinterpreted,
• procedural fairness is breached,
• credibility is assessed unreasonably,
• endorsement conditions are dismissed improperly.

However, IRCC retains broad discretion on final PR decisions.

Strategic Tips for AIP Success

• seek employment from designated employers only,
• strengthen settlement plans with clear, tailored details,
• ensure job duties match NOC and TEER levels precisely,
• prepare language and education documents early,
• avoid gaps in work-experience evidence,
• demonstrate strong intent to reside in the Atlantic region.

Role of Skilled Counsel

AIP is a streamlined but technical process involving employers, service providers, and provincial authorities. Skilled immigration counsel:

• assesses eligibility across AIP categories,
• advises employers on designation and compliance obligations,
• prepares settlement plan documentation,
• ensures NOC and job-offer alignment,
• handles procedural fairness issues,
• represents clients in judicial review where necessary.

With proper planning and legal guidance, the Atlantic Immigration Program provides one of Canada’s most efficient and supportive pathways to permanent residence for workers and graduates committed to settling in Atlantic Canada.