How To Move to Canada with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
By Canada Visa & PR Immigration Pathway Guides, , , ,

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent residency pathway for people who have a job offer in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. These include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. If you have a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces, this could be your path to becoming a permanent resident.

🧾 What Type of Visa is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is a permanent residency program. You will first need a valid job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic region. In some cases, you may be allowed to apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for your PR to be approved.

🏠 What You Get With the Atlantic Immigration Program

  • Permanent resident status for you and your family
  • The right to live and work in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces
  • Access to healthcare and other benefits
  • A pathway to Canadian citizenship in the future

⏱️ Atlantic Immigration Program Processing Time

The average processing time is around 8 months
You may be able to apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for your permanent residency decision

💰 Atlantic Immigration Program Costs and Fees

  • Application fee: CAD $1,525 per adult
  • Child application fee: CAD $260 per child
  • Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person
  • Other costs may include documents, language tests, and translations

✅ Who is Eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

To qualify, you must:

  • Have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province
  • Have a job that meets the skill level and wage requirements
  • Meet language requirements (usually CLB 4 or higher)
  • Have completed at least a high school education
  • Show enough money to support your move if you are already outside Canada

📈 How Competitive is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The main challenge is getting a job offer from an approved employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. Once you have that, your chances of success are high. Employers in this program are used to hiring internationally and understand the process.

👤 Who Should Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

This program is a great fit for:

  • People who already have a job offer in an Atlantic province
  • Workers with experience in health care, hospitality, trades, food services, or transportation
  • International graduates from schools in the Atlantic region
  • People who want to settle in a smaller, welcoming Canadian community

⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?

This may not be your best option if:

  • You do not yet have a job offer
  • You are not willing to live in the Atlantic provinces
  • Your job does not meet the AIP requirements
  • You are seeking a program without employer involvement

📌 Next Steps for the Atlantic Immigration Program

  • Check the official list of designated employers in each Atlantic province
  • Apply for jobs with employers who are authorised to use the AIP
  • Once you get a job offer, follow the AIP application steps with your employer
  • Gather all required documents and apply for permanent residency
  • Consider applying for a temporary work permit if eligible while your PR is being processed

💬 Got Questions About the Atlantic Immigration Program?

If you want help finding a job or understanding how the AIP works, ask in the comments below. We’re here to help you take the next step towards living in Atlantic Canada.