Visa Priorities for Canada’s Atlantic Provinces in 2025

By Visa Jobs CanadaAugust 19, 2025August 19, 2025PNP & Provincial Immigrationatlantic immigration program, Atlantic provinces, Canadian immigration, visa sponsorship, work permits

As Canadian provinces adjust their immigration strategies, particularly with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), it’s essential for international job seekers to stay informed about the evolving landscape. This program targets skilled workers and international graduates wanting to settle in Atlantic Canada.

With reduced allocations for 2025, provinces are now prioritizing specific occupations, especially in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. If you’re considering moving to Canada, this could be a golden opportunity for you.

Key Sectors Prioritized in 2025

The following sectors are top of the list for AIP in 2025:

Prince Edward Island: Focuses on healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
Nova Scotia: Emphasizes healthcare and social assistance, alongside construction.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Prioritizes specific occupations in healthcare, information and communication technology, and agriculture.
New Brunswick: Currently has paused its AIP program for the remainder of 2025.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is an employer-driven pathway offering permanent residency (PR) opportunities to skilled workers and international graduates. To qualify, applicants need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces, and the province must endorse this offer.

Unlike other routes like the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), where you need provincial nominations, eligible candidates under the AIP can apply directly to the federal government for PR. They may also qualify for a temporary work permit that allows them to begin working while waiting for their PR application to be processed.

How to Secure a Job Offer

If you are keen on the AIP, it’s crucial to get a job offer from a designated employer. Each Atlantic province provides a list of these employers, and many are eager to welcome international talent. On our site, VisaJobsCanada.com, you’ll find numerous job listings that specifically offer visa support to international applicants. We aim to connect you with employers who are keen to sponsor work permits.

Eligibility Criteria

A job offer from a designated employer.
To either have relevant work experience or be a recent graduate from a recognized institution in the Atlantic province.
Meet specific educational requirements based on your job offer’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level.
Demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French.
Proof of funds to support yourself upon arrival, unless you’ve already been working in Canada.

Work Experience Requirements

For skilled workers, at least 1,560 hours of work in the last five years is required. This experience must fall within the NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. If you’re an international student, you may bypass the work experience requirement if you’ve earned a two-year credential from an accredited institution and lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months before graduating.

The Path to Permanent Residency

Once you receive your job offer, the next step is to create a settlement plan, often facilitated by your employer. This plan aids you in adapting to your new home in Canada. After securing the job offer and the settlement plan, the employer will need to endorse your job offer with the province. If endorsed, you will receive a certificate to use for your PR application.

If you’re eager to explore job opportunities from overseas, many listings on VisaJobsCanada.com include visa support, making your transition smoother. The AIP stands out as a fast-tracked avenue to settle in Canada, especially for those in critical sectors.

Need More Information?

For a successful move to Canada, it’s important to stay updated on application processes and job opportunities. To explore if you meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian immigration and find job opportunities that suit your skill set, head over to VisaJobsCanada.com.