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AIP — Atlantic Immigration Program

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

3.1 years

Estimated Cost

CAD $1,590

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-driven permanent residence pathway for skilled workers and international graduates in Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers and international graduates with a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. Employer-driven, it waives the LMIA requirement, giving employers faster access to foreign talent.

Applicants must meet CLB 4+ language requirements, hold a high school diploma, and have at least one year of relevant work experience. A settlement plan from a recognized provider is required. Fees are CAD 990 (processing) plus CAD 600 (RPRF). Current processing time is about 38 months.

This visa is ideal for skilled workers and international graduates who have secured a job offer in Atlantic Canada and want a direct, employer-supported pathway to permanent residence.

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Cost Breakdown

Processing feeCAD $990

Right of Permanent Residence FeeCAD $600

TotalCAD $1,590

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province (NB, NS, PEI, or NL).

Must meet minimum educational requirements (Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent).

Must meet language proficiency requirements (CLB/NCLC 4 or 5 depending on the job level).

Must have at least one year of relevant work experience (1,560 hours) in the last five years (unless an international graduate).

Must have sufficient settlement funds (unless currently living and working in Canada with a valid work permit).

Must have a personalized settlement plan developed with a recognized service provider.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Savings

3,815 CAD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of Endorsement.

Valid job offer from a designated employer.

Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF).

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees.

Proof of work experience.

Proof of settlement funds.

Settlement plan.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Streamlined, employer-driven pathway to permanent residence.
Provides support for settlement and integration into the community.
Lower language and education requirements compared to some other economic immigration programs.
Allows candidates to work in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.

Worth Knowing

Requires a job offer from a specific designated employer; you cannot apply independently.
Limited to the four Atlantic provinces.
Employers must be designated by the provincial government, which may limit the pool of potential employers.
Processing times and requirements can be subject to change based on provincial and federal policy updates.