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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

CA$1,590 CAD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

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 feeCA$990 CAD

Right of Permanent Residence FeeCA$600 CAD

TotalCA$1,590 CAD

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 EUR

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.

Application Process

Receive a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.

Work with a settlement service provider to create a settlement plan.

Employer applies for provincial endorsement.

Receive the Certificate of Endorsement.

Apply for a temporary work permit (if needed) and permanent residence to IRCC.

Undergo medical exams and background checks.

Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) upon approval.

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Receive a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.; Work with a settlement serv…

canada.ca

Fee Breakdown

Processing fee: 990 CAD; Right of Permanent Residence Fee: 600 CAD

canada.ca

Fees

CAD 990 (processing fee) + CAD 600 (Right of Permanent Residence Fee)

canada.ca

Forms

—

canada.ca

Included Nationalities

—

canada.ca

Job Offer Required

true

canada.ca

Official Info

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigra…

canada.ca

Max Stay

Permanent

canada.ca

Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

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

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.

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 EUR

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.