Atlantic Canada’s economic growth and community vitality rely on attracting and retaining international talent. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal-provincial economic partnership involving Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Designated employers can hire foreign workers and international graduates without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), providing candidates with a direct pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence (PR).

At Lex Defensio, Mahmood Hussain and our immigration law team assist Atlantic employers, foreign professionals, and international graduates through employer designation, provincial endorsements, and IRCC permanent residence filings.

Core AIP Streams & Qualifying Thresholds

The AIP operates under three main streams based on candidate experience and education:

AIP Stream Target Candidate Qualifying Experience Language & Education
Atlantic High-Skilled Professionals, managers, and skilled trades. 1 year (1,560 hrs) in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations in the past 5 years. • TEER 0/1/2/3: CLB 5 minimum. • 1-year post-secondary or foreign high school equivalent (ECA required).
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Intermediate, technical, and essential service workers. 1 year (1,560 hrs) in TEER 4 occupations (or relevant health support roles). • TEER 4: CLB 4 minimum. • Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent (ECA).
Atlantic International Graduate Recent grads from public Atlantic institutions. Exempt from work experience if criteria met. Must hold a 2-year degree/diploma and have lived 16+ months in the region. • Minimum CLB 4 or 5 depending on NOC TEER. • 2-year post-secondary credential from recognized Atlantic DLI.

Employer Designation & Job Offer Framework

Unlike conventional provincial nominee programs, the AIP is heavily employer-driven:

  1. Employer Designation: Before hiring, Atlantic businesses must obtain official AIP employer designation from their respective provincial government.
  2. Qualifying Offer of Employment: The job offer must be full-time (minimum 30 hours/week), non-seasonal, and paid at prevailing wage rates:
    • TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 positions: Offer must be for at least 1 year from the date of PR approval.
    • TEER 4 positions: Offer must be permanent (indeterminate).
  3. Mandatory Settlement Plan: Before provincial endorsement, candidates must complete a personalized settlement plan through an approved settlement service provider.

Step-by-Step AIP Application Progression

1.1. Secure a Qualifying Job Offer:Designated Employer Match.

Obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a provincial designated employer in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland and Labrador.

2.2. Complete the Pre-Endorsement Settlement Plan:Needs Assessment.

Connect with a designated immigrant settlement agency in Atlantic Canada to complete a settlement plan covering housing, language, and community integration.

3.3. Obtain Provincial Endorsement:Provincial Review.

The designated employer submits the position and settlement plan to the provincial government to receive a Provincial Endorsement Certificate.

4.4. File Work Permit & IRCC PR Application:Bridge Work Permit Option.

Submit the formal online application for Permanent Residence to IRCC. Candidates can concurrently apply for an AIP-specific 2-year work permit to start working while PR is processed.

5.5. Admissibility & Permanent Landing:PR Confirmation.

Complete medical exams, background clearances, and biometrics to receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for the primary candidate, spouse, and dependants.

Regional Impact & Benefits

  • No LMIA Required: Streamlines overseas and domestic hiring for local employers, cutting out Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) processing delays.
  • Integrated Settlement Support: Newcomers receive structured settlement assistance, improving retention and family integration into Atlantic communities.
  • Spousal Work Permits: Accompanying spouses and common-law partners are eligible to apply for open work permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No. Employers designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program are exempt from needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Settlement funds are required based on family size. However, candidates already lawfully residing and working in Canada under a valid work permit are exempt from proof of funds.

Offers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 must be for at least one year from the date PR is granted. TEER 4 offers must be permanent with no fixed end date.

Graduates from Canadian colleges outside Atlantic Canada can apply under the Atlantic High-Skilled or Intermediate-Skilled streams if they possess 1 year of qualifying work experience. The work experience exemption applies specifically to graduates of designated Atlantic Canada public institutions.

Under the leadership of Mahmood Hussain, Lex Defensio assists Atlantic businesses with designation filings, handles endorsement documentation, and prepares PR and work permit submissions.