Atlantic Immigration Program

Overview

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-led permanent residence route for skilled workers and qualifying recent graduates who will live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.

The offer must come from a designated employer

The employer must be designated by the Atlantic province where the work will occur. Designation belongs to the employer and does not by itself prove that a particular offer is endorsed.

The job must meet the program’s duration, hours, NOC and location requirements. Confirm designation on the provincial source and make sure the written offer matches the employer’s submission.

Workers and Atlantic graduates use different evidence

Most skilled-worker applicants need qualifying work experience connected to the offered job. A recent graduate of a recognized Atlantic institution may be exempt from work experience if the education, residence and timing conditions are met.

The education level and language minimum depend partly on the TEER of the offered occupation. Foreign education generally requires an ECA.

Settlement planning is part of the application

After the job offer, the applicant obtains a personalized settlement plan from an approved service provider and gives it to the employer. The employer submits it when seeking provincial endorsement.

The province issues confirmation if it endorses the offer. The applicant includes both the settlement plan and endorsement with the permanent residence application.

A temporary work permit is optional and separate

A person who meets the requirements may qualify for a two-year employer-specific work permit with a provincial referral letter while PR is processed. Approval of that permit does not guarantee permanent residence.

Applicants must normally show settlement funds unless already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit. Family members and admissibility are assessed in the PR application.