Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Program Overview

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in one of Canada's 4 Atlantic provinces.

This is an employer-driven program designed to help employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven't been able to fill locally.

Eligibility Requirements (Skilled Workers)

1. Work Experience

At least 1,560 hours (1 year) of experience in the last 5 years.

• TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupations are eligible.
• Experience can be inside or outside Canada.

2. Job Offer

You must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.

• Full-time and non-seasonal.
• TEER 0, 1, 2, 3: Offer must be for at least 1 year from the time you become a PR.
• TEER 4: Offer must be permanent (no end date).
• No LMIA is required.

3. Education

• TEER 0 or 1: Post-secondary credential (1 year or more).
• TEER 2, 3, or 4: High school diploma.
• Foreign credentials must have an ECA.

4. Language

• CLB 5: For TEER 0, 1, 2, 3.
• CLB 4: For TEER 4.

5. Settlement Funds

You must show enough money to support yourself and your family. If you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you do not need to show proof of funds.

6. Settlement Plan

You must obtain a settlement plan from a settlement service provider organization. Your designated employer sends it with the application for endorsement.

Program Status and 2026 Target

Canada.ca describes the AIP as a pathway to permanent residence. The 2026 to 2028 immigration levels plan sets the 2026 AIP target at 4,000, within a range of 3,000 to 5,000. The 2027 to 2029 plan released on 5 November 2026 raises the AIP target to 6,000 a year. This page was reviewed on 6 November 2026.

Designated Employers and Provincial Selection

Employers must first be designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province where the candidate will work. Canada.ca states there is no cost to become a designated employer, and each province runs its own application.

Provinces now limit how many job offers they endorse, so a job offer from a designated employer does not guarantee an endorsement:

• Newfoundland and Labrador: An Expression of Interest and an Invitation to Apply are required since February 2025. The 2026 AIP allocation is 475. Processing for AIP applications was reported at about 26 months in September 2026 (secondary source, not an official figure).
• New Brunswick: Candidates are drawn from a pool. Since 3 February 2026, employers in accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) are excluded (secondary source).
• Nova Scotia: A one-time July 2026 priority covered in-province workers who submitted an Expression of Interest by 30 June 2026 and whose work permit expires in 2026 or earlier. Nova Scotia's page does not say whether it applies to the AIP, so confirm before relying on it.
• Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI: No 2026 totals have been published.

International Graduates (Exemption)

Graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada are exempt from the work experience requirement if they:

• Studied full-time for at least 2 years.
• Graduated in the last 24 months.
• Lived in the Atlantic province for at least 16 months during the 2 years before graduation.

Application Steps

1. Secure a job offer from a designated employer.
2. Get a needs assessment and settlement plan from a settlement service provider organization.
3. Send the settlement plan to your employer, who applies for provincial endorsement. You receive a provincial endorsement certificate.
4. Submit your permanent residence application and the endorsement certificate to IRCC.

Key Benefits