Are you a foreign national wishing to immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program? AIPP is a new initiative to help attract skilled immigrants to Atlantic Canada. 

In order to qualify for this program, applicants must have a minimum of one year of work or education experience in the field for which they are applying, have a valid job offer from a company, have enough income to support themselves and their families, and possess the required French or English language skills.

We understand this is a challenging time for you, so we have compiled this thorough guide for you so you don’t have to face any ambiguities while making up your mind. Stay tuned.

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What Is AIP Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows immigrants to settle in the Atlantic provinces.

These four provinces are:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island
  • New Brunswick

It’s a permanent resident visa, which permits you to live permanently in Canada while giving you access to many of the same rights as Canadian citizens.

The government of Canada created the AIP program in 2017 as part of a national effort to improve immigration and integration services for newcomers who want to call Canada home.

The program is open to people from countries where English or French are official languages and people from other countries who may have difficulty learning English or French.

The AIP aims to help balance workforce shortages in the region and address labour market needs by allowing a designated employer to hire foreign workers and their families under one application.

The AIP has two streams:

Skilled Worker Stream (SWS) – For skilled workers who want to live and work in Atlantic Canada. This stream is classified into two more components:

  • Highly Skilled People
  • Intermediate Skilled People

International Graduate Stream (IGS) – For international graduates who want to live and work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

AIP also ensures that businesses looking to hire foreign workers have access to the people they need to grow and create jobs in Atlantic Canada.

Employers can nominate foreign nationals who have worked for them for three years or more as managers or specialized professionals in a designated occupation. 

The nomination must include proof of having paid the required employer compliance fee. Once an employer has submitted a nomination application, there is no guarantee that it will be approved.

However, if the application is accepted, it will lead directly to permanent residence (PR) without having to wait for a selection certificate (visa).

Eligibility Criteria For Canadian AIP

The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a federal initiative that helps meet the needs of employers in Atlantic Canada by attracting foreign workers to the region.

This program is designed to provide a faster way for eligible international students, skilled workers, and caregivers to become permanent residents of Canada.

The AIP is open to all qualified candidates from the four Atlantic provinces, regardless of their country of origin. Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

Work Experience

You must have worked at least 1,560 hours in the last five years (1,560 hours equals 50 weeks at 20 hours per week).

To calculate your hours:

  • Determine the total time spent working both part- and full-time jobs.
  • You should not factor in unpaid time when calculating your totals. 
  • The time that was spent working for oneself is not taken into consideration.
  • At least 12 months’ worth of hours must be counted.
  • If the hours spent working during your studies comply with your study permit, you can count it as work experience.

Language Skills

You must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on which province or territory you wish to settle in.

Applicants must demonstrate at least basic knowledge of Canada and its official languages by passing an approved language test or providing proof of their Canadian citizenship.

Applicants must have at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are the four pillars of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), and applicants need to be at least at level 5 in all four to be considered.

There will be a minimal language requirement based on the NOC (National Occupational Classification) category of the position you’re being offered. NOC are:

  • Skill type O: Managerial Skills (CLB 5)
  • Skill type A: Professional Skills (CLB 5)
  • Skill type B: Technical Skills (CLB 5)
  • Skill type C: Intermediate Skills (CLB 4)

Funds For Settlement

The applicant must have enough money to support themselves and their family members coming with them to Canada.

The amount of money that is deemed sufficient depends on the number of family members accompanying you and how long you plan to stay in Canada.

Job Offer

Be in a job that is eligible for the program.

  • Suppose you’ve been offered a position that requires skills at the NOC 0 or A level. A Canadian post-secondary certificate or its foreign equivalent is required in this case.
  • However, a high school diploma (or its foreign equivalent) is typically required for jobs requiring a NOC B or C level of expertise.

AIP Requirements

The Canadian AIP can only be issued to candidates who meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a citizen of Canada or a permanent resident.
  • Have completed a post-secondary degree, Canadian high school diploma, or certificate within two years of applying;
  • Have at least one year of work experience within the past five years in an occupation on NOC 0, A, or B;
  • Possess English or French language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or equivalent;
  • Intend to reside in one of four eligible provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • After moving to Canada, you must prove that you have enough money to care for yourself and your family.

Check Out Canada Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program | AIPP Requirements:

Programs Under AIPP

This program has been designed to meet the needs of employers struggling to fill jobs with qualified workers.

It will also help address some of the challenges facing Atlantic Canada’s aging population by attracting younger immigrants who can contribute to its economy and society.

The AIP includes three streams or pathways:

  • Atlantic High-Skilled Program
  • Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
  • Atlantic International Graduate Program

Continue reading if you are interested in learning more specifics about these pathways.

Atlantic High-Skilled Program

The Atlantic High-Skilled Program is a permanent residency program for skilled workers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island).

The AISP helps facilitate the entry of immigrants with intermediate education or job-specific training into this region.

It does so by helping employers recruit and retain these newcomers in their workforces, especially in areas where there are skills shortages for Canadian workers. 

Applicants must meet certain requirements regarding language proficiency, education level, and more before being considered eligible by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

To be eligible for the AHS, applicants must:

  • Be selected by an employer based in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
  • Have at least one year of full-time work experience in an occupation listed in Skill Type 0 Management Occupations or Skill Level A or B of NOC 2017.
  • Submit evidence of your English or French language ability if required by your province;
  • Have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience (or 2 years part-time) within 3 years before submitting your application;
  • You must have no more than 1 year of full-time study after graduation from a post-secondary institution (i.e., a university degree) and have earned a diploma or degree from an accredited university outside Canada that meets Canadian standards for their equivalent level.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) is a permanent residency program for foreign nationals who can demonstrate intermediate levels of language proficiency and work experience in one or more occupations that are in demand in the Atlantic Canadian labour market.

This program allows employers to recruit foreign workers by offering them a job (not unpaid internships), subject to certain conditions.

For an employer to be eligible for this program, they must prove that there is an existing labour shortage and that filling these jobs with Canadian citizens or permanent residents would be impossible or difficult. 

The AISP is designed for temporary workers who are skilled or semi-skilled in a variety of fields, including:

  • Construction trades
  • Information technology
  • Health care
  • Engineering
  • Architecture and building

The following are the requirements to qualify under the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program:

  • Applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience in an occupation that falls within NOC skill levels B, C, or D.
  • Applicants must also meet the language requirements for each Atlantic province where they intend to settle; this includes passing a standardized test in English or French at level 4 or above on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • The applicant must have worked 1560 hours to be considered for the position in the preceding three years. It is not necessary that the hours be spent working for the same employer or company, but they do need to be in the same line of work. 

Atlantic International Graduate Program

The Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) is a program that provides international graduates with an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience while also allowing them to maintain their status as international students.

Suppose you qualify as an AIGP participant and want to continue living and working in Canada after your time limit expires.

In that case, you will need to find a job that meets certain criteria and apply for an extension of your work permit through Express Entry.

To be eligible for the AIGP, a candidate must:

  • Meet the eligibility criteria for post-graduate studies at your chosen institution.
  • You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university outside of Canada.
  • Candidates must also meet certain minimum language requirements, which depend on their country of origin. They will be required to submit documents proving that they have met these requirements by submitting proof of English or French language proficiency.
  • Be able to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members while living in Canada;

Defining Settlement Plan

aipp full form

The settlement plan is a document that provides an immigrant with a clear picture of how they will be supported once they arrive in Canada.

The government provides basic information on available services and how to access them. Still, it’s up to the individual to find out more details and establish relationships with local service providers.

The settlement plan is also known as the “integration plan” or “adaptation plan,” depending on the province or territory where you settle.

What Is Provincial Endorsement?

Provincial endorsement is approval from a province or territory in Canada that allows you to apply for permanent residence through a certain immigration stream. This approval is also sometimes called “nomination.” 

To be eligible for provincial endorsement, you must meet the requirements of the particular immigration stream you’re applying under, as well as any additional requirements set by the province or territory. 

The provinces and territories that currently offer provincial endorsement are: 

  • Alberta 
  • British Columbia 
  • Manitoba 
  • New Brunswick 
  • Newfoundland and Labrador 
  • Northwest Territories 
  • Nova Scotia 
  • Nunavut 
  • Ontario 

A provincial endorsement is a way for the government of a Canadian province to show its support for a particular individual or organization. This can be in the form of a financial contribution or simply recognizing their work in some way. 

There are many reasons why a provincial government might choose to endorse someone or something. For instance, they may want to promote economic development in their province, support a local company or entrepreneur, or attract new talent to the area. 

Endorsements can also be used as a way to thank people or organizations for their contributions to the province. 

The process of getting provincial endorsements varies from province to province but usually involves submitting an application and then being reviewed by a committee. 

Defining The Optional Temporary Work Permit

The Optional Temporary Work Permit, or OPT, is a work permit that allows foreign students to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. 

The OPT is an optional program, which means that it is not mandatory for all foreign students. However, it is a popular program among international students who want to gain work experience in Canada. 

The Optional Temporary Work Permit is one of several types of work permits that are available to foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada on a temporary basis. Other types of work permits include the Open Work Permit and the Closed Work Permit.

Alternatives For Immigration To Atlantic Canada

Canada’s Atlantic provinces are sometimes overshadowed by the larger and more populous provinces to the west. However, the Maritimes have a lot to offer, including beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a slower pace of life. 

For immigrants looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of cities like Toronto or Vancouver, the Atlantic provinces can be an appealing option.

There are several ways to immigrate to the Atlantic Provinces. The Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Program is a federal program that aims to bring skilled workers and international graduates to the region. 

The best alternatives of Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Programs are:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program
  • Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
  • Nova Scotia Nominee Program

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing lifestyle or an opportunity to start fresh, the Atlantic provinces may be the right choice for you. With programs in place to welcome new immigrants, it’s never been easier to make the move.

FAQs

What is the age limit for AIPP Canada?

The good news is that there is no specific age limit for the AIPP. As long as you are between 18 and 35 years old, you should be eligible to apply.
 
Of course, keep in mind that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the program. There are a number of other factors that will be taken into consideration, such as your education, work experience, language ability, and whether or not you have a job offer from a participating employer in Canada. 

Do you need a job offer for AIPP?

Yes, you will need a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada in order to be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. This job offer must be for a eligible position and must be registered with the provincial or territorial government. 

Employers who are interested in participating in the program can find more information on the website of the province or territory they are located in. For more information on the eligibility requirements and process for applying to the program, please visit On The Move Canada.

Which is better, PNP or AIPP?

The decision of which program to choose (PNP or AIPP) for immigration to Canada depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at the key differences between the two programs: 

1. The PNP is for skilled workers who have been offered a job in Canada. The AIPP, on the other hand, is for immigrants who want to start their own business in Canada. 
2. The PNP has a points-based system, whereby applicants are awarded points for factors such as age, education, and work experience. The AIPP does not have a points system. 
3. The PNP has different streams for different types of skilled workers (e.g. there is a stream for Express Entry candidates and another stream for provincial nominees). The AIPP only has one stream. 
4. The PNP has a faster processing time than the AIPP. 
5. The PNP is for immigrants who want to live and work in a specific Canadian province or territory. 
6. AIPP is for immigrants who want to live and work anywhere in Canada. 

Now that we’ve looked at the key differences, let’s talk about which one might be better for you, depending on your circumstances. 

If you already have a job offer from a Canadian employer, then the PNP would be the better option for you. If you don’t have a job offer yet, but are open to working anywhere in Canada, then the AIPP would be a better option. 

Ultimately, the decision of which program to choose comes down to your own personal circumstances and preferences. 

Can I move to another province after AIPP?

Yes, you can move to another province after immigrating through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). You are not required to live in the province where you received your immigrant visa, and you can move to any other Canadian province or territory once you have been granted permanent residence. 

However, please note that each province has its own requirements for permanent residents, so it is important to check with the provincial government about your intended destination before making any plans to move. 

Final Thoughts

Immigration is something that is often discussed, but it can be hard to know where you stand or what options are open to you. We hope this blog was useful for you and that now you have a better idea of what to expect from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

One thing that you should never do, however, is go through the process alone. You need to be aware of all the things that can happen along the way and the potential consequences of any changes. It is important to keep a few specifics, including those things that apply to this program or possibly qualify.

Although applicants can enter into the AIP federal immigration program through several Atlantic provinces, they must still be accepted by the province. Applicants will then be screened and approved or denied based on certain criteria.