The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a fast-track immigration pathway for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
AIPP helps employers in these provinces hire foreign workers and offers a faster route to permanent residency (PR).
Key Benefits of AIPP
✔ No LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) required
✔ Faster PR processing (typically within 6 months)
✔ Lower eligibility requirements than Express Entry
✔ Open to international graduates without work experience
✔ Employers directly support candidates with settlement services
AIPP Program Streams
1. Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)
For skilled workers with job offers in managerial, professional, or technical roles.
Eligibility:
- One year of work experience (NOC 0, A, B)
- Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Language score of CLB 4 (English or French)
- Job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)
For workers in occupations requiring high school education or job-specific training.
Eligibility:
- One year of work experience (NOC C jobs such as truck drivers, butchers, and food service supervisors)
- Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- CLB 4 language score
- Job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
3. Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)
For recent graduates from public post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada.
Eligibility:
- Graduated from a 2-year program in an Atlantic province
- No work experience required
- CLB 4 language score
- Job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
How to Apply for AIPP
Step 1: Get a Job Offer from a Designated Employer
Employers in the Atlantic provinces must be designated under AIPP to hire foreign workers.
Step 2: Get a Settlement Plan
After receiving a job offer, candidates must get a settlement plan from an approved organization.
Step 3: Employer Submits Endorsement Application
The employer applies for a provincial endorsement, which is required before applying for PR.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Once endorsed, candidates can apply for PR with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).