The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is designed to help employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces—Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—hire foreign workers to fill labor shortages in their communities. This program is a great option for immigrants who want to live and work in one of Canada’s beautiful Atlantic provinces.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
1. Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the AIP. These criteria depend on whether you are applying as a skilled worker, an intermediate-skilled worker, or an international graduate.
Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Workers:
- Job offer: You must have a valid job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Work experience: You should have at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, or B).
- Language proficiency: You need to demonstrate your language skills in either English or French (minimum CLB 4).
- Education: You must have at least a high school diploma, and additional qualifications may be required depending on the job.
Eligibility Requirements for Intermediate-Skilled Workers:
- Job offer: You must have a valid job offer in an intermediate-skilled occupation (NOC C or D).
- Work experience: Typically, a minimum of one year of work experience in your field is required.
- Language proficiency: A minimum of CLB 4 in either English or French.
- Education: You need at least a high school diploma.
Eligibility Requirements for International Graduates:
- Graduation from a recognized institution: You must have graduated from a designated learning institution in an Atlantic province within the last 12 months.
- Job offer: You need a valid job offer from an employer in the same province where you graduated.
- Work experience: International graduates are not required to have work experience for the AIP.
- Language proficiency: You must meet the language proficiency requirements.
2. Secure a Job Offer
To apply for the AIP, you need to have a valid job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. The employer must be a designated employer who is authorized to hire workers under the AIP. The job offer should be full-time and permanent, and it must be for a position that meets the specific skill requirements of the program.
Employer’s Responsibilities:
- The employer must first apply for a designation through the province where the job is located.
- The employer will submit a job offer to the candidate, who must accept it before proceeding with the application.
3. Obtain a Provincial Endorsement
After securing a job offer from a designated employer, the next step is to apply for provincial endorsement. The employer submits the job offer and relevant documents to the provincial government for approval.
The province will assess whether the job offer meets the program’s criteria and determine whether to endorse the candidate for immigration. Once endorsed, you will receive a Certificate of Endorsement from the province, which is required to apply for permanent residence.
4. Gather the Required Documents
After receiving the Certificate of Endorsement, you can start gathering the necessary documents to submit your application for permanent residency. Common documents include:
- Job offer letter from the employer.
- Certificate of Endorsement from the provincial government.
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF test results).
- Educational credentials (e.g., degree certificates, diplomas, or transcripts).
- Work experience documents (e.g., reference letters, employment contracts).
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
- Police certificates from countries where you have lived for more than 6 months.
- Medical exam results (if required).
5. Submit Your Application to IRCC
Once you have all the required documents, submit your application for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You can apply for permanent residency under the AIP using two methods:
- Online application: You can submit your application online through the IRCC website.
- Paper application: If you are unable to apply online, you can submit a paper application by mail.
6. Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the IRCC. The processing time may vary, but the average processing time for an AIP application is 6 to 12 months.
During this period, you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview. If your application is successful, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and you can then proceed with the landing process to become a permanent resident of Canada.
7. Arrive in the Atlantic Province
Once you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, you will need to land in the Atlantic province where your job offer is located. You can do this by visiting the IRCC office in the province or at a Canadian border, where your documents will be processed, and you will officially become a permanent resident of Canada.
Key Benefits of the Atlantic Immigration Program:
- Faster Processing: Compared to other immigration programs, the AIP offers faster processing times.
- Support for Employers: The program helps employers fill labor shortages in the Atlantic provinces.
- Permanent Residency: Successful applicants will receive permanent residency in Canada.
- Flexible Options for Workers: The program allows for both skilled workers and intermediate-skilled workers, as well as international graduates.