Canada AIPP - A Step By Step Process to Apply

In the vast landscape of Canadian immigration, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) - previously known as the Canada Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) - stands out as a unique and promising pathway, particularly tailored for those eyeing the charming and vibrant region of Atlantic Canada. Designed to address the specific needs of the Atlantic provinces, this program seeks to attract skilled individuals who can contribute significantly to the local economy and community. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process to apply.

About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

As mentioned above, the Atlantic Immigration Program replaced the Canada AIPP in December 2021. Atlantic Immigration Pilot. The AIP is a pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who wish to live and work in Atlantic Canada.

The program helps employers hire qualified, skilled workers and recent graduates of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada for jobs they cannot fill locally. So if you would like to immigrate to Canada and settle in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, follow the steps below to apply to the AIP to make your Canadian dream a reality.

Start Your Canadian Journey

How to Apply to the AIP

Getting started on your application for the AIP is like taking the first steps toward making Atlantic Canada your new home. This guide is here to help you through the process. We'll break it down into simple steps so you know exactly what you need to do.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply to immigrate to Canada, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program. Understanding the requirements will save you time and effort down the road.

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you need to:

• Possess qualifying work experience unless you are an international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
• Meet or surpass the educational criteria.
• Meet or surpass the language proficiency standards.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.

Once you fulfill all these conditions, you will be eligible to begin your job search with a designated Atlantic employer.

Employment Experience

A minimum of 1,560 work hours is required over five years. This must be equivalent to what one would accumulate in a year working 30 hours per week.

Guidelines for Calculating Your Hours

• Include both part-time and full-time employment hours.
• Only consider paid work hours; volunteering or unpaid internships will not be taken into account.
• Exclude hours spent on self-employed endeavors.
• Hours worked inside or outside Canada are eligible, provided you have legal authorization to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
• Accumulated hours should span at least 12 months.
• Work experience gained during studies is acceptable as long as it aligns with authorized work hours.

This experience should fall within the specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) section:

• TEER 0 (Management roles)
• TEER 1 (Professional positions typically requiring a university degree, such as doctors, dentists, or architects)
• TEER 2 (Technical roles and skilled trades necessitating at least 2 years of college or apprenticeship, or positions with supervisory or safety responsibilities like police officers and firefighters)
• TEER 3 (Technical roles and skilled trades requiring less than 2 years of college or apprenticeship; or more than 6 months of training)
• TEER 4 (Intermediate roles that require high school education and/or several weeks of job-specific training, such as butchers, drivers, or food service workers)

For International Graduates

The necessity to fulfill work experience prerequisites is waived for international graduates if you meet the following criteria:

• You must have a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade/apprenticeship certification that involves a minimum of two years of studies.
• The credential you obtained must be from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
• You must have maintained full-time student status throughout the entire duration of your studies.
• You must have resided in one of the Atlantic Canadian provinces for at least 16 months within the last two years before graduation.
• You must have held the necessary visa or permit for working, studying, or training during your stay in Canada.

Step 2: Secure an Offer of Employment

To pursue employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada, you must target designated regional employers. For detailed information, consult the official websites of the respective provinces before you start your Canadian immigration journey.

The job offer you consider must align with the following criteria:

• It should be a full-time position.
• The role must be non-seasonal, implying consistent and regularly scheduled paid employment throughout the year.
• For job offers falling under NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories, the employer must guarantee a position lasting at least 1 year from the moment you gain Canadian permanent residency.
• For job offers in the NOC 2021 TEER 4 category, the employer should provide permanent employment without a set end date.
• The job offer is ineligible if it originates from a company where you (the applicant) or your spouse/common-law partner holds majority ownership.
• The job's skill level should be at the same or higher than the work experience that qualified you for the position (refer to the table below) unless you are an international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
• Exceptions exist for certain healthcare sector roles where a job offer doesn't necessarily have to match the skill level or surpass the qualifying work experience..

When You a Job Offer

Upon receiving a job offer from a designated employer, you will be presented with the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form [IMM 0157] . You must verify that you meet the employment requirements outlined in the National Occupational Classification.

Once this is done, you must sign the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form and retain a copy for your records. This form will be crucial when collaborating with a service provider organization for your settlement plan and during the application process for permanent residence.

In the event of receiving a job offer from an employer, you must:

• Request a copy of the employer's Confirmation of Designation, or
• Introduce them to the Atlantic Immigration Program and encourage them to consider obtaining designation if they haven't done so already.

Step 3: Gather the Necessary Documents

Prepare your documents well to ensure a smooth and timely application process for Canadian Permanent Residency in Atlantic Canada.

Language Proficiency Test

It is mandatory to undergo a language test and submit the results with your application, even if you pursued your studies in Canada. Familiarize yourself with the language testing requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Educational Credential Assessment

If you obtained your qualification outside of Canada, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. This report provides a comparative analysis of your education against Canadian standards.

Proof of Funds

As mentioned before, having sufficient funds to support yourself and your family is crucial when you get to Canada. Determine the required amount of funds for your arrival in Canada. Note that proof of funds is unnecessary if you already reside and are employed in Canada with a valid work permit.

Additional Documentation

Several additional documents are necessary for your application. Utilize the checklist provided in the application guide to ensure you have all the required documentation. While you can start preparing your application now, submission is only possible once you have gathered all the necessary documents.

Obtaining a Settlement Plan

Once you successfully secure a job offer from a designated employer, you must obtain a settlement plan. This will be a valuable tool to help you and your family adapt to your new home in Atlantic Canada. It offers valuable resources and contacts, facilitating a smoother integration into your new community. These plans are provided at no cost.

Already in Canada? Then, it would help if you collaborated with a settlement service provider organization in the area where you'll be employed. Your designated employer can assist you in locating a suitable organization.

If you are not in Canada yet, numerous settlement service provider organizations nationwide are available for contact. Consult your designated employer for recommendations.

If you are a French speaker, you'll find several Francophone organizations to help you.

Note: Settlement service provider organizations are not aware of employers seeking workers, so refrain from contacting them for job placement.

Upon acquiring your settlement plan, provide a copy to your employer and retain one for yourself. If you are not yet in Canada, bring the plan when you relocate.

Obtain Your Certificate of Endorsement

Once you have secured your settlement plan, the next step involves obtaining endorsement for your job offer from the province. Your employer will manage this procedure. Refrain from submitting your permanent residence application until you have confirmed with your employer that your offer has been officially endorsed.

Upon the province's endorsement of your job offer, you will receive a Certificate of Endorsement by mail. Ensure that you include this endorsement certificate with your permanent residence application.

Step 4: Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency

Once ready to apply for Canadian permanent residency, you must begin your application process by ensuring you have all the necessary supporting documents. This includes the Certificate of Endorsement you received after the province endorses your job offer.

Collect the required checklist and application forms in the instruction guide. Ensure you have your settlement plan, language test results, educational credential assessment (if applicable), and proof of funds.

Complete the application forms diligently, providing accurate information. Be meticulous in providing details regarding your settlement plan, language proficiency, and educational background.

Make sure you submit the necessary fees as outlined in the application guide. Payment details and accepted methods will be specified.

Once you have thoroughly reviewed and confirmed that all required documents are in order, submit your application. It is crucial to include the Certificate of Endorsement you received from the province.

Before officially submitting your application, double-check that you have everything to avoid any delays or complications. After ensuring the completeness of your application, you can mail it to the address provided in the instruction guide. This meticulous approach ensures a smooth and efficient processing of your permanent residency application in Canada.

Start Your PR Process!

What to Expect Once You Have Applied

After you apply to the AIP, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will go through your application to ensure that you've:

• Completed your application for permanent residence accurately and comprehensively.
• Submitted the required processing fee.
• Satisfied all the stipulated requirements.
• Included all necessary documents in your application.

Subsequently, they will reach out to you for the following:

• Requesting your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
• Confirming the review of your application.
• Asking for additional documents, if needed.
• Arranging an interview, if deemed necessary.
• Providing guidance on the subsequent steps and what to anticipate.
• Prompting you to pay your right of permanent residence fee, if you haven't done so already.

Biometrics

If you're between the ages of 14 and 79, you will probably have to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). You will be expected to pay the biometric fee upon submission of your application to avoid delays. You have 30 days from the date stated on the letter to give your biometrics.

As soon as the IRCC gets your biometrics, they will start processing your application. If they need more information, they will contact you.

What Happens When Your Application is Approved?

Upon approval of your application, you will receive the following:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which contains essential information about your identity, including your photograph.
• A permanent resident visa (if your nationality requires one)

You must verify that the information on your COPR aligns with the details on your passport. Should you identify any inaccuracies, you must promptly contact the IRCC to rectify the error.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

FAQs

When Should I Get a Medical Exam?

You must undergo a medical examination before you immigrate to Canada. Your family members must also have one, even if they're not coming with you. We'll tell you when to submit these documents.

For Which Reasons Could the IRCC Reject My Application?

The IRCC may reject your application if:

• You are a danger to Canada's public health or safety
• You will place strain on health or social services in Canada

Do I Need to Apply for a Temporary Work Permit?

If you fulfill the criteria for your permanent residence application, you may qualify to apply for a temporary work permit. This permit allows you to work while your permanent residence application is being processed.

This temporary work permit applies exclusively to the Atlantic Immigration Program. It has a validity period of two years and restricts employment to the specific employer who extended the job offer to you.

It's important to note that obtaining a temporary work permit does not guarantee automatic approval of your permanent residence application. To be eligible for a work permit, you must have a job offer from a designated employer that meets the specified requirements.