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5 min read
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) was created to assist foreign nationals coming to the four Atlantic Provinces in Canada namely New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The reason behind this is so that provinces in the region can combat Atlantic Canada’s labour market needs and rising demographic challenges. The AIP aims at closing the skill gaps in the Atlantic region, supporting businesses as well as luring global talent. This is a good option if you’re looking for permanent residence in Canada. Here are some frequently asked questions about the program
Is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program easy?
Compared to the Provincial Nomination Programs, the AIPP is a much more simplified program when it comes to eligibility requirements. Getting a job offer from an eligible employer in one of the four provinces is the main requirement. Once you get offered a job, all that’s left to do is fulfill the other requirements. After all of that, qualifying for Permanent Residence (PR) should be a simple exercise.
How long will AIPP last?
Good news, the pilot is no longer a temporary program! The Atlantic Immigration Pilot launched on March 6, 2017 as a temporary pilot, and became a permanent program on January 1, 2022. The pilot proved to do so well with assisting foreign nationals in filling labour market gaps that the government decided to keep it for good.
Does AIPP require IELTS?
Yes, the AIPP does require IELTS.
What is IELTS you ask? The English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS) was developed to provide an accurate and fair assessment of the English language. Test questions are created and developed by language specialists from countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Can I change employers in the AIPP?
A candidate who has applied to the AIPP for permanent residence in Canada, and who has a change in their situation such as wanting to change employers, family composition, address etc. must immediately inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in writing using the web form on the government's website.
Here’s how to change employers within the AIPP:
- Inform the province that you’re changing employers
- Ask the province to modify the endorsement certificate to show the current employer and the date of the change
- Ask for a letter of support that shows that the province supports the new job
- Ask the province to amend your original endorsement to show the new employer and date of employment
- Ask the province to issue a new letter of support for another work permit
- Inform IRCC of your employment change and attach the new endorsement certificate, as well as the current letter of support from the province that the new job is in
- Apply for a new work permit with the new AIPP employer
Please note: Changing employers or moving to another province within the AIPP could complicate your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
One of the RCICs we work with answers a frequently asked question below:
Question: Can I move to another province after AIPP?
Once you get your Citizenship you will be able to move legally.
What are the AIPP Fees?
What are the AIPP Fees?
| AIPP Cost | |
|---|---|
| Fee | Price |
| Your application | $1,325.00 |
| Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | $825.00 |
| Include your spouse or partner | $1,325.00 |
| Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | $825.00 |
| Include a dependent child | $225.00 (per child) |
| Biometrics – per person | $85.00 |
| Biometrics – per family (2 or more people) | $170.00 |
How to Apply Through the AIPP
1. Choose the correct program
Within the AIPP there are three programs to choose from. One program for international student graduates and two for skilled workers.
Atlantic International Graduate Program
This program is for candidates who have gotten a qualification from a institution that’s publicly funded in one of the four Atlantic provinces. The requirements for this program are:
- Regardless of the language you completed your studies were in, you will need to take a language test;
- You will need to have resided in the province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before obtaining your qualification;
- You will need proof of settlement funds for you and any other dependents that will be living with you.
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
To be eligible you’ll need one year's worth of work experience in a position or occupation that requires a high school qualification or job-specific training. More requirements for this program are:
- Having a Canadian credential or a high school diploma that is equal to one, for this you’ll need a Educational Credential Assessment (ECA report);
- You’ll need to take a language test to show you are proficient in 1 of 2 languages (English or French) in order to work in Canada and;
- You’ll need proof of funds to support yourself or any family joining you.
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
You’ll need one year of working experience in a management position or professional skilled job.
- Your degree or diploma has to be equivalent to a Canadian credential, which means you will need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done;
- You’ll need an approved language test to be done to prove your proficiency in French or English and you’ll need proof of funds that meet the minimum requirements for you and anyone joining you in Canada.
Once you have chosen which program would better suit your needs, getting a job offer will be easier as you will know what to look for. This is a great way of getting permanent residence in Canada.
2. Get a job offer
To be able to apply for this program you will need a job offer. Here’s what you’ll need to get one:
- The offer has to be done on an Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form;
- Only full-time jobs will be looked at, which means you have to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and be employed in a permanent position;
- Your employer has to be registered as a company that takes part in the AIP;
- Make sure it is the correct occupation type you are applying for that is listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC);
- The offer has to be for at least 1 year and;
- You’ll have to meet the requirements stated in the job offer. This ensures you’re qualified and able to fulfill your duties that the company requires you to.
3. Complete your application
Once you have chosen the program that works for you, all you have to do is complete and submit the application online. The processing time will take up to six months.
If you’ve always wanted to travel and couldn’t find a simple route, then the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program could potentially be what you’ve been looking for.
