Canada Immigration News: AIP is Officially Here to Stay!

Canada Immigration News: On December 17, 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRRC) announced that the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) would be made a permanent program as of January 1, 2022.

The AIP has already helped more than 10,000 newcomers from all over the world make their way to Atlantic Canada since it launched just over 4 years ago, in 2017.

The program has been very important in helping the participating employers boost the economy and have created more than 9,800 jobs in Atlantic Canada in it’s key industries:

  • health care;
  • accommodation;
  • food services; and
  • manufacturing.

And perhaps the most positive effect that the AIP has had is that 90 percent of applicants are still living in Atlantic Canada after a year of moving there.

“Over the past few years, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot has made an incredible difference in communities across our region. It has brought us the resource we need most: more people. They’re skilled, they’re young and they’re staying. Now, we’re doubling down on what works by making it permanent, so we can continue attracting the best and brightest to our region and build a vibrant, prosperous future for Atlantic Canada.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Ready to find out how you can join the thousands of skilled immigrants who have already made their way to Canada's Atlantic provinces? Here’s how.

Moving to Atlantic Canada

happy couple with suitcases at airport | Canada Immigration News

You’ll have three options when choosing to immigrate to Atlantic Canada through the AIP:

  • The Atlantic International Graduate Program;
  • Atlantic High-Skilled Program; or
  • Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program.

The Atlantic International Graduate Program Requirements

  • a 2-year degree, diploma or other credential from a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province;
  • have lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before getting your degree, diploma or credential
  • take a language test to show you can communicate in English or French
  • show you can support yourself and your family when you come to Canada

Atlantic High-Skilled Program

  • have worked in a management, professional or technical/skilled job for at least a year (NOC Type 0, or Level A or B);
  • have at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent education;
  • take a language test to show you can communicate in English or French
  • show you can support yourself and your family when you come to Canada

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

  • have worked in a job that requires a high school education and/or job-specific training for at least a year (NOC Level C
  • have at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent education
  • take a language test to show you can communicate in English or French
  • show you can support yourself and your family when you come to Canada.

Other qualifying work experience other than that classified as level C include:

  • Registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse (NOC skill level A 3012)
  • as a licensed practical nurse (NOC skill level B 3233)

Job offers that may be eligible include:

  • Nurse’s aide, orderly or patient services associate (NOC skill level C 3413)
  • Home support worker (NOC skill level C 4412)

Good to Know

Both the Atlantic High Skilled and Intermediate-Skilled programs require that employers meet certain criteria and be designated. This means that the organization must:

  • be in good standing;
  • have been operating in the Atlantic region for at least 2 years;
  • work with a settlement service provider organization to help your candidates get settlement services.


    • How to Apply at Glance

    AIP Infographic | Canada Immigration News

    Fast Facts

    1. Is the AIP closed for good?

    The Atlantic Immigration Pilot will be closed as of December 31, 2021, however the Atlantic Immigration Program will replace it as a permanent way to immigrate to one of four Atlatic provinces:

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

    However, if you have a valid provincial certificate of endorsement, you can still apply for permanent residence through the pilot until March 5, 2022.

    2. When will the AIP start accepting applications?

    The Atlantic Immigration Program will start accepting applications from March 6. 2022.

    3. How many spots will be available through the AIP?

    The Atlantic Immigration Program only has 6,000 spots available every year.

    4. What about my spouse - can they work in Canada too?

    Yes. Your spouse can apply for an open work permit, which means that they can work for any employer. This was an addition made to the pilot on June 1, 2019.