Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It provides a direct route to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer.
What does it mean for an employer to be ‘designated’ under the AIP?
For an employer to participate in the AIP, they must first apply to their provincial government to become ‘designated.’ This designation confirms that the employer is in good standing and has committed to supporting newcomers with settlement and integration resources, often in partnership with a local settlement service provider organization.
How are the 2025 priorities for the AIP determined by each province?
Each Atlantic province determines its own priorities based on specific labour market needs and economic development goals. For 2025, these priorities are heavily influenced by critical shortages in sectors like healthcare (Nova Scotia), skilled trades (New Brunswick), tourism (PEI), and the energy sector (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What is a settlement plan and why is it required for the AIP?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan created for the applicant and their family by a designated settlement service provider organization. It identifies resources and contacts to help them settle into their new community, addressing needs like housing, language training, and education. It is a mandatory component of the AIP process to ensure newcomers are well-supported.
Can I apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply to the AIP without a valid, full-time job offer from a designated employer. The job offer is the foundational requirement of this employer-driven program and is necessary before you can proceed with the provincial endorsement and permanent residence application.
Talk to us to find out more. ->
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.
Secure a Job Offer First: Your top priority is to find a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer. Focus your job search on the priority sectors identified by your target province.Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, education (with an Educational Credential Assessment if your credential is from outside Canada), and language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 4 or 5, depending on the job’s skill level).Obtain a Settlement Plan: You must work with a designated settlement service provider to develop a settlement plan for yourself and your family. Your employer can help you connect with the right organization.Receive Provincial Endorsement: Your employer will submit an endorsement application to the province on your behalf. You cannot apply for permanent residence through the AIP without this endorsement letter.Submit Your PR Application: Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. You may also be eligible for a temporary work permit while your PR application is being processed.Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It provides a direct route to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer.
What does it mean for an employer to be ‘designated’ under the AIP?
For an employer to participate in the AIP, they must first apply to their provincial government to become ‘designated.’ This designation confirms that the employer is in good standing and has committed to supporting newcomers with settlement and integration resources, often in partnership with a local settlement service provider organization.
How are the 2025 priorities for the AIP determined by each province?
Each Atlantic province determines its own priorities based on specific labour market needs and economic development goals. For 2025, these priorities are heavily influenced by critical shortages in sectors like healthcare (Nova Scotia), skilled trades (New Brunswick), tourism (PEI), and the energy sector (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What is a settlement plan and why is it required for the AIP?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan created for the applicant and their family by a designated settlement service provider organization. It identifies resources and contacts to help them settle into their new community, addressing needs like housing, language training, and education. It is a mandatory component of the AIP process to ensure newcomers are well-supported.
Can I apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply to the AIP without a valid, full-time job offer from a designated employer. The job offer is the foundational requirement of this employer-driven program and is necessary before you can proceed with the provincial endorsement and permanent residence application.
Talk to us to find out more. ->
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.
- Secure a Job Offer First: Your top priority is to find a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer. Focus your job search on the priority sectors identified by your target province.Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, education (with an Educational Credential Assessment if your credential is from outside Canada), and language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 4 or 5, depending on the job’s skill level).Obtain a Settlement Plan: You must work with a designated settlement service provider to develop a settlement plan for yourself and your family. Your employer can help you connect with the right organization.Receive Provincial Endorsement: Your employer will submit an endorsement application to the province on your behalf. You cannot apply for permanent residence through the AIP without this endorsement letter.Submit Your PR Application: Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. You may also be eligible for a temporary work permit while your PR application is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It provides a direct route to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer.
What does it mean for an employer to be ‘designated’ under the AIP?
For an employer to participate in the AIP, they must first apply to their provincial government to become ‘designated.’ This designation confirms that the employer is in good standing and has committed to supporting newcomers with settlement and integration resources, often in partnership with a local settlement service provider organization.
How are the 2025 priorities for the AIP determined by each province?
Each Atlantic province determines its own priorities based on specific labour market needs and economic development goals. For 2025, these priorities are heavily influenced by critical shortages in sectors like healthcare (Nova Scotia), skilled trades (New Brunswick), tourism (PEI), and the energy sector (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What is a settlement plan and why is it required for the AIP?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan created for the applicant and their family by a designated settlement service provider organization. It identifies resources and contacts to help them settle into their new community, addressing needs like housing, language training, and education. It is a mandatory component of the AIP process to ensure newcomers are well-supported.
Can I apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply to the AIP without a valid, full-time job offer from a designated employer. The job offer is the foundational requirement of this employer-driven program and is necessary before you can proceed with the provincial endorsement and permanent residence application.
Talk to us to find out more. ->
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.
- Secure a Job Offer First: Your top priority is to find a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer. Focus your job search on the priority sectors identified by your target province.Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, education (with an Educational Credential Assessment if your credential is from outside Canada), and language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 4 or 5, depending on the job’s skill level).Obtain a Settlement Plan: You must work with a designated settlement service provider to develop a settlement plan for yourself and your family. Your employer can help you connect with the right organization.Receive Provincial Endorsement: Your employer will submit an endorsement application to the province on your behalf. You cannot apply for permanent residence through the AIP without this endorsement letter.Submit Your PR Application: Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. You may also be eligible for a temporary work permit while your PR application is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It provides a direct route to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer.
What does it mean for an employer to be ‘designated’ under the AIP?
For an employer to participate in the AIP, they must first apply to their provincial government to become ‘designated.’ This designation confirms that the employer is in good standing and has committed to supporting newcomers with settlement and integration resources, often in partnership with a local settlement service provider organization.
How are the 2025 priorities for the AIP determined by each province?
Each Atlantic province determines its own priorities based on specific labour market needs and economic development goals. For 2025, these priorities are heavily influenced by critical shortages in sectors like healthcare (Nova Scotia), skilled trades (New Brunswick), tourism (PEI), and the energy sector (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What is a settlement plan and why is it required for the AIP?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan created for the applicant and their family by a designated settlement service provider organization. It identifies resources and contacts to help them settle into their new community, addressing needs like housing, language training, and education. It is a mandatory component of the AIP process to ensure newcomers are well-supported.
Can I apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply to the AIP without a valid, full-time job offer from a designated employer. The job offer is the foundational requirement of this employer-driven program and is necessary before you can proceed with the provincial endorsement and permanent residence application.
Talk to us to find out more. ->
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.
- Key Applicant Takings for the 2025 AIP Process:
- Secure a Job Offer First: Your top priority is to find a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer. Focus your job search on the priority sectors identified by your target province.Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, education (with an Educational Credential Assessment if your credential is from outside Canada), and language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 4 or 5, depending on the job’s skill level).Obtain a Settlement Plan: You must work with a designated settlement service provider to develop a settlement plan for yourself and your family. Your employer can help you connect with the right organization.Receive Provincial Endorsement: Your employer will submit an endorsement application to the province on your behalf. You cannot apply for permanent residence through the AIP without this endorsement letter.Submit Your PR Application: Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. You may also be eligible for a temporary work permit while your PR application is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It provides a direct route to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer.
What does it mean for an employer to be ‘designated’ under the AIP?
For an employer to participate in the AIP, they must first apply to their provincial government to become ‘designated.’ This designation confirms that the employer is in good standing and has committed to supporting newcomers with settlement and integration resources, often in partnership with a local settlement service provider organization.
How are the 2025 priorities for the AIP determined by each province?
Each Atlantic province determines its own priorities based on specific labour market needs and economic development goals. For 2025, these priorities are heavily influenced by critical shortages in sectors like healthcare (Nova Scotia), skilled trades (New Brunswick), tourism (PEI), and the energy sector (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What is a settlement plan and why is it required for the AIP?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan created for the applicant and their family by a designated settlement service provider organization. It identifies resources and contacts to help them settle into their new community, addressing needs like housing, language training, and education. It is a mandatory component of the AIP process to ensure newcomers are well-supported.
Can I apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply to the AIP without a valid, full-time job offer from a designated employer. The job offer is the foundational requirement of this employer-driven program and is necessary before you can proceed with the provincial endorsement and permanent residence application.
Talk to us to find out more. ->
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.
As an employer-driven initiative, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) continues to be a vital stream for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. Heading into 2025, the four Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—are refining their priorities to address specific economic and demographic needs. This guide offers an in-depth look at the anticipated priorities for the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2025, providing crucial insights for prospective applicants and employers.
Table of Contents
- Decoding the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2025: A Pivotal Pathway to PR Nova Scotia’s Strategic Focus: Bolstering Healthcare and Tech Sectors through the 2025 AIP New Brunswick’s Ambitious Agenda: Prioritizing Bilingual Talent and Skilled Trades in the AIP 2025 Prince Edward Island’s Vision: Cultivating Growth in Tourism and Agri-Food via the 2025 AIP Newfoundland and Labrador’s Resourceful Approach: Targeting Energy and Ocean Sciences for the 2025 AIP The Indispensable Role of Designated Employers in the 2025 Atlantic Immigration Program Navigating Your Application: Key Steps and Considerations for the AIP in 2025 Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
Decoding the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2025: A Pivotal Pathway to PR
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) stands as a unique collaboration between the federal government and the four Atlantic provincial governments. Its primary objective is to attract and retain skilled foreign workers and international graduates to meet the persistent labour market shortages in the region. Unlike points-based systems such as Express Entry, the AIP is employer-led, meaning a valid job offer from a designated employer is the cornerstone of the application. This model fosters a direct connection between newcomers and the local economy, enhancing settlement and retention rates. As we move into 2025, the program’s significance is amplified by Canada’s broader immigration targets and the specific demographic challenges facing the Atlantic region, including an aging population and a need for specialized skills. The program’s design emphasizes long-term integration, requiring applicants to have a settlement plan and employers to support their transition into the community, making it a truly holistic immigration pathway.
Nova Scotia’s Strategic Focus: Bolstering Healthcare and Tech Sectors through the 2025 AIP
Nova Scotia is poised to heavily leverage the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2025 to address critical shortages in its healthcare system. The demand for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, and continuing care assistants remains at an all-time high. Consequently, designated employers in the healthcare and social assistance sector will be at the forefront of the province’s AIP strategy. Job offers in these occupations are expected to receive prioritized processing and support from provincial authorities. Beyond healthcare, Nova Scotia’s burgeoning technology sector is another key area of focus. The province is actively seeking software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and IT project managers to fuel its growth as a tech hub. Designated employers in the information technology field will likely find strong provincial encouragement to utilize the AIP to fill these high-skilled roles. International graduates from Nova Scotian institutions with degrees in these in-demand fields will also be seen as prime candidates, as the province aims to retain the talent it helps to cultivate. The overarching goal for Nova Scotia in 2025 is to use the AIP not just to fill jobs, but to build a sustainable workforce for its most vital and fastest-growing industries.
New Brunswick’s Ambitious Agenda: Prioritizing Bilingual Talent and Skilled Trades in the AIP 2025
As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick places a significant premium on candidates proficient in both English and French. For the 2025 Atlantic Immigration Program, this priority will be more pronounced than ever. Designated employers seeking to fill roles that require bilingual capabilities—particularly in customer service, administration, and management—will find the AIP an invaluable tool. The province views bilingual newcomers as essential for both economic growth and the preservation of its unique cultural fabric. Alongside language skills, New Brunswick is grappling with a severe shortage of skilled trades professionals. The construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors are in dire need of welders, electricians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and long-haul truck drivers. The AIP will be a critical channel for employers in these industries to recruit the experienced workers needed to complete major infrastructure projects and maintain supply chains. The province is expected to work closely with industry associations to designate more employers in these sectors and streamline the process for bringing qualified tradespeople to New Brunswick. This dual focus on bilingualism and skilled trades represents a targeted approach to reinforcing the province’s economic foundations.
Prince Edward Island’s Vision: Cultivating Growth in Tourism and Agri-Food via the 2025 AIP
Prince Edward Island’s economy is heavily reliant on its vibrant tourism and robust agri-food sectors, and its 2025 AIP priorities reflect this reality. The province will continue to support designated employers in the hospitality industry, targeting experienced cooks, food and beverage servers, and hotel management staff to support its world-renowned tourism offerings. As PEI’s tourism season expands, the need for a stable, year-round workforce in this sector becomes more pressing, making the AIP a perfect solution for employers seeking to retain talent long-term. In parallel, the agri-food industry, including farming, aquaculture, and food processing, requires a steady supply of labour. The AIP will be instrumental in filling roles for farm supervisors, specialized livestock workers, and labourers in food and beverage processing plants. The province recognizes that the success of these cornerstone industries depends on attracting and retaining dedicated workers. Therefore, PEI’s 2025 strategy will likely involve targeted outreach to employers in these sectors, encouraging them to become designated under the AIP and connect with foreign nationals who have the skills and experience to contribute to the Island’s economic prosperity and unique way of life.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Resourceful Approach: Targeting Energy and Ocean Sciences for the 2025 AIP
Newfoundland and Labrador is harnessing the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2025 to support its specialized and globally significant industries: energy and ocean sciences. The province’s offshore oil and gas sector, as well as its emerging renewable energy projects, demand a highly skilled workforce. Engineers, geoscientists, and specialized technicians with experience in the energy industry will be top priorities for AIP recruitment. Designated employers in this sector are critical to the province’s economic stability and future growth. Furthermore, Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a world leader in ocean technology and marine sciences creates a demand for researchers, oceanographers, and tech specialists. The ‘Ocean Supercluster’ initiative has spurred innovation and job creation, and the AIP will be a key pathway for companies to attract top international talent to fill these niche roles. The province’s strategy is to align its immigration efforts directly with its economic development plan, ensuring that newcomers arriving through the AIP have clear career pathways in industries where Newfoundland and Labrador holds a competitive advantage. This targeted approach aims to not only fill immediate job vacancies but also to enhance the province’s capacity for innovation in its key sectors.
The Indispensable Role of Designated Employers in the 2025 Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is fundamentally built around the active participation of local employers. Before an employer can make a valid job offer under the AIP, they must first receive designation from the respective provincial government. This process ensures that employers are in good standing and are committed to supporting the settlement of their new employees. For 2025, provinces are continuing to streamline the designation process while ensuring employers understand their significant responsibilities. These responsibilities extend beyond simply providing a job; designated employers must connect the newcomer with a settlement service provider organization to create a personalized settlement plan. This plan addresses needs such as housing, transportation, and language training, and is a mandatory component of the PR application. The employer’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment is a key factor in the program’s high retention rates. As such, prospective AIP applicants should focus their job search on companies that are already designated. A list of designated employers is often available through provincial immigration websites, and actively targeting these companies can significantly improve one’s chances of securing a qualifying job offer for the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2025.
Navigating Your Application: Key Steps and Considerations for the AIP in 2025
Successfully navigating the Atlantic Immigration Program requires a clear understanding of its distinct, employer-driven process. Unlike other economic immigration streams, the journey begins with securing a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. Once this crucial first step is complete, the applicant and employer work together to complete the necessary provincial endorsement application. This involves obtaining a settlement plan from a designated settlement service provider organization. The settlement plan is a personalized document that outlines the resources and connections the applicant and their family will need to successfully establish themselves in their new community. After the province reviews the job offer, the settlement plan, and the employer’s designation status, it will issue a Certificate of Endorsement if the application is approved. This endorsement is the key that permits the applicant to submit their final application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It’s a multi-stage process that emphasizes collaboration between the applicant, the employer, the province, and settlement organizations.
- Key Applicant Takings for the 2025 AIP Process:
- Secure a Job Offer First: Your top priority is to find a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer. Focus your job search on the priority sectors identified by your target province.Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, education (with an Educational Credential Assessment if your credential is from outside Canada), and language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 4 or 5, depending on the job’s skill level).Obtain a Settlement Plan: You must work with a designated settlement service provider to develop a settlement plan for yourself and your family. Your employer can help you connect with the right organization.Receive Provincial Endorsement: Your employer will submit an endorsement application to the province on your behalf. You cannot apply for permanent residence through the AIP without this endorsement letter.Submit Your PR Application: Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. You may also be eligible for a temporary work permit while your PR application is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hire foreign nationals for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. It provides a direct route to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer.
What does it mean for an employer to be ‘designated’ under the AIP?
For an employer to participate in the AIP, they must first apply to their provincial government to become ‘designated.’ This designation confirms that the employer is in good standing and has committed to supporting newcomers with settlement and integration resources, often in partnership with a local settlement service provider organization.
How are the 2025 priorities for the AIP determined by each province?
Each Atlantic province determines its own priorities based on specific labour market needs and economic development goals. For 2025, these priorities are heavily influenced by critical shortages in sectors like healthcare (Nova Scotia), skilled trades (New Brunswick), tourism (PEI), and the energy sector (Newfoundland and Labrador).
What is a settlement plan and why is it required for the AIP?
A settlement plan is a personalized plan created for the applicant and their family by a designated settlement service provider organization. It identifies resources and contacts to help them settle into their new community, addressing needs like housing, language training, and education. It is a mandatory component of the AIP process to ensure newcomers are well-supported.
Can I apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply to the AIP without a valid, full-time job offer from a designated employer. The job offer is the foundational requirement of this employer-driven program and is necessary before you can proceed with the provincial endorsement and permanent residence application.
Talk to us to find out more. ->
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.
