The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federally administered, employer-driven permanent residence pathway designed to address labour shortages in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Unlike Express Entry, which uses a points-based pool, the AIP requires applicants to first secure a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer before applying to IRCC. It covers two streams: a skilled worker stream for candidates with relevant work experience, and an international graduate stream for recent graduates of Atlantic post-secondary institutions.

The AIP is currently processing applications at significantly longer timelines than in prior years. As of March 2026, IRCC’s published processing time is 37 months — a dramatic increase from the 13-month median seen just one year prior. This backlog reflects the surge in AIP applications following the program’s transition from pilot to permanent status in 2022. Prospective applicants must plan with realistic expectations and consider whether a concurrent Express Entry profile (for those who also qualify) provides a faster parallel option.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in NB, NS, PEI, or NL
• Skilled worker: minimum 1 year work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in past 5 years
• International graduate: completed 2-year post-secondary program at Atlantic institution within last 3 years
• Language: CLB 4 minimum for TEER 2-3; CLB 5 for TEER 0-1 (skilled workers)
• Must have a settlement plan and meet financial requirements
• Employer must be designated by the provincial government

AIP Streams and Eligibility

The AIP has two main applicant streams, each with distinct requirements:

• Atlantic Skilled Worker Stream — Requires a minimum 1 year of paid, full-time work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the past 5 years. Language minimum: CLB 4 for TEER 2-3 occupations; CLB 5 for TEER 0-1 occupations. Educational credential equivalent to at least a Canadian high school diploma is required.
• Atlantic International Graduate Stream — For graduates who completed a minimum 2-year post-secondary program at a designated Atlantic institution within the past 3 years. No work experience requirement, though the employer’s job offer must be in an eligible NOC. Language minimum varies by NOC level.

Critically, both streams require a valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. The employer must be designated by the government of the relevant Atlantic province — not all employers qualify. The job offer must be at the appropriate NOC level and must be for at least one year.

The Employer Designation and Settlement Plan

Before an applicant can receive an AIP endorsement, the employer must be designated through the applicable provincial government. Designated employers receive endorsement authority to support AIP applications. The endorsement is a provincial government letter confirming the employer meets designation requirements and supports the specific applicant.

Applicants must also have a settlement plan — a documented plan for how they will settle in the Atlantic province, including housing arrangements and community integration. This plan is reviewed by the provincial authority. Applicants who cannot demonstrate genuine intent to settle in the province (e.g., those who plan to move to another province immediately after receiving PR) are not endorsed.

The AIP process involves two stages: provincial endorsement (with employer), followed by a federal PR application to IRCC. Only after the provincial endorsement is received can the federal application be submitted.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Secure a job offer from a designated employer — Confirm the employer is designated by the provincial government. The employer can verify this or check the provincial government’s designated employer registry.
2. Request provincial endorsement — The employer submits an endorsement request to the provincial authority on the applicant’s behalf. This takes several weeks.
3. Receive endorsement letter — Once endorsed, the applicant receives a letter from the province confirming AIP endorsement.
4. Prepare settlement plan — Document housing and community integration plans in the Atlantic province.
5. Complete language testing — IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF at the required CLB level.
6. Gather documents — Employment reference letters, provincial endorsement, language results, educational credentials/ECA, police clearances, and medical examination.
7. Submit federal PR application to IRCC — Online submission with all documents. Pay government fees.
8. IRCC processing — Currently approximately 37 months for complete applications.

Government Fees, Processing and Documents

Government fees are $1,525 for the principal applicant (including $575 RPRF), $1,525 for a spouse, and $260 per dependent child. Biometrics are $85/$170.

As noted, processing time is currently 37 months (as of March 2026) — significantly longer than typical immigration programs. Applicants who simultaneously qualify for Express Entry should consider whether maintaining an active Express Entry profile in parallel could provide a faster pathway to PR.

• Employer job offer letter from a designated Atlantic employer
• Provincial endorsement letter
• Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay stubs) — or proof of Atlantic graduation
• Language test results
• Educational credentials or ECA
• Settlement plan
• Police clearances and medical examination

Book a paid consultation with VGIS for AIP strategy, including a parallel Express Entry assessment. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, provides representation for both pathways.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	$1,525 principal applicant (incl. RPRF); $1,525 spouse; $260 per dependent child
Biometrics	$85 individual / $170 family

Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.

Key Documents Required

• Employer job offer letter from designated Atlantic employer
• Provincial endorsement letter
• Employment reference letters (1-year experience proof)
• Language test results
• Educational credential (or ECA)
• Settlement plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to another province after receiving PR through the AIP?

Yes. The AIP requires you to intend to settle in the Atlantic province at the time of application, and you must start working for the endorsing employer. However, as a Canadian permanent resident you have the constitutional right to live and work anywhere in Canada. There is no legal obligation to remain in the Atlantic province indefinitely. That said, you should have genuine intent to settle in the region at the time of application, as misrepresenting settlement intent is a serious immigration matter.

How do I find a designated Atlantic employer?

Each Atlantic province maintains a registry or list of designated employers on their provincial immigration website. You can also search for jobs on provincial job boards (WorkBC for BC is not applicable here — check New Brunswick’s WorkingNB, Nova Scotia’s Job Bank portal, etc.). Not all employers are designated — the employer must have previously registered with the province, which involves meeting employment standards and workforce integration requirements.

Why is AIP processing taking 37 months?

The AIP transitioned from a pilot program to a permanent program in 2022, which opened it to significantly higher application volumes. IRCC has not yet fully scaled processing capacity to match demand. The 37-month processing time as of March 2026 is a stark increase from 13 months one year prior. Applicants should submit complete applications to avoid further delays and should monitor IRCC’s published updates for any improvements.

Do AIP applicants need to demonstrate settlement funds?

AIP applicants must demonstrate they can financially support themselves and any accompanying family members upon arrival, though the specific fund requirements are lower than FSW’s proof-of-funds threshold. The settlement plan also contributes to demonstrating financial preparedness. The employer’s job offer itself is a key indicator of financial stability.

Official Government Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration.html

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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.