If you’re considering immigrating to Canada and are interested in settling in one of the Atlantic provinces, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) could be the perfect pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). In this blog, we’ll explain what the AIP is, who is eligible, how it works, and help you determine whether it’s the right option for you.
What is AIP?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Canadian immigration program designed to attract skilled foreign workers and international graduates to the four Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island (PEI).
This program offers a Permanent Residency (PR) pathway for individuals already living and working in Canada or those currently abroad who wish to immigrate to these regions. The AIP is tailored to meet the labor needs of these provinces by offering skilled workers and graduates the opportunity to stay and contribute to their economies.
Who is Eligible for AIP?
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Work Experience
You must have at least one year of full-time work experience (minimum of 1,560 hours) in the past 5 years. International graduates from a recognized post-secondary institution in the Atlantic provinces may be exempt from this requirement.
Your work experience must fall within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. TEER 5 is not eligible under this program.
2. Job Offer from an AIP Designated Employer
Your job offer must come from an AIP designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, and it must be within the TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 categories.
3. Educational Requirements
The educational requirements are determined by the job offer you receive:
- TEER 0 or 1 – You need at least a one-year Canadian post-secondary credential, or the equivalent from outside Canada.
- TEER 2, 3, or 4 – You must have a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent from outside Canada.
4. Language Proficiency
You must meet the following language requirements based on your job offer:
- CLB 5 for jobs in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- CLB 4 for jobs in TEER 4.
5. Proof of Settlement Funds
You must have enough funds to support yourself and your family once you arrive in Canada. If you’re already working in Canada on a valid work permit, you do not need to show proof of funds.
What is an AIP Designated Employer?
An AIP Designated Employer is an employer who is authorized to offer jobs to foreign workers under the AIP. These employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Designated employers must complete mandatory onboarding and cultural competency training to understand their obligations when hiring foreign workers under the AIP.
Is AIP the Right Program for Me?
The Atlantic Immigration Program may be a great choice for you if:
- You are already living and working in one of the Atlantic provinces. AIP can provide a smooth transition to permanent residency.
- You are in a province with highly competitive Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and have a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the federal Express Entry pool. If your work permit is expiring soon, AIP could be a more viable option.
Additional Work Permit through AIP
Once you have received a job offer from an eligible employer in an eligible TEER category, the employer can submit your job offer to the respective Atlantic province for an endorsement. They will also issue a work permit referral letter, which you can use to apply for a two-year work permit under the AIP.
However, there are additional eligibility criteria for this work permit, so it’s important to review the details thoroughly to ensure you meet all the requirements.
How We Can Help with Your AIP Application
The AIP process can be quite technical, and navigating through all the criteria and documentation can feel overwhelming. That’s why we are here to help! For more details or if you need assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@breakwayimmigration.com or call 226-881-3343. We are happy to assist you in your immigration journey!
Disclaimer: The above article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)? Is AIP the right program for me?
What is AIP?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a Permanent Residence (PR) pathway for foreign workers and international graduates who are living and working in one of the four Canadian provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island (PEI).
This program is open to temporary residents already living in Canada or are currently abroad and want to immigrate to these Atlantic provinces.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to apply for this program, you must have:
- One year of full-time work experience (at least 1,560 hours) in the last 5 years, unless you’re an international graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada
- Work experience must be in NOC TEER 0,1,2,3,4. TEER 5 is not eligible under this category.
- Job offer must be in TEER 0,1,2,3,4 from an AIP designated employers in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
- The necessary educational requirements according to your job offer:
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- For TEER 0 or 1 – you must have a one-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential or higher, OR the equivalent from outside Canada.
- For TEER 2, 3 or 4 – you must have a Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada.
- The minimum language score according to your job offer:
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- CLB 5 if working in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job.
- CLB 4 if working in a TEER 4 job.
- Have enough settlement funds. If you’re already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you don’t need to show proof of funds.
What is an AIP Designated employer?
The Atlantic provinces have designated some employers who can extend an AIP job offer to temporary residents which will make them eligible to apply for PR under the AIP program. These employers understand their responsibilities and compliance requirements as it relates to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). They go through mandatory onboarding and cultural competency training to familiarize themselves with the process and their obligations as an employer.
Is AIP the right program for me?
If you are already living in one of the Atlantic provinces, AIP might be your best pathway to permanent residency.
If you are living in other provinces with very competitive PNP programs and your CRS score is low in comparison with the recent draws and work permit is expiring soon, AIP might be the way to go!
Additional work permit through AIP
Once you get a job offer in an eligible TEER and with an eligible employer, the employer can submit your job offer to the applicable Atlantic province for an endorsement and a supporting work permit referral letter. You can use this work permit referral letter to apply for an additional two-year work permit under the AIP program. Keep in mind that there are additional criteria to consider while determining eligibility for this work permit.
The AIP process can be technical and daunting. That is why we are here to help! For further information and to discuss specifics of your case, contact us at info@breakwayimmigration.com ; or 226-881-3343. We will be happy to assist you!
Disclaimer: The above application is meant for informational and knowledge purposes and does not constitute legal advice.