What You Need to Know About the Atlantic Immigration Program

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

Consider the Atlantic Immigration Program in Canada in 2025 as a regional welcome mat for the country. In brief, the Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent residency pathway that connects international graduates and skilled foreign workers to jobs in the four Atlantic provinces of:

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

The Atlantic Immigration Program is not just about filling job vacancies from the perspective of employers or designated employers. The program is employer-driven, meaning businesses with labor gaps can hire qualified talent globally when they can’t find workers locally. It is also about growth in communities.

Who Can Apply?

The program has two major target groups.

• International graduates from post-secondary educational institutions in Atlantic Canada
• Skilled foreign workers with relevant experience and a valid job offer

To qualify, a candidate must have a job offer that is:

• From a designated employer
• Full-time, non-seasonal employment
• Meet the occupational skill levels required by the program

You can apply from Canada or outside of Canada.

Can You Work While You Wait for PR?

Yes! This is one of the benefits of AIP. If you have received a job offer and a referral letter from a provincial participating jurisdiction, you can apply for a work permit. This means you can start and begin working and developing your new life in Canada while your permanent residency is in process.

Employers: What You Should Know

Employers are the engine of AIP. Before they can hire internationally, they must be designated by the provincial government. Once selected, they can offer jobs to foreign talent.

Here’s what employers need to do:

• Apply for designation (no fee)
• Prove efforts to hire locally
• Submit a referral application for the candidate
• Support newcomers with settlement planning

Employers don’t just hire—they help build futures. That’s where the real impact lies.

The Settlement Fund Requirement: A Must-Know

When applying, you’ll need to meet the Canada AIP settlement fund requirement—proof that you can support yourself (and your family) while getting settled.

The required amount varies based on your family size. You don’t need to show funds if you’re already working in Canada with a valid work permit—but if not, this is a non-negotiable part of your application.

Why AIP Matters (And Why It’s Not Just Another Program)

The AIP (unlike other immigration programs) is focused on a specific region and community rather than the entire country. The AIP allows international talent to live and settle in some of the most beautiful parts of Canada that would otherwise go unnoticed (with real jobs and real growth).

And let’s be honest: living by the ocean, in a quiet town where you’re needed, sounds a lot better than chasing jobs in crowded cities. It’s Canada—with less traffic and more opportunity.

How to Apply for Atlantic Immigration Program

The steps are simple, but details matter:

1. Secure a job offer from a designated employer
2. Get a referral from the provincial government
3. Apply for a work permit (if eligible)
4. Submit your PR application

It’s easy to understand why navigating immigration rules can seem as hard as reading a treasure map upside down. This is why having the support of a trusted guide can make the difference.

Abhinav Immigration Services assists skilled professionals and graduates in understanding each step of the process, from employers to documents and even settlement plans. For over 30 years, we have been more than immigration consultants. We are a trusted friend in the immigration process.

Learn more at Abhinav Immigration Services.

The Atlantic Immigration Program is not just about obtaining a visa; it is about a future. And when that future gives you coastal living, meaningful work while embedded in a caring community, it’s more than immigration; it’s an upgrade to your life!