Prince Edward Island Designates New Employers for the Atlantic Immigration Program

In a move to strengthen its immigration pathways, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has updated its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). As of May 15, 2025, the province added 20 new employers and removed 14, bringing the total number of designated employers to 364. This update reflects PEI’s commitment to aligning its workforce needs with the goals of the AIP, a program designed to attract skilled foreign workers to Atlantic Canada.

The AIP is a key pathway for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada. Central to the program is the requirement for candidates to secure a job offer from a provincially designated employer. These employers are vetted by the government to ensure they meet specific criteria, though designation does not guarantee that they are actively hiring. Once a job offer is secured, applicants must go through additional endorsement steps before submitting their application.

How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works

The AIP is tailored for foreign nationals aiming to build a life in Atlantic Canada. Its structure is straightforward:

• Candidates must receive a job offer from an employer designated by the province.
• Employers are approved based on their ability to support newcomers in their settlement process.
• The provincial government manages the program and periodically updates the list of designated employers to reflect economic demands and compliance standards.

Key Features of Designated Employers

Designated employers play a crucial role in the AIP:

• Only these employers can hire foreign workers through the program.
• They are required to assist newcomers in settling into their communities.
• The list of designated employers is managed by the provincial immigration office and updated regularly.

Latest Changes to PEI’s Employer List

The May 2025 update to PEI’s designated employer list includes the addition of 20 new employers, many of whom operate in high-demand sectors critical to the province’s economic growth. These include:

• 100367 PEI Inc. (The Pilot House restaurant and bar)
• 100542 PEI Inc. (FastSigns)
• 9892788 Canada Inc. (Stay Golden Customs)
• ALG (PEI) Management Ltd.
• Highfield Construction Company Ltd.
• Larkin Bros Inc.
• Majhail Construction Ltd.
• PEI Lube Limited
• Precision G&T Engineering
• TopGum Canada Ltd.

Other notable additions include Blackbush Beach Resort, Cardigan Bearing And Steel Ltd., and Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc. Meanwhile, 14 employers were removed from the list, potentially due to business closures or failure to meet program requirements.

What This Means for Immigration Candidates

For those considering the AIP, the updated list of designated employers is a vital resource. Candidates should:

• Check the official list to identify current designated employers.
• Search for job openings on employer websites or platforms like Job Bank Canada and Indeed.
• Understand that designation does not imply active hiring.
• Once a job offer is secured, follow all program steps, including obtaining provincial endorsement.

This update ensures that candidates target only eligible employers, streamlining their path to permanent residency in PEI. The AIP remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, offering a clear pathway to residency and, ultimately, citizenship for successful applicants.

How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway for foreign nationals to achieve permanent residency in Atlantic Canada. The program is designed to address labor shortages and support economic growth in the region. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it functions:

• Job Offer Requirement: Candidates must receive a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador).
• Designated Employers: Employers must be approved by the provincial government to participate in the program. This designation ensures they meet specific criteria, such as the ability to support newcomers in their settlement process.
• Endorsement Process: After securing a job offer, candidates must undergo an endorsement process conducted by the provincial immigration office. This step is crucial for completing the application for permanent residency.

What Should Immigration Candidates Do?

Prospective immigrants should take the following steps to navigate the AIP effectively:

• Review the Official List: Candidates should regularly check the updated list of designated employers on the official provincial website to identify potential job opportunities.
• Search for Job Openings: Actively search for job postings on the websites of designated employers or on popular Canadian job platforms like Job Bank Canada and Indeed.
• Understand Employer Designation: It’s important to note that being a designated employer does not mean the business is currently hiring. Candidates should not assume job availability based solely on an employer’s designation status.
• Follow Program Steps: Once a job offer is secured, candidates must complete all required steps, including obtaining provincial endorsement, to proceed with their application for permanent residency.

Examples of Newly Added Employers

The May 2025 update introduced several new employers to PEI’s designated list, many of which operate in high-demand sectors. Some notable additions include:

• Blackbush Beach Resort
• Cardigan Bearing And Steel Ltd.
• CBI Island Health Centre Inc.
• Jeremy & Joel Holdings Inc.
• KY Home Solutions Inc.
• Maritime Industrial Services 2022 Inc.
• Nabuurs Gardens Ltd.
• Oyster Creek Farms Inc.
• SpryPoint Services Inc.
• Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc.

Importance of the Updated List

The updated list of designated employers is a critical resource for anyone considering the AIP pathway. It ensures that candidates focus their efforts on employers who are eligible to support their immigration applications. By aligning the list with current economic needs and compliance standards, PEI continues to streamline the process for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the province.

The Atlantic Immigration Program remains a vital component of Canada’s immigration strategy, offering a structured and efficient route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship for successful applicants.

Conclusion

Prince Edward Island’s update to its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program marks a significant step in aligning the province’s workforce needs with the goals of the AIP. The addition of 20 new employers and the removal of 14 reflects PEI’s commitment to supporting economic growth and providing clear pathways for foreign workers to achieve permanent residency.

The AIP remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, offering a structured and efficient route to residency and eventual citizenship for successful applicants. Candidates are encouraged to stay informed about the updated list of designated employers and to actively pursue job opportunities in high-demand sectors.

By focusing on eligible employers and following the program’s requirements, immigration candidates can streamline their journey to building a new life in Prince Edward Island and contributing to the province’s thriving economy.

FAQ

• What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

  The AIP is a Canadian immigration program designed to attract skilled foreign workers to Atlantic Canada, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

• How often is PEI’s list of designated employers updated?

  The list is updated regularly to reflect economic demands and compliance standards, with the most recent update occurring in May 2025.

• Where can I find the updated list of designated employers in PEI?

  The official list of designated employers is available on the PEI provincial immigration office’s website.

• What steps should I take after receiving a job offer from a designated employer?

  After securing a job offer, you must obtain provincial endorsement and complete all required steps to submit your application for permanent residency.

• Does being a designated employer mean the business is actively hiring?

  No, designation does not imply active hiring. Candidates should verify job openings directly with employers or through platforms like Job Bank Canada and Indeed.

• What is the endorsement process in the AIP?

  The endorsement process involves the provincial immigration office verifying the job offer and ensuring all program requirements are met before the application for permanent residency can proceed.

• Why is the AIP important for immigration candidates?

  The AIP provides a clear and efficient pathway to permanent residency in Atlantic Canada, addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth in the region.