Atlantic Immigration Program: What Candidates Are Canada’s Atlantic Provinces Prioritizing for Immigration in 2025?
Introduction to the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal initiative designed to address labor shortages in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador. By enabling employers to hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates, the program aims to support the region’s economic growth and demographic challenges.
Key Priorities and Sector Focus for 2025
In 2025, the AIP has refined its focus to prioritize specific sectors and requirements for permanent residency. For instance, PEI is now accepting AIP endorsement applications only for workers in three designated sectors. This targeted approach ensures that foreign labor aligns with the region’s economic needs, addressing acute skill gaps and labor shortages.
Eligibility Criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program
Candidates must meet several requirements beyond securing a job offer from a designated employer. These criteria are organized into key categories:
Work Experience
Skilled workers need at least 1,560 hours of paid work in the past five years in NOC TEER categories 0–4. International graduates are exempt if they meet specific academic and residency criteria.
Education
TEER 0 or 1 roles require a one-year post-secondary credential, while TEER 2, 3, or 4 roles need a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent. Foreign education requires an ECA.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must meet CLB/NCLC levels: 5 for TEER 0–3 roles and 4 for TEER 4 roles. Tests must be from IRCC-approved institutes and taken within two years.
Settlement Funds
Proof of funds is required to support oneself and family. Amounts range from $3,815 for one person to $10,098 for seven, increasing by $1,028 per additional family member. Those already working in Canada are exempt.
Detailed Requirements Explained
The required 1,560 hours of work experience must be in recognized NOC TEER categories, with only paid work counted. International graduates may waive this requirement if they meet specific academic and residency criteria.
Education Requirements
Job offers under TEER 0 or 1 require at least a one-year post-secondary credential or equivalent with an ECA. For TEER 2, 3, or 4 positions, a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent suffices.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate language abilities at CLB/NCLC level 5 for most roles and level 4 for TEER 4 jobs. Tests must be from IRCC-approved institutes and taken within two years.
Settlement Funds
Settlement funds increased by $140 in 2025. Amounts range from $3,815 for one person to $10,098 for seven, increasing by $1,028 per additional family member. Those already working in Canada are exempt.
Application Documentation
Applicants must prepare a comprehensive package including:
- Signed Employee Declaration Form
- IMM0157 Job Offer Form
- Use of a Representative Form (if applicable)
- IMM0156 Undertaking (if a work permit is required)
- Settlement Plan from a designated provider (including family)
- Passports for all dependents
- All past and current permits for the candidate and family
- Education credentials (Canadian or ECA for foreign)
- Valid language test results
- Proof of recruitment efforts by the employer (if required)
- Signed employment offer letter/contract with job description
- Reference letter verifying work experience
- Detailed and recent résumé
Special Notes for International Graduates
International graduates who completed a two-year (or longer) full-time credential from an Atlantic post-secondary institution and lived in the region for at least 16 of the last 24 months are exempt from the work experience requirement, provided they held valid legal status.
Understanding the Application Process and Requirements
Designated Employers and Endorsement Process
Employers in the Atlantic provinces play a crucial role in the AIP, as the program is employer-driven. To participate, employers must be designated by the provincial government. Designated employers can then endorse candidates for permanent residency through the AIP. This endorsement is a critical step in the application process, as it confirms that the candidate meets the program’s requirements and aligns with the region’s labor market needs.
Settlement Plan Requirements
A key component of the AIP application is the Settlement Plan, which must be provided by a designated service provider. This plan outlines how the applicant and their family intend to settle in the Atlantic region, including housing, employment, and community integration. The plan must be tailored to the specific needs of the applicant and their family, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Canada.
Family Inclusion and Dependents
Applicants may include their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children in their application. Dependents must meet specific criteria, such as age and relationship to the principal applicant. The Settlement Plan must also account for all family members, demonstrating how they will be supported in the new environment.
Processing Times and Application Submission
While processing times can vary, the AIP is designed to offer a streamlined pathway to permanent residency compared to other immigration programs. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid delays. The program’s employer-driven nature also helps expedite the process, as the job offer and endorsement from a designated employer are critical factors in the application’s success.
Updates to Settlement Funds for 2025
In 2025, the required settlement funds increased slightly to ensure applicants can adequately support themselves and their families upon arrival in Canada. The updated amounts are as follows:
Family Size | Funds Needed (2025) |
---|---|
1 | $3,815 |
2 | $4,750 |
3 | $5,840 |
4 | $7,090 |
5 | $8,042 |
6 | $9,070 |
7 | $10,098 |
Each additional family member | $1,028 |
These amounts reflect the increasing costs of living and are designed to ensure that newcomers have sufficient resources to establish themselves in their new communities.
Importance of Language Proficiency
Language proficiency remains a cornerstone of the AIP, as it is essential for successful integration into Canadian society and the workforce. Applicants must demonstrate their abilities in either English or French through approved language tests. The required levels are:
- CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 roles
- CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4 roles
Language test results must be less than two years old at the time of application, and only tests from IRCC-approved institutes are accepted.
Focus on Targeted Sectors in PEI
Prince Edward Island (PEI) has further refined its approach to the AIP by focusing on three key sectors in 2025. These sectors have been identified as critical areas with significant labor shortages, and the province is prioritizing applications from workers in these industries. This targeted strategy ensures that immigration efforts align closely with the region’s economic needs, addressing skill gaps and supporting long-term growth.
Role of the Employer in the Application Process
Employers in the Atlantic provinces play a vital role in the AIP, as they are responsible for identifying eligible candidates and providing job offers. To participate, employers must first become designated by the provincial government. Once designated, employers can endorse candidates for permanent residency through the AIP. This endorsement process involves submitting specific documentation, including a signed job offer and proof of the candidate’s qualifications.
Proof of Recruitment Efforts
Employers may be required to provide proof of recruitment efforts to demonstrate that they have attempted to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before offering the position to a foreign worker. This step ensures that the AIP is used as a last resort, after exhausting local hiring options. The proof of recruitment efforts may include documentation of job postings, interviews, and other hiring activities.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Immigration Program continues to evolve, with a strong focus on addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. By streamlining the application process and targeting specific sectors, the AIP offers a viable pathway for skilled workers and international graduates to achieve permanent residency. Candidates are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare a comprehensive application package to ensure a smooth transition to life in Canada.
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Conclusion
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) remains a vital pathway for skilled workers and international graduates seeking permanent residency in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. With a strong focus on addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth, the program has refined its priorities for 2025. Candidates are encouraged to align their applications with the region’s targeted sectors and ensure they meet the updated eligibility criteria, including work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds. By preparing a comprehensive application package and leveraging the program’s streamlined process, candidates can successfully transition to life in Canada and contribute to the region’s prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the eligibility criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Candidates must have a valid job offer from a designated employer, meet work experience requirements (1,560 hours in NOC TEER 0-4 categories), demonstrate language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 4-5), provide proof of settlement funds, and meet educational requirements (post-secondary credential or equivalent).
What documents are required for the AIP application?
Required documents include a signed job offer, IMM0157 form, settlement plan, language test results, ECA for foreign education, proof of funds, and a detailed resume. Additional documents may include proof of recruitment efforts by the employer.
What are the language proficiency requirements for the AIP?
Candidates must meet CLB/NCLC levels: 5 for TEER 0-3 roles and 4 for TEER 4 roles. Tests must be from IRCC-approved institutes and taken within two years of application submission.
How much settlement funds are required for the AIP in 2025?
Settlement funds range from $3,815 for one person to $10,098 for seven family members, increasing by $1,028 for each additional family member. These amounts are updated for 2025 to reflect the rising cost of living.
Are international graduates exempt from work experience requirements?
International graduates who completed a two-year (or longer) credential from an Atlantic post-secondary institution and lived in the region for at least 16 of the last 24 months are exempt from the work experience requirement, provided they held valid legal status.
Can I include my family in the AIP application?
Yes, applicants may include their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children in their application. The Settlement Plan must account for all family members, demonstrating how they will be supported in the new environment.
How long does the AIP application processing take?
Processing times vary, but the AIP offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid delays. The employer-driven nature of the program also helps expedite the process.
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