Canada continues to create opportunities for skilled foreign workers and international graduates to build permanent lives in the country. One such initiative is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a federal immigration pathway that allows eligible candidates to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
This program is designed to address regional labour market needs by helping local employers hire qualified international talent for roles that cannot be filled locally. For many foreign nationals, the AIP offers a direct and supportive route to permanent residence in Canada.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must meet one of the following criteria:
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International Graduates: You completed your studies at a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
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Skilled Foreign Workers: You have experience in a skilled occupation.
Applicants can be living abroad or already in Canada as temporary residents.
Job Offer Requirement
A central requirement of the AIP is that candidates must receive a valid job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. Each province maintains a list of designated employers who are authorized to participate in the program.
Employers must apply to their respective provincial government to become designated before they can recruit foreign workers under this program. Importantly, there is no cost to employers to apply for designation.
Applying to Work in Canada While You Wait
Once you receive a valid job offer, you may also be eligible to apply for a work permit while your permanent residence application is being processed. To do this, you will need:
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A job offer from a designated employer that meets program requirements, and
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A referral letter from the Atlantic province where you will be working.
This allows candidates to begin contributing to the workforce in Canada while waiting for permanent residency approval.
Employer Benefits
Employers across the Atlantic provinces benefit from the program by being able to:
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Fill positions that local recruitment efforts cannot address, and
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Hire qualified foreign nationals or graduates who are eager to settle in the region.
Each Atlantic province manages its own employer designation process through its official government portal:
Why Consider the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The AIP is particularly appealing to those who:
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Want to live in smaller, community-driven provinces,
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Value a pathway that connects directly with local employers, and
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Seek a smoother, employer-supported route to permanent residence.
With labour shortages continuing across Canada, this program remains one of the most reliable options for foreign workers and graduates looking to make Atlantic Canada their permanent home.
Final Takeaway
The Atlantic Immigration Program Canada offers a unique opportunity for skilled workers and international graduates to secure permanent residency while addressing real workforce needs in the Atlantic provinces. Whether you are abroad or already in Canada, this program could be the right pathway for you.
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., our team can assess your eligibility, guide you through the employer designation process, and ensure your application is compliant with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
