Canada has started the new Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in place of Atlantic Immigration Pilot. As declared by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Honourable Sean Fraser, permanent residency applications from foreign workers and international graduates through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) have been started from March 6, 2022.
Under the new permanent programme, candidates having a valid endorsement from an Atlantic Canadian enterprise will be able to apply for permanent residency. This innovative approach will assist the Atlantic Provinces in attracting more skilled newcomers to boost the region’s economic recovery and prosperity.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is built on the earlier Atlantic Pilot Program. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot closed on December 31, 2021. The candidates who received a provincial certificate of endorsement before December 31, 2021, were allowed to apply for the Canadian Permanent Residency through the Pilot program until March 5, 2022. Applications through the Atlantic Immigration Program have started from March 6, 2022.
The Atlantic Immigration Program contributes to Atlantic Canada’s reputation as a top destination for skilled workers and international graduates. It is a direct response to the region’s acute demographic and economic challenges, and it will help Atlantic Canada build a vibrant and prosperous future.
IRCC is working closely with employers and provincial governments to ensure a smooth transition from the pilot to the permanent programme.
The Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program helps the employers of Canada’s 4 Atlantic Provinces to hire and retain skilled workers and international graduates from all around the world. These are New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.
This employer-driver program aims at increasing employment opportunities in the provinces. Employers hire qualified candidates for available jobs which they were unable to fill locally. It also enhances the population growth and develops a skilled workforce in the Atlantic region of Canada.
Through this program a designated employer offers a job to a candidate who meets all their employment needs and the program criteria. Employers do not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). When the candidate accepts the job, a settlement plan is developed with the help of a designated settlement service provider organisation.
The employers have access to a temporary work permit to fill the vacancies at the earliest. In order to get this permit, a candidate must have a valid job offer; a letter from the province; and a commitment to apply for permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.
The AIP offers 3 programs for skilled workers and international graduates. These are
- Two programs for skilled workers: Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP); and Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP). The candidates are required to have a minimum of 1 year experience in occupation related to job offer; and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA);
- One program for international student graduates: Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP). In this the students need not have experience but are required to complete a two-year post-secondary diploma from an institution in the Atlantic region.
The common eligibility criteria for all 3 programs are:
- having a NOC skill level 0, A, B or C;
- Letter of endorsement;
- Level 4 proficiency in English and French.
Pilot v/s Program
Immigration is vital for the growth of communities across Canada, especially in Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot welcomed over 12,700 newcomers to the region enhancing the communities and assisting their businesses. Canada announced the creation of a new permanent Atlantic Immigration Program, recognising the need to build on this progress as they recover from the pandemic and address labour shortages across Atlantic Canada.
Since 2017, over 9,800 job offers have been issued by participating employers in key sectors which include health care, manufacturing, food services, etc. Moreover, after a year, over 90% of applicants were still residing in the area demonstrating the resilience and welcoming nature of Atlantic Canadian communities.
The permanent Atlantic Immigration Program retains the three features which made the pilot such a success. These are: Focus on employers, enhanced settlement support and a collaborative approach across all Atlantic Provinces.
The new AIP clarifies the role of partners and enhanced employer support through training and strengthens the program requirements to ensure newcomers can successfully establish themselves in the region.
With more than 6,000 admission spaces available annually, the Atlantic Immigration Program will complement the Provincial Nominee Programs in each Atlantic province.
