The AIPP is an immigration pilot program, introduced in 2017. It allows eligible skilled workers, intermediate level workers, and international graduates to become permanent residents of Canada and immigrate to one of the Atlantic provinces, namely Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
All programs under the AIPP are employer-driven, meaning that applicants require a job offer in order to satisfy the criteria. As such, local employers play a big role in the process.
There is no Labour Market Impact Assessment process under the AIPP. However, employers must still follow a few steps in order to hire through this program.
Under the AIPP, employers also work with settlement service provider organizations in their province. This will help newcomers settle and integrate in Canada.
The employer designation process and settlement service provider organizations are different for each province:
In all cases, the employer must send the job offer, the settlement plan for each adult family member, and an endorsement application to the province for review. If the province approves the application, they will send the applicant/candidate an endorsement letter. This letter must be included with the immigration application.
Employers in Nova Scotia looking to fill persistent labour gaps through the AIPP must first be approved for eligibility by being designated and then endorsed by the province.
To become designated, an employer must:
To become endorsed, an employer must:
Employers must also work with a settlement service provider in the province. See below for a list of currently available providers.
Employers in New Brunswick interested in participating in the AIPP must meet the following designation criteria:
Employers in PEI interested in participating in the AIPP must meet the following designation criteria.
The employer must:
The Employer Designation Application Form must be completed before you can apply for endorsement of a foreign national under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Designated employers are eligible to apply for endorsement of a foreign national they wish to hire.
Designation is the first step for employers in Newfoundland and Labrador interested in participating in the AIPP. The designation process is designed to confirm that: