The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is your ticket to calling Atlantic Canada your permanent home. To make your dream a reality, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and criteria you must meet to qualify for this immigration pathway.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the AIP requirements step by step.
Jump to:
What is Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway that offers permanent residence to skilled workers who want to settle in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) aims to attract new residents to the Atlantic Canada region, addressing the requirements of local employers and communities.
This initiative enables specific local employers to seek out, hire, and retain international professionals. Additionally, the program is geared toward fostering population growth, nurturing a proficient workforce, and elevating employment figures in the area.
The AIP has emerged as a significant triumph for immigrants, employers, and the Atlantic region alike.
It consistently grants permanent resident status to numerous immigrants annually, catering to the demands of local employers while stimulating population, workforce, and economic expansion.
Eligibility Criteria Overview
Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a broad look at the primary eligibility criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). To be eligible, you must:
- Have qualifying work experience (unless you are an international student who graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada).
- Meet educational criteria specific to your job offer’s NOC category.
- Meet language criteria based on the NOC category.
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, except for those already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit.
Work Experience
Required Hours
One of the fundamental AIP requirements is having the right amount of work experience. You must have worked at least 1,560 hours in the last 5 years.
Work Experience Details
- Count both full-time and part-time paid work hours.
- Exclude volunteer or unpaid work hours.
- Self-employed work hours do not count.
- Work experience can be gained inside or outside Canada, but you must have been legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
- Accumulate work hours over a period of at least 12 months.
- You can count work experience gained during your study, provided it aligns with the conditions of your study permit.
- Work experience must fall under an NOC category of 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Ensure your work experience aligns with the actions and main duties described in your NOC.
International Graduates
Exemption from Work Experience
International students who graduated in Canada have different AIP requirements:
- They don’t need to meet the work experience requirements if they:
- Have a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade/apprenticeship certification that required at least 2 years of study from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- Were full-time students during their entire studies.
- Held the necessary visa or permit for work, study, or training while in Canada.
- Resided in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the last 2 years before graduation.
Read More: What Qualifies As Eligible Work Experience For Canadian Express Entry?
Educational Requirements
NOC Category 0 or 1
If your job offer falls under NOC category 0 or 1, you must have a one-year post-secondary educational credential or higher, or its equivalent outside Canada.
NOC Category 2, 3, or 4
For job offers in NOC categories 2, 3, or 4, you need a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent outside Canada.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was completed outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your studies align with Canadian educational standards.
The ECA report must be less than 5 years old when IRCC receives your application.
Language Requirements
NOC Category 0 or 1
If your job offer falls under NOC category 0 or 1, you need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level of 5.
NOC Category 2, 3, or 4
- For job offers in NOC categories 2, 3, or 4, a CLB or NCLC level of 4 is required.
- You must submit test results from a designated language testing organization, and these results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.
Settlement Funds
Proof of Funds Requirement
In most cases, applicants need to demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada. The specific amount depends on family size.
Here are the financial requirements based on family size:
| Number of Family Members | Funds |
| 1 | $3,303 |
| 2 | $4,112 |
| 3 | $5,055 |
| 4 | $6,138 |
| 5 | $6,962 |
| 6 | $7,852 |
| 7 or more | $8,742 |
| Each Additional Member | $890 |
Exemption for Existing Canadian Residents
If you are already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you are exempt from the proof of funds requirement.
Conclusion
Understanding and meeting the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) requirements is crucial for a successful immigration journey to Atlantic Canada.
By carefully assessing your work experience, education, language proficiency, and financial status, you can position yourself to embark on this exciting path toward Canadian residency.
