Last Updated:March 4, 2025
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an immigration pathway for workers and international graduates who wish to live and work in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This program provides an opportunity for individuals to apply for permanent residence while contributing to the growth and development of the region.
Two categories of the Atlantic Immigration Program
Work Experience Stream
The aim is to alleviate labour shortages and stimulate economic growth in the Atlantic provinces by attracting skilled workers with a wealth of experience and diverse talents to the region.
International Graduate Stream
The objective is to retain internationally educated graduates in the region, enriching the local workforce with new skills and cultural diversity, while promoting economic and social development.
Eligibility requirements for the Work Experience Stream
Work Experience
- Applicants must have at least one year (1,560 hours or more) of full-time work experience within the past five years.
- Work experience can be accumulated from both within Canada and internationally.
- The work experience must be in an occupation that falls under one of the following NOC skill levels (TEER): 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Applicable NOC skill levels (TEER)
The skill levels are defined within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which categorizes occupations in Canada based on their skill requirements. The levels are outlined as follows:
| Skill level 0 | Executives, Company directors, and Managers |
|---|---|
| Skill level 1 | Professional occupations that typically require a university or graduate degree |
| Skill level 2 | Technical occupations and intermediate managers typically requiring a college diploma or over 2 years of apprenticeship training |
| Skill level 3 | Intermediate technical occupations typically requiring a college diploma, less than 2 years of apprenticeship, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training |
| Skill level 4 | Occupations typically requiring a high school diploma or a few weeks of on-the-job training |
Language proficiency
For job offers in occupations classified under NOC skill levels 0, 1, 2, or 3, you must have achieved a minimum score of CLB5 in an IRCC-designated English or French language test taken within the past two years prior to your application.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB5 | IELTS（アイエルツ） | English | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CELPIP（セルピップ） | English | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| PTE Core | English | 42-50 | 51-59 | 39-49 | 51-58 | |
| TEF Tests taken on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 352-392 | 330-378 | 352-392 | 387-421 | |
| TEF Tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023 |
French | 350-399 | 350-399 | 350-399 | 350-399 | |
| TCF | French | 375-405 | 6.0 | 369-397 | 6.0 |
For job offers in occupations classified under NOC skill level 4, you must have achieved a minimum score of CLB4 in an IRCC-designated English or French language test taken within the past two years prior to your application.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB4 | IELTS（アイエルツ） | English | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| CELPIP（セルピップ） | English | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| PTE Core | English | 33-41 | 41-50 | 28-38 | 42-50 | |
| TEF Tests taken on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 434-461 | 428-471 | 434-461 | 456-493 | |
| TEF Tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023 |
French | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | |
| TCF | French | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
Educational background
- For occupations under NOC skill levels 0 or 1, a college diploma (1-year course) or higher is required.
- For occupations under NOC skill levels 2, 3, or 4, a minimum of a high school diploma is necessary.
- Educational qualifications are accepted from both Canadian and foreign institutions.
Job offer
- You must receive a job offer from an employer designated in the Atlantic region. If the employer is not already designated, they must register with the Atlantic region in advance.
- The offered position must match or exceed your current skill level and work experience.
- For positions at skill levels 0, 1, 2, or 3, a job offer of at least one year is required.
- For positions at skill level 4, a permanent (indefinite) job offer is required.
Eligibility requirements for the International Graduate Stream
Work Experience
- Not required.
Language proficiency
For job offers in occupations classified under NOC skill levels 0, 1, 2, or 3, you must have achieved a minimum score of CLB5 in an IRCC-designated English or French language test taken within the past two years prior to your application.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB5 | IELTS | English | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| TEF Tests taken on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 352-392 | 330-378 | 352-392 | 387-421 | |
| TEF Tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023 |
French | 350-399 | 350-399 | 350-399 | 350-399 | |
| TEF Tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023 |
French | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | |
| TCF | French | 375-405 | 6.0 | 369-397 | 6.0 |
For job offers in occupations classified under NOC skill level 4, you must have achieved a minimum score of CLB4 in an IRCC-designated English or French language test taken within the past two years prior to your application.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB4 | IELTS | English | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| CELPIP | English | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| PTE Core | English | 33-41 | 41-50 | 28-38 | 42-50 | |
| TEF Tests taken on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 434-461 | 428-471 | 434-461 | 456-493 | |
| TEF Tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023 |
French | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | |
| TCF | French | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
Educational background
- You must have graduated from a program of at least 2 years at a public college or university in the Atlantic region.
- During your studies, you must have been a full-time student.
- The application must be submitted within 24 months of your graduation date (the date your degree was awarded).
Residence history in the Atlantic region
You must have lived in the Atlantic region for at least 16 months during the 2 years immediately prior to your graduation.
Job offer
- You must receive a job offer from an employer designated in the Atlantic region. If the employer is not already designated, they must register with the Atlantic region in advance.
- For positions at skill levels 0, 1, 2, or 3, a job offer of at least one year is required.
- For positions at skill level 4, a permanent (indefinite) job offer is required.
Application process for the Atlantic Immigration Program
01Meet the application requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program
To apply for permanent residence, you must meet the application requirements, including work experience, language proficiency, educational background, and other conditions mentioned above.
02Create a Settlement Plan
You will need to request the creation of your Settlement Plan from an organization known as a Settlement Service Provider Organization. These organizations exist both within Canada and internationally and are specialized in providing settlement support for immigrants and newcomers. They offer a range of essential services for settlement, including language support, housing assistance, education, and job training.
03Obtain a Certificate of Endorsement
The Certificate of Endorsement is a document that is submitted to the province where the AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program) application is being processed, after receiving the Settlement Plan. It guarantees to the province that the applicant has the right to participate in the program through the proper procedures.
04Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC
Create an account on the permanent residence online application portal, attach the required documents, and submit them to IRCC. If you are between the ages of 14 and 79, you will need to submit biometric data (fingerprints and a photo).
05Apply for a work permit (Optional)
While your AIP application is being processed, you can apply for a work permit. If approved, an employer-specific work permit will be issued.
06Review by IRCC
After IRCC completes their review, the applicant will receive a letter called the Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR).
07Landing
Applicants from outside Canada will enter Canada with their Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR). Applicants from within Canada can complete the landing process online.
08Receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card
Your PR card will be delivered to the designated address within Canada within a few months.
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