Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is for skilled workers and professionals from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada permanently and can potentially fill skilled worker shortages in the Atlantic Canada region. The AIP is employer driven, applicants must have an offer of employment from a designated employer in order to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
There are three programs within the AIP that applicants can qualify for.
1. Atlantic International Graduate Program
You must meet all of these requirements:
You have lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before getting your degree, diploma or credential
You must have at least a 2-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship credential from a recognized publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province.
You must have been a full-time student for the entire duration of your studies.
You graduated from this institution in the 24 months before you submit your permanent resident application to the AIP
You have received a full-time job offer from a designated employer in a NOC O, A, B, or C level occupation.
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
You must meet all of these requirements:
In the past 3 years, you must have worked at least 1560 hours in a NOC 0, A, B, or C level occupation.
Possess at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. You’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a recognized organization to show your credential is valid and equal to a Canadian credential.
You have received a full- time job offer from a designated employer in a NOC O, A, B or C level occupation
3. Atlantic High-Skilled Program
You must meet all of these requirements:
In the past 3 years, you must have worked at least 1560 hours in a NOC 0, A, B, or C level occupation
Possess at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. You’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a recognized organization to show your credential is valid and equal to a Canadian credential.
You have received a full- time job offer from a designated employer in an NOC O, A or B level occupation.
Language Requirement
In order to qualify for the AIP you must take an approved language test and score at least Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 4 or higher. Accepted tests are the CELPIP, IELTS, TEF and TCF.
Settlement Funds Requirement
AIP candidates who are NOT already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit must show proof of sufficient settlement funds when an application for permanent residence is made. The requirement for settlement funds increases based on the size of an applicant’s family:
| Number of family members | Required funds (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (single applicant) | $3,167 |
| 2 | $3,943 |
| 3 | $4,847 |
| 4 | $5,885 |
| 5 | $6,675 |
| 6 | $7,528 |
| 7 or more | $8,381 |
AIP Process
Step 1. Job Offer: A designated employer makes a full-time job offer to someone who is suitable for the job and meets AIP requirements.
Step 2. Settlement Plan: A designated settlement service plan provider will develop a settlement plan for the worker and his/her family
Step 3. Provincial Endorsement: The employer must apply for endorsement for the worker under the AIP in the province the employer is located in.
Step 4. Work Permit (optional): If the employer needs the worker to start work quickly then a work permit can be applied for prior to applying for permanent residence.
Step 5. Permanent Residence Application: The permanent residence application is submitted to the AIP.
How can a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Help?
In addition to making sure the application is complete there are three main areas where an RCIC can help.
Immigration Strategy and Option: An RCIC can advise you on the different options that are available to you to obtain permanent residence in Canada and explain the pros and cons of each option. It is important you choose the best immigration program from the start as this will likely save you time and money in the long run.
Professional Representation: If you do not have a representative assisting you then you will probably only submit the required documentation listed on the IRCC document checklist. Submitting only these documents may be enough to result in a favorable decision. However, submitting only those documents sometimes is not enough to make your case and to satisfy the visa officer you meet the requirements of the visa. Generally, it is wise to submit as much evidence as you can above and beyond the minimum required by IRCC. Your representative can assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application to IRCC by identifying the weaknesses in your application and advising you how to strengthen your application.
Submission letter: An RCIC will prepare and submit a submission letter on behalf of the applicant along with the application. The submission letter is an important part of the application which summarizes and more importantly demonstrates why you meet the requirements of the visa.
Ready to Apply for the AIP?
We will:
Review your information and develop a strategy to apply
Prepare and submit your permanent resident visa application to the AIP and IRCC
Act as your authorized representative to the AIP and IRCC
Update you regularly on the status of your application.
If you want to apply for permanent residence through the AIP we are here to help! Please contact us and one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will revert to you within 48 hours
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