🌊SPECIAL AND PILOT IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

Special Programs.
Targeted Pathways.

Canada creates targeted immigration programs for Atlantic workers, caregivers, agricultural workers, healthcare professionals, and rural communities. These programs often offer the most direct paths to permanent residence.

4
Active Programs
Direct PR
Most Pathways
No LMIA
Select Programs
TEER 0-5
Eligible Occupations

Other Programs

Other Special and Pilot Programs

Canada runs several other targeted immigration programs for caregivers, agricultural workers, healthcare professionals, and rural communities. Also explore Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry, and LMIA-based work permits.

🌊
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Permanent
Processing: approx. 12 months

Connects qualified workers to employers in Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, PEI, NL). Employer-driven — no Express Entry pool needed and no LMIA required.

Key Highlights
•Nova Scotia, NB, PEI, Newfoundland
•Employer endorsement required
•Includes family members
•No CRS score required
•No LMIA needed
🌊

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Permanent Program

Employer-driven permanent residence pathway for skilled workers and graduates in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven program that connects qualified foreign workers and international graduates with designated employers in Atlantic Canada. The program was made permanent in 2022 after operating as a successful pilot.

All applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. Crucially, employers do not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire through the AIP - a significant advantage over other work permit routes.

Candidates who receive a job offer also receive an individualized settlement plan from a designated provincial settlement service provider. Employers commit to supporting the integration of the newcomer and their family.

✅
No LMIA Required
Designated employers can hire internationally without going through the Labour Market Impact Assessment process.
📋
Employer Endorsement
Once the province endorses the application, candidates can apply for a temporary work permit immediately and PR within 90 days.
👨‍👩‍👧
Family Included
Accompanying family members can come to Canada under the same application and are included in the settlement plan.
🏘️
Settlement Support
All applicants must be connected with a designated settlement service provider to develop a personalized settlement plan.
Participating Provinces

Skilled Worker Requirements

💼
Work Experience
•At least 1,560 hours in the past 5 years
•Must be NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
•Paid work only - no volunteer or self-employed hours
•Can include Canadian or foreign work experience
•Must span a period of at least 12 months
•Work during studies counts if permit conditions allow
🗣️
Language
•TEER 0 or 1 job offer: CLB/NCLC 5 or higher
•TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offer: CLB/NCLC 4 or higher
•Must use a designated language testing organization
•Test results must be less than 2 years old at time of application
🎓
Education
•TEER 0 or 1 job offer: minimum 1-year post-secondary credential
•TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offer: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
•Foreign credentials require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
•ECA report must be less than 5 years old at time of application
💰 Settlement Funds Required

AIP requires 12.5% of LICO (25% of Express Entry levels). You do not need to show proof of settlement funds if you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit. For all other applicants:

Family Members
Funds Required (CAD)
1
$3,815
2
$4,750
3
$5,840
4
$7,090
5
$8,042
6
$9,070
7
$10,098
Each additional family member
+$1,028

Source: Canada.ca — Atlantic Immigration Program: Proof of funds (Updated July 29, 2025)

Next Steps

Lookup Designated Employers & Find Jobs in the Atlantic Provinces

Ready to find a job offer? Browse designated AIP employers by province and explore job postings across Atlantic Canada.

🏢 Designated Employers by Province
💼 Regional Job Portals
New Brunswick Job Portal
Search for employment opportunities in New Brunswick. Many NB employers are AIP-designated and actively recruiting internationally.
Browse Jobs →
Prince Edward Island Jobs
Explore job postings across Prince Edward Island. PEI actively recruits in healthcare, tourism, technology, and trades sectors.
Browse Jobs →

AIP Eligibility

Check Your AIP Eligibility

Use this tool to quickly assess whether you may meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program, based on official IRCC requirements.

This tool is for general guidance only. A full eligibility review should be conducted by a licensed immigration consultant who can assess your complete profile against all current program requirements.

REMEMBER: A Job Offer is Essential

Regardless of your eligibility, all AIP applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. Finding the right employer is often the first and most important step.

AIP Eligibility Checker
Based on official IRCC requirements

Which best describes you?

Program Summary

The table below presents a summary of the requirements for the AIP program

Skilled Worker RequirementsInternational Graduate Requirements
Job offer from a designated employer
Full time, Indeterminate, Non Seasonal TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
Full time, Indeterminate, Non Seasonal TEER 4
Full time, Indeterminate, Non Seasonal TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4
Skilled work experience1560 Hours (One year) in occupation related to job offer (same level or more) in past 5 yearsNo Work Experience needed if meeting the Education requirements and: 1. Lived on one of 4 atlantic provinces, 2. had a Permit you needed to work, study or be trained while you were in Canada
Education
Job Offer TEER 0 and 1 At least 1 year Canadian qualification or ECA equivalent
Job Offer TEER 2, 3 or 4 At least Canadian High School Diploma or ECA equivalent
Two-year post-secondary full time diploma from a publicly funded learning institution in the Atlantic region, obtained within the 12 months before the submission of the application for permanent residence.
LanguageCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in English or the Niveau de compétence linguistique Canadien in French CLB/NSLC 4 for TEER 4, CLB/NSLC 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, 3
Provincial endorsementLetter of endorsement

FAQ

Atlantic Immigration Program - FAQ

Common questions about the AIP process, requirements, and employer designation.

Could a Special Program Be Your Fastest Path?

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