Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The Job offer

Candidates must have a job offer:

• From an AIP-appointed employer in one of the four provinces
• Full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) and non-seasonal
• Skill Type / Level 0, A, or B
• Lasts at least one year
• Issued under the correct Federal Government Form

The job offered to the candidate doesn’t need to be in the same profession as previous work experience. However, the candidate doesn’t need to meet the recruitment requirements to work, as indicated on the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Work experience

You must have worked for at least one year (total of 1560 hours or 30 hours per week) during the past three years. It can be full-time or part-time, as long as it amounts to 1,560 hours.

The work must be

• In one profession (but it could be with different employers).
• Paid (voluntary or unpaid internships do not count).
• Skill Type / Level 0, A, or B (NOC)
• Experience can be gained inside or outside Canada.

Education

Candidates must have:

Canadian high school diploma or post-secondary certificate or diploma

or

• Foreign certificate, diploma or credential for trade education or vocational training. Candidates need to have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to ensure it is valid and equals Canadian credentials. The ECA must show that your education equates to a completed Canadian high school diploma or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. Your ECA must be less than 5 years old when you apply.

Language

Candidates must:

• Score at least level 4 on the Canadian Standard Language Test in English or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens in French
• Take an approved language test and meet the level of speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Results must be less than two years old from the date of application

Proof of Funds

Candidates need to prove that they have enough funds to support themselves and their families after immigration. The amounts depend on the size of the family and include family members whom the candidate supports even without immigrating themselves.

Evidence is not required if the candidate already lives in Canada and has a valid work permit to work in the country.

The Job offer

Candidates must have a job offer:

• From an AIP-appointed employer in one of the four provinces.
• Full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) and non-seasonal.
• Skill Type / Level 0, A, or B.
• Permanent.
• Issued under the correct Federal Government Form.

The job offered to the candidate doesn’t need to be in the same profession as previous work experience. However, the candidate doesn’t need to meet the recruitment requirements to work, as indicated on the NOC.

Work experience

You must have worked for at least one year (total of 1560 hours or 30 hours per week) during the past three years. It can be full-time or part-time, as long as it amounts to 1,560 hours.

The work must be:

• In one profession (but it could be with different employers).
• Paid (voluntary or unpaid internships do not count).
• At the skill level of NOC C.
• Experience can be gained inside or outside Canada.

Education

Candidates must have:

Canadian high school diploma (high school) or post-secondary certificate or diploma

or

• Foreign certificate, diploma or credential for trade education or vocational training. Candidates need to have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to ensure it is valid and equals Canadian credentials. The ECA must show that your education equates to a completed Canadian high school diploma or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. Your ECA must be less than 5 years old when you apply.

Language

Candidates must:

• Score at least level 4 on the Canadian Standard Language Test in English or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens in French.
• Take an approved language test and meet the level of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Results must be less than two years old from the date of application.

Proof of Funds

Candidates need to prove that they have enough money to support themselves and their families after immigration. The amounts depend on the size of the family and they include family members whom the candidate supports even without immigrating themselves.

Evidence is not required if the candidate already lives in Canada and has a valid work permit to work in the country.

The Job offer

Candidates must have a job offer:

• From an AIP-appointed employer in one of the four provinces
• Full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) and non-seasonal
• Skill Type / Level 0, A, or B
• Permanent
• Issued under the correct Federal Government Form

The job offered to the candidate doesn’t need to be in the same profession as previous work experience. However, the candidate doesn’t need to meet the recruitment requirements to work, as indicated on the NOC.

Work experience

Candidates do not need work experience.

Education

The candidate must have:

• A minimum two-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship credential from a recognized publicly-funded institution in an Atlantic province.
• Been a full-time student in Canada for at least two years.
• Graduated in the 24 months prior to the application date.
• Lived in one of the Atlantic Provinces for at least 16 months in the last two years before graduation.
• Had a visa or work permit, study permit, or training permit in Canada.

A candidate does not qualify if his study or training includes:

• English or French second language courses for more than half of the program.
• Distance learning for more than half of the program.

The candidate cannot apply if the scholarship or fellowship requires him to return to his home country after graduation.

Language

Candidates must:

• Score at least level 4 on the Canadian Standard Language Test in English or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens in French.
• Take an approved language test and meet the level of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Results must be less than two years old from the date of application

Proof of Funds

Candidates need to prove that they have enough money to support themselves and their families after immigration. The amounts depend on the size of the family and include family members whom the candidate supports even without immigrating themselves.

Evidence is not required if the candidate already lives in Canada and has a valid work permit to work in the country.

Optional Temporary Work Permit

Some candidates can apply for a temporary work permit before submitting the permanent residence application. This allows them to start working while their application for permanent residency is being processed.

Settlement Plan

Candidates through all three Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programs need a stabilization plan (often called a settlement plan) after receiving a job offer.

The settlement plan is designed to help you settle in Canada by focusing on your own resources and the needs of your family. You will also find where to go in the community for help.

Candidates prepare a settlement plan with settlement service providers available inside and outside Canada.

Applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program need to obtain a settlement plan after they obtain a job offer from a specific employer.

A complete list of Settlement Service Provider institutions for candidates applying from within or outside Canada is included below. The employer may direct the candidate regarding the organization of his choice.

During the “needs assessment”, the organization will ask questions of the candidate and their family. This can happen in person, online, or over the phone. The organization will then provide the candidate with a personal settlement plan.

Provincial Endorsement

Every job offer made through the Atlantic Immigration Program requires provincial approval. The validation request is handled by the employer after the candidate has his settlement plan.

Candidates must not submit a permanent residence application until they obtain the certificate of approval which must be submitted with the application.