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Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a Canadian immigration program designed to address labor market needs in the Atlantic provinces of Canada, namely New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The pilot program was launched in 2017 as a three-year initiative but has since been extended.

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration program, which means that employers in the Atlantic provinces play a crucial role in the immigration process. The program aims to attract skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates to fill job vacancies in the region.

Key Components of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot:

  1. Employer Designation:

    • Employers in the Atlantic provinces must be designated by the respective provincial government to participate in the AIP.
    • Designation signifies that employers are eligible to hire foreign workers through the program.

  2. Job Offer Requirement:

    • Individuals seeking to immigrate through the AIP must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
    • The job offer must be for a position classified as skill level 0, A, B, or C under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

  3. Endorsement by Provinces:

    • After receiving a job offer, applicants must apply for endorsement from the provincial government of the Atlantic province where the job is located.
    • Each province has its own criteria for endorsing applicants based on factors like their ability to settle in the region and contribute to the local economy.

  4. Language Proficiency and Education:

    • Applicants are required to meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French. Language proficiency is typically assessed through standardized tests.
    • There are also education requirements, with applicants needing to have completed a certain level of education to be eligible for the program.

  5. Settlement Plan:

    • Applicants are required to have a settlement plan, which includes details on how they plan to establish themselves in the community.
    • Support for settlement may involve assistance with finding housing, schools, and other integration services.

  6. Categories under AIP:

    • Atlantic High-Skilled Program: For individuals with management, professional, or technical/skilled job offers.
    • Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: For individuals with intermediate-skilled job offers.
    • Atlantic International Graduate Program: For international graduates of eligible institutions in the Atlantic provinces with a job offer.

Application Process:

  1. Employer Engagement:

    • Employers identify labor market needs and engage in the AIP by obtaining designation and offering jobs to eligible candidates.

  2. Applicant Endorsement:

    • Applicants apply to the provincial government for endorsement, providing necessary documentation to support their application.

  3. Permanent Residence Application:

    • Endorsed applicants can then apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the Express Entry system.

Benefits of AIP:

  1. Regional Development:

    • AIP contributes to the economic development of the Atlantic provinces by addressing labor shortages and attracting skilled workers.

  2. Employer Involvement:

    • Employers actively participate in the immigration process, helping to match qualified candidates with job opportunities.

  3. Priority Processing:

    • AIP applications receive priority processing, leading to faster immigration decisions.