{"id":985,"date":"2026-07-23T12:27:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/?page_id=985"},"modified":"2026-07-23T12:27:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:27:56","slug":"atlantic-immigration-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/pnp\/atlantic-immigration-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlantic Immigration Program"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"prose prose-md dark:prose-invert max-w-full\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"undefined relative\">\n<div class=\"markdown_markdown__wTkaE\">\n<h1>Atlantic Immigration Program Canada 2026: Your Complete Guide<\/h1>\n<p dir=\"auto\">You have been working as a nurse in the Philippines for five years. Or maybe you just graduated from a university in Halifax and want to stay in Nova Scotia. Your Express Entry score is decent, but not high enough to guarantee an invitation. The <strong>Atlantic Immigration Program Canada<\/strong> exists for exactly this reason. It is an employer-driven program that helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates for jobs they have not been able to fill locally. Visaline is <em>with you on your immigration journey, from dream to reality<\/em>, helping you find a designated employer, prepare your settlement plan, and submit a strong application.<\/p>\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#what-is-the-atlantic-immigration-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#aip-streams-in-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AIP Streams in 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#who-can-apply-eligibility-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#documents-required-for-the-aip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Documents Required for the AIP<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#step-by-step-aip-application-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Step-by-Step AIP Application Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#costs-and-fees-in-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Costs and Fees in 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#processing-times-in-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Processing Times in 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#aip-vs-other-immigration-pathways\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AIP vs Other Immigration Pathways<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#conclusion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal economic immigration program that offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada&#8217;s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. It was introduced in 2017 as a pilot and became a permanent program in 2022.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The AIP is employer-driven. This means you cannot apply without a valid job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. Employers must apply to the province to become designated, which allows them to hire foreign workers through the program without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).<\/p>\n<h2>AIP Streams in 2026<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The Atlantic Immigration Program has three streams for skilled workers and international graduates:<\/p>\n<div class=\"relative group\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full  \">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Stream<\/th>\n<th>Job Offer Required?<\/th>\n<th>Work Experience Required?<\/th>\n<th>Education Required<\/th>\n<th>Best For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)<\/td>\n<td>Yes (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)<\/td>\n<td>1,560 hours in the past 5 years<\/td>\n<td>Canadian high school or equivalent<\/td>\n<td>Skilled professionals in management, technical, or healthcare roles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)<\/td>\n<td>Yes (NOC TEER 3 or 4)<\/td>\n<td>1,560 hours in the past 5 years<\/td>\n<td>Canadian high school or equivalent<\/td>\n<td>Skilled workers in intermediate occupations like nursing aides or truck drivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)<\/td>\n<td>Yes (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4)<\/td>\n<td>None required<\/td>\n<td>Degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized Atlantic Canadian institution<\/td>\n<td>Recent graduates of Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Eligibility depends on which stream you are applying to. Here are the general requirements for each pathway:<\/p>\n<div class=\"relative group\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full  \">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Requirement<\/th>\n<th>Atlantic High-Skilled Program<\/th>\n<th>Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program<\/th>\n<th>Atlantic International Graduate Program<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Job offer from designated employer<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Work experience<\/td>\n<td>1,560 hours in past 5 years<\/td>\n<td>1,560 hours in past 5 years<\/td>\n<td>None required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Language proficiency<\/td>\n<td>CLB\/NCLC 4+<\/td>\n<td>CLB\/NCLC 4+<\/td>\n<td>CLB\/NCLC 4+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Education<\/td>\n<td>Canadian high school diploma or equivalent<\/td>\n<td>Canadian high school diploma or equivalent<\/td>\n<td>Degree, diploma, or certificate from an Atlantic Canadian institution (minimum 2-year program)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Settlement plan<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Intention to live in Atlantic Canada<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Key points about the job offer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The job offer must be from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces<\/li>\n<li>It must be full-time (30 hours or more per week) and non-seasonal<\/li>\n<li>For the High-Skilled and International Graduate streams, the job offer must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3<\/li>\n<li>For the Intermediate-Skilled stream, the job offer must be in NOC TEER 3 or 4<\/li>\n<li>The wage must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the occupation in the province<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Key points about the settlement plan:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>After receiving a job offer from a designated employer, you need a settlement plan to apply for permanent residence<\/li>\n<li>The settlement plan helps you and your family adjust to life in Atlantic Canada and gives you useful information and referrals to free services in your new community<\/li>\n<li>You must send a copy of your settlement plan to your employer, who will need to send it with their endorsement application to the province<\/li>\n<li>You must also include a copy when you apply for permanent residence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Documents Required for the AIP<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The documents you need depend on the stream, but most applications require:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Job offer letter<\/strong> from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada<\/li>\n<li><strong>Offer of employment number<\/strong> from the employer&#8217;s submission to IRCC<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certificate of endorsement<\/strong> from the province<\/li>\n<li><strong>Settlement plan<\/strong> completed with a settlement service provider organization<\/li>\n<li><strong>Language test results:<\/strong> IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF (valid within 2 years)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Educational credentials:<\/strong> Degree, diploma, or ECA report (if applicable)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of work experience:<\/strong> Reference letters, pay stubs, employment contracts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of identity:<\/strong> Passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of residence in an Atlantic province<\/strong> (if applying from within Canada)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Completed forms:<\/strong> Generic Application Form, Schedule A Background Declaration, Economic Classes form (IMM 0156)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Medical examinations, biometrics, and police clearance certificates are required as part of the federal PR application.<\/p>\n<h2>Step-by-Step AIP Application Process<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Find a designated employer.<\/strong> You need a job offer from an employer who is officially designated to hire foreign workers through the AIP. Check the list of designated employers in each Atlantic province.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secure a job offer.<\/strong> Once you find a designated employer and receive a job offer, the employer must co-sign the offer of employment form with you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get a settlement plan.<\/strong> After receiving a job offer, you need a settlement plan to apply for permanent residence. Contact a settlement service provider organization to complete a needs assessment and receive your individualized settlement plan. Send a copy of the settlement plan to your employer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employer submits endorsement application.<\/strong> Your employer submits an endorsement application to the province, including your job offer and settlement plan. The province reviews and endorses the job offer if it meets their requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Receive confirmation of provincial endorsement.<\/strong> If the province endorses your job offer, they will send you a confirmation of provincial endorsement. You must include a copy with your permanent residence application.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply for permanent residence.<\/strong> Submit your online application to IRCC through the IRCC website. Include all required documents, including your job offer, settlement plan, and confirmation of provincial endorsement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply for a temporary work permit (optional).<\/strong> If you need to start working before your PR application is approved, you can apply for a work permit. Your employer must register in the federal employer portal, submit the job offer, and pay a compliance fee.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete medical, biometrics, and background checks.<\/strong> IRCC will request these as part of the federal processing stage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).<\/strong> Once approved, you can complete the landing process and become a permanent resident.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Settle in Atlantic Canada.<\/strong> Use the resources and referrals from your settlement plan to help you and your family adjust to life in your new community.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Costs and Fees in 2026<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The total cost of applying through the AIP includes federal PR processing fees.<\/p>\n<div class=\"relative group\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full  \">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Cost item<\/th>\n<th>Amount (CAD)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>PR processing fee (principal applicant)<\/td>\n<td>$1,590<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>PR processing fee (spouse\/partner)<\/td>\n<td>$1,590<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>PR processing fee (dependent child)<\/td>\n<td>$270 per child<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Right of Permanent Residence Fee (payable on approval)<\/td>\n<td>$575 per adult<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Biometrics fee<\/td>\n<td>$85 per person (or $170 per family)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Language test<\/td>\n<td>Approximately $300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ECA (if required)<\/td>\n<td>Approximately $300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Medical exam<\/td>\n<td>Approximately $200\u2013$500 per person<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Total estimated cost (single applicant)<\/td>\n<td>$3,000\u2013$4,500+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"auto\">There is no cost to become a designated employer. Provincial endorsement fees vary by province.<\/p>\n<h2>Processing Times in 2026<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Processing times for the AIP have fluctuated significantly in recent years.<\/p>\n<div class=\"relative group\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full  \">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Stage<\/th>\n<th>Processing Time (2026)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Provincial endorsement<\/td>\n<td>Varies by province (typically 2\u20134 months)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Federal PR application (AIP)<\/td>\n<td>Approximately 26 months (as of mid-2026)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Work permit (if applying separately)<\/td>\n<td>Varies by country<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"auto\">As of June 2026, IRCC had reduced estimated processing times for new AIP permanent residence applications from 38 months to approximately 26 months. The service standard for AIP applications is 11 months, but current backlogs have led to longer wait times.<\/p>\n<h2>AIP vs Other Immigration Pathways<\/h2>\n<div class=\"relative group\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full  \">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Factor<\/th>\n<th>Atlantic Immigration Program<\/th>\n<th>Express Entry (FSWP\/CEC)<\/th>\n<th>Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Job offer required<\/td>\n<td>Yes (from designated employer)<\/td>\n<td>No (but adds points)<\/td>\n<td>Varies by province<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>LMIA required<\/td>\n<td>No (employer designation replaces LMIA)<\/td>\n<td>No (unless job offer needs LMIA)<\/td>\n<td>Varies by stream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Language requirement<\/td>\n<td>CLB 4+<\/td>\n<td>CLB 7+ (for FSWP)<\/td>\n<td>Varies by province<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Work experience<\/td>\n<td>1,560 hours (except graduates)<\/td>\n<td>1,560 hours (for FSWP)<\/td>\n<td>Varies by stream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Settlement plan<\/td>\n<td>Mandatory<\/td>\n<td>Not required<\/td>\n<td>Not required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Processing time<\/td>\n<td>~26 months (federal)<\/td>\n<td>6\u201312 months<\/td>\n<td>12\u201324 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Best for<\/td>\n<td>Candidates with a job offer in Atlantic Canada<\/td>\n<td>Candidates with high CRS scores<\/td>\n<td>Candidates with a connection to a specific province<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The AIP is often the best option for candidates who already have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. It has lower language requirements than Express Entry (CLB 4 vs CLB 7) and does not require an LMIA. The mandatory settlement plan also provides valuable support for newcomers adjusting to life in Atlantic Canada.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the Atlantic Immigration Program Canada and how does it work?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal economic immigration program that helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates for jobs they have not been able to fill locally. It is employer-driven, meaning you need a job offer from a designated employer. The process involves securing a job offer, getting a settlement plan, receiving provincial endorsement, and applying for permanent residence.<\/p>\n<h3>How much does the Atlantic Immigration Program cost in 2026?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Total costs range from approximately $3,000 to $4,500+ CAD for a single applicant. This includes the $1,590 PR processing fee, $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee, $85 biometrics fee, language tests ($300), and medical exams ($200\u2013$500).<\/p>\n<h3>What documents are required for the Atlantic Immigration Program?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Required documents include a job offer from a designated employer, confirmation of provincial endorsement, a settlement plan, language test results, educational credentials (or ECA), proof of work experience, and identity documents.<\/p>\n<h3>What are the eligibility requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Eligibility varies by stream. The High-Skilled and Intermediate-Skilled programs require 1,560 hours of work experience in the past 5 years, a job offer from a designated employer, CLB 4 language proficiency, and a settlement plan. The International Graduate program requires a degree from an Atlantic Canadian institution but no work experience.<\/p>\n<h3>How long does the Atlantic Immigration Program take to process?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Federal PR processing for the AIP takes approximately 26 months as of mid-2026. Provincial endorsement typically takes 2\u20134 months. Total timeline from job offer to PR is approximately 28\u201330 months.<\/p>\n<h3>What is a settlement plan and why do I need one?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\">A settlement plan is a mandatory document that helps you and your family adjust to life in Atlantic Canada. It gives you useful information and referrals to free services in your new community. You get it from a settlement service provider organization after receiving a job offer from a designated employer.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">The Atlantic Immigration Program is one of the most accessible pathways to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer in Atlantic Canada. With lower language requirements than Express Entry, no LMIA requirement, and a built-in settlement support system, it is an excellent option for candidates who want to live and work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Visaline can review your situation, assess your eligibility for the current AIP streams, and help you prepare a complete and accurate application. We do not promise outcomes we cannot deliver, but we do promise honest guidance and professional support.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Based on the latest regulations and program instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Government of Canada, including official pages on the Atlantic Immigration Program, fee schedules, and processing times.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Published\/Updated:<\/strong> July 23, 2026<br \/>\n<strong>Author:<\/strong> Visaline Legal Editorial Team<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Contact us today to review your case and book your immigration consultation. We also recommend following Visaline Immigration Institute on Instagram for real-time updates on IRCC news and immigration law changes. \u260e\ufe0f Toronto WhatsApp: +1-647-860-0005<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-8 border-t border-felo-border-3-modal dark:border-felo-border-3-modal-dark\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Atlantic Immigration Program Canada 2026: Your Complete Guide You have been working as a nurse in the Philippines for five years. Or maybe you just graduated from a university in &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":975,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-985","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=985"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":988,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/985\/revisions\/988"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/975"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}