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Atlantic Immigration Program: Endorsement and Job-Offer Steps

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. To be eligible for the AIP, applicants need a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. This requirement is key to the program's success, as it helps ensure that applicants have a stable source of income and a clear plan for their future in the region.

what is the atlantic immigration program

The AIP is an employer-driven program, meaning that applicants need a job offer from a designated employer to apply. This program is designed to help address labor shortages in the Atlantic provinces and to support the region's economic growth. In contrast to other immigration programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), the AIP requires a job offer from a designated employer and a provincial endorsement. For example, the PNP programs do not require a job offer, but rather a nomination from the province based on the applicant's skills and experience.

getting a job offer from a designated employer

To apply for the AIP, applicants need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. Designated employers are companies that have been approved by the province to participate in the AIP. Applicants can find a list of designated employers on the province's website or by contacting the province directly. Once an applicant has a job offer, they can apply for the AIP through the IRCC website. It's worth noting that the IRCC website provides a wealth of information on the program, including eligibility criteria and application procedures.

provincial endorsement and settlement plan

After an applicant has applied for the AIP, their application will be reviewed by the province to ensure that they meet the program's requirements. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a provincial endorsement, which is a letter that confirms their eligibility for the program. The applicant will also need to create a settlement plan, which outlines their plans for settling in the province, including where they will live, work, and access services such as healthcare and education. This plan is an important part of the application process, as it helps ensure that applicants are well-prepared for their new life in the region.

how does the aip differ from a pnp

The AIP is different from a PNP in that it requires a job offer from a designated employer and a provincial endorsement. PNPs, on the other hand, do not require a job offer, but rather a nomination from the province based on the applicant's skills and experience. The AIP is also designed to support the economic growth of the Atlantic provinces, whereas PNPs are designed to support the economic growth of individual provinces. For instance, the AIP is focused on addressing labor shortages in the region, while PNPs may have a broader range of goals.

why is employer designation central to the aip

Employer designation is central to the AIP because it ensures that applicants have a job offer from a reputable employer in the province. This helps to support the economic growth of the region and ensures that applicants have a stable source of income. Designated employers are also required to support the applicant's settlement in the province, which helps to ensure that the applicant is able to integrate into the community. In fact, many designated employers offer a range of support services to help applicants settle into their new life, including language training and cultural orientation.

what are the requirements for the aip

The requirements for the AIP include having a job offer from a designated employer, meeting the program's eligibility criteria, and creating a settlement plan. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French. For more information on the AIP and its requirements, applicants can visit the IRCC website or contact the province directly. It's a good idea to review the eligibility criteria carefully, as they can be complex and may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances.

how to find current figures and processing times

Applicants can find current figures and processing times for the AIP on the IRCC website. The website provides up-to-date information on the program's requirements, processing times, and eligibility criteria. Applicants can also contact the province directly for more information on the program and its requirements. Additionally, applicants can check the canada.ca/immigration website for the latest information on the AIP and other immigration programs.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. This publication is not a legal document and is only intended for general information purposes.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 21, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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