Atlantic Immigration Program
Last updated · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 45 days
Quick answer
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven pathway to Permanent Residence for skilled and intermediate-skilled workers, and certain international graduates, who have a valid job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. No Labour Market Impact Assessment is required.
Key takeaways
- Employers must be designated by their Atlantic province before making a qualifying job offer.
- The program does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- Candidates need a valid job offer and, depending on the category, relevant work experience or a Canadian credential from an Atlantic institution.
- A settlement plan, developed with a designated settlement service provider organization, supports newcomers after arrival.
- The program is separate from Express Entry, using its own application intake.
Overview
The Atlantic Immigration Program helps employers in Canada's four Atlantic provinces hire foreign workers and international graduates to fill positions that cannot be filled locally, offering a direct route to Permanent Residence tied to a job offer.
Eligibility
- A valid job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Relevant work experience matching the skill level of the offered position, or an eligible Canadian post-secondary credential for graduates.
- Minimum language test results in English or French.
- Sufficient settlement funds unless already working in Canada with authorization.
Requirements
Candidates must work with the employer to obtain an endorsement from the relevant province before applying to IRCC for a work permit and, separately, Permanent Residence.
Application process
- Secure a qualifying job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
- Complete a settlement plan with a designated service provider organization.
- Receive the provincial endorsement for the job offer.
- Apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence and, if needed, a temporary work permit.
Documents
- Job offer letter and provincial endorsement certificate
- Settlement plan confirmation
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment, where applicable
- Proof of funds
Costs and timelines
Application fees follow the IRCC fee schedule and are subject to periodic change, so verify the current amount before submitting.
Processing times are published as service standards and vary depending on application completeness and volume.
Common pitfalls
- Accepting a job offer from an employer who is not yet designated by the province.
- Skipping or delaying the required settlement plan appointment.
- Applying for Permanent Residence before securing the provincial endorsement.
- Assuming the program uses the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System, which it does not.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment for this program?
- No. The Atlantic Immigration Program does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment, since employers must instead be formally designated by their province.
- Which provinces are included?
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are the four Atlantic provinces participating in this program.
- Is a settlement plan mandatory?
- Yes, most candidates must complete a settlement plan with a designated settlement service provider organization as part of the application requirements.
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Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.