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Atlantic Immigration Program
Summary:
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal pathway to permanent residence (PR) for:
Skilled foreign workers
International graduates of recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada
It supports designated New Brunswick employers in hiring qualified candidates when no local permanent residents or citizens are available.
Only designated employers can submit endorsement applications.
Download the current list of designated AIP employers in New Brunswick.
How the Atlantic Immigration Program Process Works
Step 1: Become a Designated Employer
If you’re an employer in New Brunswick and need to fill persistent labour shortages, you must become designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Designation Process
Contact Your Regional WorkingNB Office
Initiate a conversation about your workforce needs.Consultation & Assessment
A workforce consultant will evaluate your hiring needs and connect you with relevant employment services.Referral to ImmigrationNB
If immigration is determined to be a solution, your case is forwarded to ImmigrationNB, who may invite you to apply for employer designation.
Designation Requirements
To be eligible, your business must:
Be in good standing under IRPA, IRPR, and provincial labor laws
Have operated under the same management for at least 2 years
Not use foreign workers solely for staffing other businesses
Commit to settlement and onboarding support for newcomers
Complete mandatory onboarding and intercultural competency training
Step 2: Apply for an Endorsement
Designated employers can apply to endorse a foreign national for permanent residence.
Requirements for Endorsement
To endorse a position, employers must:
Prove recruitment efforts in Canada were unsuccessful
Provide a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer co-signed by the candidate
Submit a settlement plan (co-signed by the candidate)
Complete required trainings (onboarding & intercultural competency)
Ensure the position falls under priority sectors if the candidate is outside Canada:
Healthcare
Education
Construction Trades
Required Documents
IMM 0157 Offer of Employment form
Signed job offer or contract
Detailed job description
Recruitment proof
Candidate’s prior work experience
Valid language test results
Settlement plan (with dependents, if applicable)
Endorsement Application Form
Legal status in Canada (if applicable)
Candidate and family members’ passports
Step 3: After Endorsement – Apply for Permanent Residence
Once endorsed, the foreign national must:
Submit a PR application to IRCC
Optionally, apply for a temporary work permit while awaiting PR approval
What Employers & Applicants Need to Know
A valid endorsement certificate is required to apply for PR
If a work permit is needed, a support letter from ImmigrationNB is also required
Employers must:
Create a federal Employer Portal account
Submit the job offer and pay the compliance fee
A complete PR application includes:
Valid language test scores
Proof of education (ECA if outside Canada)
Reference letters with duties and responsibilities
Medical, criminal, and security clearance for all family members
VIEW MORE DETAILS
How to Prepare Before You Apply
Be “PR Ready”
Review Stream Eligibility Requirements
Understand the age, education, work experience, and language level needed.Gather Required Documents
Including:Identity documents for all family members
Valid passport(s)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Valid language test scores:
IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF
Employer reference letters matching NOC descriptions
Find Your NOC Code
Match your job duties to the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) code on the NOC website.
Atlantic Immigration Program Program Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Program | Employer-driven immigration stream |
| Eligible Candidates | Skilled workers and international graduates |
| Employer Requirements | Must be designated |
| Foreign Worker Requirements | Job offer, language, education, settlement |
| Work Permit Support | Available with endorsement |
| PR Application Submitted To | IRCC (federal level) |
Book a Consultation
Take the first step toward your Canadian dream. Secure your personalized immigration consultation with us today and embark on a path to a brighter future in Canada.
I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).