Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program – Overview

The Canadian government introduced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) in 2017. It was designed to address the demographic and labor market challenges in the Atlantic provinces – Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick. 

These provinces required qualified workers to help their economies flourish as their populations were declining. The AIPP offered a route to permanent residency in an effort to draw and keep foreign skilled workers. Promoting economic growth, eliminating labor market gaps, and fostering regional prosperity are some of the program’s aims and goals. Employers in the Atlantic provinces are able to fill employment openings with foreign workers. Thanks to the AIPP, potential employees are given the chance to start over in Canada.

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What are the eligibility requirements for AIPP?

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is aimed at attracting skilled workers to the Atlantic provinces of Canada. To qualify for the AIPP, applicants must meet certain requirements, some of which include:

1. Job offer: Candidates must have a full-time, non-seasonal work offer from a recognized company in one of the Atlantic provinces. The employment offer must be for a position needed within the National Occupational Classification’s (NOC) skill types 0, A, B, or C. 
2. Work experience: You must have at least one-year relevant job experience, either full-time or part-time, within the last three years. Both the experience and the job offer should be at the same NOC skill level.
3. Education: You must have a minimum of a high school diploma or an equivalent. Some job positions may require more educational qualifications or specific certifications.
4. Language proficiency: You must show language proficiency in English or French by providing the results of an approved language test. The minimum language score depends on the occupation and skill level.
5. Settlement Funds: You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The amount required depends on your family size.
6. Intention to Reside: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in one of the participating Atlantic provinces. They should provide a settlement plan outlining their intention to settle and integrate into the community.

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Four Atlantic provinces participating in the program

The Canadian government started the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) to help the four Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador meet their labor market demands. To address their demographic and economic concerns, these provinces actively take part in the AIPP. 

1. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is well-known for its growing offshore oil and gas industry. Thus, this province needs qualified personnel in fields including engineering, construction, and natural resources.
2. Prince Edward Island is a province thriving in the agricultural and tourism industry. There are opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, farming, and food processing for immigrants.
3. Nova Scotia seeks specialists in sectors like healthcare, financial services, and information technology.  Experienced craftsmen and businessmen can also seek opportunities in Nova Scotia.
4. The province of New Brunswick is well-known for its forestry, computer technology, and industrial industries. They welcome immigrants who can help it expand economically.

Employers in these provinces can hire foreign employees immediately thanks to the AIPP, skipping the need to do a labor market effect analysis. With the extra benefit of a job offer from a specified firm in the area, it provides jobs for skilled employees, intermediate-skilled workers, and foreign graduates. To build dynamic and varied communities in the Atlantic provinces, the initiative places a priority on permanent residency for immigrants and their families.

READ MORE: Express Entry Eligibility Criteria For Canadian Permanent Residency For Canadian Permanent Residency

Step-by-step breakdown of the application process for employers

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) allows employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces to hire foreign workers while also supporting their road to permanent residency. Skilled workers can use the AIPP to gain Canadian permanent residency and contribute to the labor market and economic growth of the Atlantic provinces by completing these qualifying standards. Here is a step-by-step overview of the AIPP application process for employers:

• Confirm eligibility: Ensure that your company fulfills the AIPP program’s eligibility requirements. This involves being located in one of the Atlantic provinces participating in the program and establishing a real need to hire foreign workers.
• Obtain designation: Apply for AIPP employer designation through the authorized provincial authority. This includes filling out the necessary application papers and submitting supporting documentation to demonstrate your company’s legality and necessity for foreign labor.
• Recruitment workers: Actively recruit workers for the AIPP roles you intend to fill. To attract competent workers, advertise the job openings through numerous media.
• Offer of employment: Make a valid employment offer that fits the program requirements once you’ve gotten potential workers. This offer should include information such as job responsibilities, pay, perks, and length of employment.
• Create settlement Plan: Collaborate with the candidate to develop a settlement plan outlining the support and assistance you will provide to help them integrate successfully into the community. This plan should handle issues such as housing, language training, and orientation to the local region.
• Submit Endorsement Application: Complete the application for endorsement with the provincial authorities. Include the job offer, settlement plan, and any additional documents that are requested. 

The bottom line

The provincial authority will assess your application and decide whether or not to approve it. If you are approved, you will receive an endorsement confirmation. Once endorsed, guide the applicant in applying for a work visa and, eventually, permanent residency. Employers can manage the AIPP application procedure and potentially benefit from hiring foreign workers who can contribute to their business growth and the local economy by following these steps.