Atlantic Immigration Program - New Brunswick - Canada

Closed

Source verified June 30, 2026

Atlantic Immigration Program

Pathway to permanent residence in Atlantic Canada

Offered by

Immigration

Official source: canada.ca

Latest source update

Last Update: June 30, 2026

Latest change: The Atlantic Immigration Program now shows a 12-month EOI validity period effective May 1, 2026, and several supporting PDFs and guidance pages were updated.

View change

Atlantic Immigration Program updated

The Atlantic Immigration Program page now shows a 12-month validity period for Expressions of Interest, effective May 1, 2026, with transition measures for EOIs already in the pool. The main page also now lists a processing time of about 38 months, compared with the earlier 26 months shown on the previous version. Supporting AIP documents were also updated: the designated-employers PDF was refreshed from Feb 10, 2026 to Apr 01, 2026 with employers added, removed, or renamed, and the endorsement checklist now tightens status-related intake rules. The post-endorsement requests form also reflects updated instructions, including a June 2026 version and a requirement to submit proof of permanent residence application submission for employer-change cases.

Funding available

Varies by project

Deadline

Open continuously

Location

New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Who can apply

skilled workers

See full eligibility

Overview

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. It is employer-driven and requires a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.

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Opportunity Score

Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Attract or retain talent
Develop workforce skills

Eligible Funding

Varies by project

Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

Legal structures

For-profit business
Financial cooperative
Non-profit
Sole proprietorship
Public or Parapublic institution
Non-financial cooperative
Social economy enterprise

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Newcomers to Canada

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training
Diversity and Inclusion

Target groups

New immigrants & refugees
Business owners / entrepreneurs
Academia / students

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Provincial
National

Next Steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Documents Needed

Offer of employment number.
Referral letter from the Atlantic province.
Signed IMM 0156 form.
Language test results.
Educational credentials.
Proof of work experience.

Official resources

Official page

Atlantic Immigration Program

Program guide

After you apply

AIP candidate pool

AIP employer designation

Application form

AIP Endorsement Application Process

Application form

Supporting document

After endorsement

Apply for permanent residence

ARCHIVED - Immigrate through the Atlantic Immigration Program: Get a job offer - NOC 2016

Atlantic Immigration

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

skilled workers
recent graduates of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada
people who are living abroad or already in Canada as temporary residents

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies may not be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program grant. Common exclusions include:

Companies that do not operate in one of the Atlantic provinces
Companies that do not have designated status from the provincial government
Companies that do not meet the program's job requirements

Eligible geographic areas

Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Program grant:

Evaluation is based on the candidate meeting the program requirements and the employer becoming designated.
Selection criteria include the candidate receiving a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.

How to apply

Step 1: Get designated as an employer
- Apply to become a designated employer in the Atlantic province where the candidate will work.
- Follow the province’s own application process.
Step 2: Find and offer a job
- Hire a skilled worker or an international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- Make a job offer through a designated employer.
Step 3: Submit the endorsement and immigration applications
- Send the settlement plan to the designated employer, who submits the endorsement application.
- Submit the permanent residence application and supporting documents to IRCC.
- If needed, apply online for a temporary work permit.

Processing and Agreement

Applications are reviewed after submission.
For permanent residence, IRCC reviews and processes the application.
A work permit may be issued while the permanent residence application is being processed, if required.
Once approved, applicants can travel to Atlantic Canada to live and work.

Additional information

Here is an additional relevant detail for this grant:

While there is no cost to become a designated employer, it is crucial to keep updated with each province's specific application process requirements as they may vary.

Contacts

none

Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program Program

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

Who is eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program program?

To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program program, you must: To immigrate through this program, you must be either a recent graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, or a skilled worker. You can be living abroad or already be in Canada as a temporary resident.