
Atlantic Immigration Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Hire qualified foreign workers permanently in Atlantic Canada
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : May 15, 2024
- Closing date : July 9, 2024
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get help to hire qualified candidates from overseas or living in Canada temporarily, for jobs you haven't been able to fill locally. Before you can make a job offer and hire a candidate, you must be designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 240,000
Recruiting specialized medical professionals to provide advanced care in rural clinics
$ 230,000
Recruiting experienced engineers to develop renewable energy solutions for local communities
$ 180,000
Hiring qualified software engineers to develop a new mobile application revolutionizing financial services
$ 90,000
Bringing in international chefs to enhance the culinary offerings at a community kitchen
$ 320,000
Hiring skilled machinists to enhance manufacturing capabilities in an industrial plant
Eligibility
To be eligible as a company under the Atlantic Immigration Program, employers must fulfill specific criteria related to their designation status in the Atlantic provinces.
- The employer must apply to become designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province where the candidate will be working.
- The employer must comply with the province-specific application process for designation.
- The employer is required to demonstrate the inability to fill the position locally.
Who is eligible?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is open to both employers in the four Atlantic Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) and to skilled foreign workers or international graduates from Canadian institutions who are seeking permanent residency in these provinces.
- Employers must become designated by the provincial government to hire through the program.
- International candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer.
- Candidates can be recent graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada or skilled workers, either living abroad or as temporary residents in Canada.
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
This grant supports companies located in the Atlantic provinces of Canada to promote regional employment through international workers. The program specifically targets businesses unable to fulfill job vacancies with local talent.
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
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
1
Apply for Designation
- Visit the website of the Atlantic province where your candidate will be working: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
- Locate the application to become a designated employer on the province’s website.
- Complete and submit the application as per the province’s instructions. Note that there is no cost to become designated.
2
Recruit International Candidates
- Once designated, you are eligible to recruit skilled international workers or graduates.
- Ensure that the job offer meets the program's requirements.
3
Issue a Job Offer
- Offer the candidate a position that aligns with the program's criteria.
- Ensure all details of the job offer comply with provincial guidelines.
4
Support Employee’s Application
Upon acceptance of the job offer, support the employee in obtaining the necessary referral letter from the Atlantic province.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Atlantic Immigration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Where is the Atlantic Immigration Program available?

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