Closed
Source verified August 3, 2026
Atlantic Immigration Program
Pathway to permanent residence in Atlantic Canada
Latest source updateLast Update: June 30, 2026Latest 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
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.
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
Closed
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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 1 of Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces. It helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
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
1
Determine your project
2
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
Application form
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
- Create an account or sign in using the PR Portal.
- Get your forms and documents ready.
- Pay your fees.
- Submit your application.
Processing and Agreement
- Update your contact information or tell us about changes to your family situation.
- If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
- We’ll email you instructions after you’ve paid your biometrics fee and submitted a complete application.
- Book your medical exam.
- Once we’ve approved your application, you can start the process of settling permanently in Canada.
Additional information
- The Atlantic Immigration Program doesn’t match candidates with jobs; you may find a candidate on your own, or a candidate may approach you.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program Program
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in 1 of Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces. It helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.
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.
Where is the Atlantic Immigration Program available?
The Atlantic Immigration Program program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Atlantic Immigration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Atlantic Immigration Program is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Atlantic Immigration Program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)