Closed

Hire a permanent foreign worker

Support to hire permanent foreign workers

Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration

Last Update: June 3, 2026

View official website

Funding available

Varies by project

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Location

Canada

Overview

The program helps employers hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates to fill labour needs and support permanent residence pathways. It covers designated-employer processes, endorsements, and job offers under Atlantic immigration streams.

/100

Opportunity Score

Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Attract or retain talent
Develop an online presence
Develop workforce skills

Eligible Funding

Varies by project

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

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
Business Associations
Diversity and Inclusion

Target groups

New immigrants & refugees
Business owners / entrepreneurs

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Next Steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

Hire skilled foreign workers or international graduates in Atlantic Canada.
Become a designated employer to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Submit an endorsement for a job offer under the program.
Support a foreign worker’s permanent residence application.

Official resources

Official page

Hire a permanent foreign worker

Program guide

Atlantic Immigration Program

Hire a provincial nominee

Application form

AIP endorsement application guidelines

Atlantic Immigration Program

Use of a Representative

Supporting document

Atlantic Immigration Program

Employer

Immigrate through the Atlantic Immigration Program: Apply for permanent residence

Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Employers in Atlantic Canada.
Employers seeking to hire skilled foreign workers.
Employers seeking to hire international graduates.
Employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.

Who is not eligible

Employers outside Atlantic Canada.
Employers without provincial designation.
Employers applying for candidates who will not work in an Atlantic province.

Eligible expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant, including:

Costs associated with hiring foreign workers or recent graduates
Supporting an employee in their permanent residence journey

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Multiple applications for the same business/location in Nova Scotia.
Hiring candidates who will not work in an Atlantic province under the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Eligible geographic areas

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

Employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the foreign worker
Job offer must meet certain requirements under immigration programs
Proof of efforts to recruit or train Canadians or permanent residents
Ability to pay the offered wage and comply with employment standards

How to apply

Step 1: Contact the provincial employer support office
- Begin with the regional contact point for employer immigration support.
- Receive guidance on next steps and workforce needs.
Step 2: Apply for designation
- Complete the employer designation application through the provincial online system.
- Submit the required form and supporting documents.
Step 3: Complete required training
- Finish onboarding training before designation.
- Complete intercultural competency training, if required by the province.
Step 4: Submit endorsement application
- Prepare the endorsement request for the candidate and job offer.
- Submit the application through the province’s process.
Step 5: Continue after endorsement
- Once endorsed, the candidate may apply for permanent residence.
- If applicable, request a referral letter for a temporary work permit.

Processing and Agreement

Applications are reviewed by the relevant provincial authority.
Selection for processing does not guarantee approval.
Applicants are notified directly if their submission is selected.
Endorsement must be approved before permanent residence can proceed.

Additional information

Access to the Employer Portal is crucial for managing job offers and foreign worker applications.
Job Match services can assist in locating suitable candidates effectively.
Utilizing the Job Bank can streamline the hiring process of foreign skilled workers.
Becoming a designated employer under specific immigration programs can facilitate the hiring process.
Employers are encouraged to use outreach services to optimize their use of immigration programs.
Employers must ensure that job offers meet the criteria for Express Entry and other immigration applications.
Guide documents are available to assist in hiring and retaining internationally trained workers.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hire a permanent foreign worker Program

What is the Hire a permanent foreign worker?

Who is eligible for the Hire a permanent foreign worker program?

To be eligible for the Hire a permanent foreign worker program, you must: Designated employer status required. Job offer must meet program rules. Unmet local hiring need.

What expenses are eligible under Hire a permanent foreign worker?

Hire skilled foreign workers or international graduates in Atlantic Canada. Become a designated employer to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program. Submit an endorsement for a job offer under the program. Support a foreign worker’s permanent residence application.