What is the AIP? The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to settle in Atlantic Canada. It is employer-driven — you must have a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer before applying.
AIP Stream Eligibility Checker
Select your NOC TEER category and education background to identify your AIP stream:
The 3 AIP Streams
| Stream | Who Qualifies | NOC TEER | Work Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP) | Foreign skilled workers | TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 | At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past 3 years in the same NOC category |
| Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) | Foreign workers in intermediate-skilled roles | TEER 4 | At least 1 year full-time experience in a TEER 4 occupation in the past 3 years |
| Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) | Graduates of a designated Atlantic post-secondary institution | Any TEER (no minimum) | No prior work experience required — degree/diploma from designated Atlantic institution is sufficient |
The 4-Step AIP Process
- Find a Designated Employer: Your employer must be officially designated by the provincial government of the relevant Atlantic province. Not every employer qualifies — check the provincial designation list before applying.
- Receive a Job Offer: Obtain a qualifying full-time, non-seasonal job offer. The employer must complete the job offer using IRCC's online portal.
- Create a Settlement Plan: Work with a designated settlement service provider in the province to create a Settlement Plan outlining how you and your family will integrate (language training, community services, etc.). This plan is mandatory.
- Apply for Endorsement & Then PR: The province reviews your application and, if approved, issues an Endorsement Certificate. You then use this certificate to apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Language & Education Requirements
| Stream | Minimum CLB / NCLC (English/French) | Education |
|---|---|---|
| AHSP (TEER 0 & 1) | CLB 7 in all 4 abilities | High school diploma or higher |
| AHSP (TEER 2 & 3) | CLB 5 in all 4 abilities | High school diploma or higher |
| AISP (TEER 4) | CLB 4 in all 4 abilities | High school diploma or higher |
| AIGP | CLB 4 in all 4 abilities (TEER 4) or CLB 5–7 matching AHSP | Must hold credential from a designated Atlantic institution |
Residency Obligation: While the AIP grants permanent residence, you are expected to settle and work in Atlantic Canada. Moving to another province immediately after landing may raise concerns with IRCC during citizenship applications, as you must demonstrate ties to the endorsing province.
Atlantic Province Resources
→ IRCC Official AIP Portal→ CRS Score Calculator→ NOC TEER Lookup Tool→ TR to PR Pathways GuideAtlantic Provinces
- 🦞 Nova Scotia
- 🌊 New Brunswick
- 🥔 Prince Edward Island
- ⛵ Newfoundland & Labrador