What the AIP Canada is and who it suits
The AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program) is a settlement program for Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates with a job offer from a designated employer are eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR).
The appeal of the AIP is that its language (CLB) and experience requirements are usually more lenient than Express Entry, together with a settlement plan that supports you in establishing your life. It suits those with an occupation who are ready to settle in the Atlantic region.
Interested in the Atlantic region? Get a free profile assessment so M2W consultants can check your AIP eligibility.
- PR through a job offer from a designated employer
- CLB & experience requirements usually more lenient than Express Entry
- A supporting settlement plan
Main requirements of the AIP
The AIP is tied to a designated employer in the Atlantic region.
Designated employer
Job offer
A job offer from an employer designated by a province in the Atlantic region.
Education & experience
By occupation group
Meet the education and experience requirements for your occupation group; the CLB threshold is usually more lenient than Express Entry.
Settlement plan
Settlement plan
Have an approved settlement plan supporting you and your family in establishing your life.
The AIP application process
The AIP is closely tied to a designated employer.
Step 1 — Find a designated employer
Obtain a job offer from an employer designated by a province in the Atlantic region.
Step 2 — Endorsement & settlement plan
The employer and province confirm the offer; you complete your settlement plan.
Step 3 — Submit the PR application
Submit your permanent residence application together with the job offer, education, language and settlement plan.
Step 4 — Receive PR & settle
Once approved, the whole family receives PR and settles in the Atlantic region.
Costs and important notes
AIP costs include: language test fees, credential assessment (ECA), the PR application fee, medical exam, police certificates and service fees. The pivotal step is securing a designated employer — M2W consultants help you make contact and prepare your application. See the cost structure on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions about the AIP
Which provinces does AIP apply to?
The four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Does AIP require a CRS score?
No. AIP does not use the Express Entry CRS system. The core requirement is an invitation from a designated employer, along with education, experience and language requirements for the occupation group.
Are the AIP language requirements high?
AIP’s CLB threshold is usually softer than Express Entry’s, depending on the occupation group. You still need to prove language ability with IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF.
What is a settlement plan?
An approved settlement plan that helps you and your family prepare a stable life (housing, schooling, employment…) in the Atlantic region.
Does the whole family get PR?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children are included in the application and receive PR together.
Want to settle in the Atlantic region?
The AIP opens a PR pathway through a designated employer, with more lenient thresholds than Express Entry. M2W consultants advise on your industry and help you reach out to employers.
