Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) 2026
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates targeting one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Launched as a pilot in 2017 and made permanent, it addresses regional labor shortages by connecting designated employers with qualified candidates who have a valid job offer and a settlement plan.
The employer-driven process requires candidates to secure a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer, demonstrate language proficiency (CLB 4+ for intermediate-skilled roles, CLB 5+ for high-skilled), meet education minimums (high school for most, or a 1-2 year post-secondary credential), and show sufficient settlement funds unless already working in Canada. International graduates from Atlantic institutions are exempt from work experience requirements, making AIP accessible for recent grads and mid-career professionals alike.
Atlantic Immigration Program Requirements 2026
| Atlantic Immigration Program | AIP Requirements |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 1 year work exp, CLB 5 (TEER 0-3), CLB 4 (TEER 4), job offer from designated employer |
| International Graduate | 2-year Atlantic credential (within 2 yrs), CLB 5/4, job offer, no work exp needed |
| TEER 0,1 Requirements | 1-year post-secondary + ECA, settlement plan, 4 Atlantic provinces eligible |
| TEER 2,3,4 Requirements | High school + ECA, settlement funds (unless working), designated employer offer |
| No Age Limit | No CRS points needed, employer-driven, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia/PEI/NL only |
Eligibility Criteria of AIP 2026
- Age – No age limit or points system applies. AIP eligibility focuses on job offer from designated Atlantic employer rather than age restrictions found in Express Entry programs.
- Occupation – Eligible NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupations with job offer from designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. No specific priority occupations list beyond employer designation.
- Work Experience – Minimum 1 year (1,560 hours total) paid work experience in past 5 years in TEER 0-4 occupation matching job offer duties, obtained inside or outside Canada. International graduates from Atlantic institutions exempt from work experience requirement.
- Education – TEER 0,1 requires Canadian 1-year post-secondary credential or foreign equivalent with ECA. TEER 2,3,4 requires Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent with ECA. International graduates need 2-year credential from Atlantic institution (within 2 years).
- English Language Proficiency – CLB/NCLC 5 required for TEER 0-3 (all 4 abilities). CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4. Accepted tests: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada (results less than 2 years old).
- Points Test – No CRS points test or federal Express Entry profile required. Employer-driven pathway bypasses Comprehensive Ranking System.
- Skills Assessment – No formal skills assessment required beyond job offer matching candidate’s NOC training/experience. ECA mandatory for foreign education credentials.
- Health and Character Requirements – Medical examination from IRCC panel physician required post-endorsement. Police clearance certificates from all countries lived 6+ months since age 18. Standard IRCC admissibility requirements apply.
Atlantic Immigration Process Fees & Processing Time 2026
| Application Type | Processing Time | Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Immigration Program (Single) | 6 months | 1,525 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (Couple) | 6 months | 2,535 |
| AIP Enhanced Stream | 12-19 months | 1,725 + Province fee |
| Permanent Residence Card | N/A | 50 |
| Biometrics (per person) | N/A | 85 |
Top 7 In-Demand IT Professions for AIP 2026
| Profession | NOC Code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Software developers and programmers | 21231 | 1 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21232 | 1 |
| Computer systems developers | 21230 | 1 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 | 2 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21234 | 1 |
| Web designers | 21233 | 2 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 | 0 |
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