The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a fast-track pathway to permanent residency in Canada, designed for skilled workers and international graduates from a Canadian post-secondary institution. By directly connecting workers with employers, the program helps boost the regional economy and address labor shortages in key local industries. To learn more about how the program works, join Phan Immigration in exploring the details below.
What Makes the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Stand Out
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — also known as the Atlantic Canada Immigration Program — is designed to attract skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian educational institutions to settle in one of the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
This program is highly attractive to newcomers thanks to several outstanding benefits:
- Applicants can obtain a temporary work permit while waiting for permanent residency approval. This permit is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement.
- Spouses accompanying the main applicant are eligible for an Open Work Permit.
- Dependent children can apply for a Study Permit and enjoy free public education from Grade 1 to 12.
- Permanent Residency (PR) is granted for the entire family.
Access to education, healthcare, and social welfare is provided on par with Canadian citizens. - Eligibility for Canadian citizenship after meeting the legal residency requirements.
- Lower requirements for language proficiency and education compared to other Canadian immigration programs, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants from Vietnam.
- Fast application processing, with permanent residency decisions in as little as 6 months.
Eligibility Requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is open to applicants both inside and outside of Canada, provided they meet the program’s eligibility criteria:
- Must be a skilled worker with qualifying work experience or an international graduate from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces of Canada.
- Must meet minimum educational requirements.
- Must meet minimum language proficiency requirements.
- Must provide proof of sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada. (Applicants already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit are exempt from this requirement.)
Specific Eligibility for International Graduates
International graduates may be eligible for the AIP if they meet the following conditions:
- Hold a degree, diploma, or certificate from a program of at least 2 years, issued by a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
- Studied full-time throughout the entire program.
Lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months in the two years before graduation. - Held the appropriate authorization to study, work, or receive training in Canada.
- Work experience is not required for international graduates applying under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Eligibility Requirements for International Workers
International workers applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) must meet the following conditions:
- Have accumulated at least 1,560 hours of work experience in the past 5 years. This is equivalent to one year of full-time work at 30 hours per week.
When calculating work hours, note the following:
- Count both full-time and part-time paid work.
- Only paid hours are eligible. Volunteer work or unpaid internships are not counted.
- Self-employment hours are not eligible.
- Include hours worked both inside and outside Canada. However, if the work was in Canada, it must have been performed legally under valid authorization as a temporary resident.
- The hours must have been accumulated over a period of at least 12 months.
- Work experience gained during study may be counted, as long as it does not exceed the allowable limit stated in your study permit conditions.
The qualifying work experience must fall under Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 as defined in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 system.
Education Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- For job offers under NOC 2021 TEER 0 or 1: A post-secondary education credential of at least one year from a Canadian institution, or an equivalent foreign credential.
- For job offers under NOC 2021 TEER 2, 3, or 4: A Canadian high school diploma, or an equivalent foreign credential.
Note: Foreign education credentials must be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. The ECA must be issued within 5 years of the date IRCC receives your application.
Note: The education credential must have been obtained within 24 months before submitting your application for permanent residence.
Language Requirements
- For job offers under NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: Minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 5.
- For job offers under NOC 2021 TEER 4: Minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 4.
Note: Language test results must be less than 2 years old from the date of submitting the application.
Proof of Settlement Funds
The required amount of settlement funds depends on the size of your family, including family members who are financially dependent on you, even if they are not accompanying you to Canada.
If you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you are exempt from this requirement.
| Number of Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) | Equivalent in VND |
| 1 | 3,672 | 65,940,086 |
| 2 | 4,572 | 82,101,872 |
| 3 | 5,620 | 100,921,374 |
| 4 | 6,824 | 122,542,252 |
| 5 | 7,740 | 138,991,359 |
| 6 | 8,729 | 156,751,366 |
| 7 | 9,718 | 174,511,373 |
| For each additional member | 989 | 17,760,007 |
| Exchange rate as of February 20, 2025. | ||
Application Process for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) follows the steps below:
- Step 1: Eligibility assessment and profile review.
- Step 2: Receive a valid job offer from a designated AIP employer
- Step 3: Obtain a Settlement Plan.
- Step 4: Receive a Provincial Endorsement Certificate.
- Step 5: Submit the Permanent Residence (PR) application for the entire family from Vietnam.
- Step 6: Apply for a Work Permit Support Letter, if desired by the principal applicant.
- Step 7: Receive Permanent Residency (PR) for the whole family once the PR application is approved.
Professional AIP Immigration Consulting Services by Phan Immigration
Phan Immigration is a reputable immigration consulting firm licensed by the Government of Canada, proudly offering tailor-made immigration solutions that serve as a reliable, cost-effective bridge between Vietnam and Canada. We don’t just help clients realize their dream of immigrating — we walk alongside you as you build a stable life, grow your career, and create a secure future in this beautiful country.
Why Choose Phan Immigration?
- Experienced and Licensed Experts: With over 15 years of expertise in Canadian immigration consulting, our team is certified by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and committed to providing professional and dedicated services.
- Comprehensive, Personalized Solutions: Phan Immigration offers a full range of services — from temporary visas (study, tourism, work) to permanent immigration programs (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship) — all tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
- Strong Network of Canadian Partners: We collaborate with a trusted network of immigration lawyers, business attorneys, and reputable enterprises across Canada, helping our clients quickly integrate into their new communities.
- Transparency and Accountability: Phan Immigration is committed to delivering clear, honest information and taking full responsibility throughout the entire application process.
Our Alberta-Focused Immigration Services Include:
Business Immigration to Alberta:
- Start-Up Visa (SUV)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, PEI, etc.)
- ICT (Intra-Company Transfer)
- C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
- T50 Investment Pathway
Skilled Worker Immigration to Alberta:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP – Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, PEI, etc.)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Study Pathway to Alberta:
- Legal support for Express Entry, PNP, LMIA, Open Work Permits, and Spousal Sponsorship
Phan Immigration is committed to delivering the best possible services and supporting each client in reaching their immigration goals quickly and efficiently. If you have any questions about the Atlantic Immigration Program or other pathways to Canada, don’t hesitate to contact Phan Immigration for personalized consultation and dedicated support.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
What’s the Difference Between AIP and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)?
In addition to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), applicants may also consider immigrating through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). The key differences between the two programs are as follows:
| Criteria | Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) |
| Applicable Regions | 4 Atlantic Provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island | All Canadian provinces except Nunavut and Quebec |
| Job Offer Requirement | Mandatory – the job offer must be from a designated employer | Not always required – depends on the PNP stream selected |
| PR Application Process | One-step process – applicants can apply directly for PR if eligible | Two-step process – applicants must first receive a provincial nomination, then apply for PR at the federal level |
| Processing Time | Approximately 9 months | Varies by province and case:
• Enhanced nomination: 8–12 months • Base nomination: 12–24 months |
| Settlement Plan | Required – helps applicants and their families integrate into their new community | Not required for most PNP streams |
How Much Does the Atlantic Immigration Program Cost?
Applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program should expect to pay the following fees:
| Category | Fees (CAD) | Fees (VND) |
| Principal applicant – with PR fee | 1,525 | 27,394,978 |
| Principal applicant – without PR fee | 950 | 17,065,724 |
| Spouse/common-law partner – with PR fee | 1,525 | 27,394,978 |
| Spouse/common-law partner – without PR fee | 950 | 17,065,724 |
| Dependent child | 260/child | 4,670,619 per child |
| Exchange rate as of February 20, 2025. | ||
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to begin a new life in Canada. With straightforward eligibility requirements and strong support from the Atlantic provinces, AIP is a reliable pathway to turning your Canadian immigration dream into reality.
If you’re interested in this program, contact Phan Immigration today for a free consultation.
