The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program was established to welcome additional newcomers to Atlantic Canada to meet the labour needs of local employers and communities. This employer-driven initiative streamlines the process for hiring foreign workers. Applicants arriving in Canada through this program must have a job offer from a designated employer, as well as a personalized settlement plan for themselves and their family members.

This three-year pilot allows designated employers in the region to identify candidates who meet both their workforce needs and the program’s criteria. After selecting suitable candidates, employers must provide them with a job offer. Under this program, employers are exempt from obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

The pilot consists of three streams: two designed for skilled workers and one for international student graduates. Each stream has its own eligibility requirements.

The chart below outlines these criteria.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)

Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)

Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

Employers that need to fill a job vacancy quickly will have access to apply for a temporary work permit so that the eligible candidate can come to Canada as soon as possible