Visa Type

Atlantic Immigration Program Guide (Canada)

Canada • RESIDENCY pathway

Eligibility, employer designation, and step-by-step process for immigrating to Atlantic Canada.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-30Official sources
Key takeaways
  • Atlantic Immigration Program is employer-driven for Atlantic Canada provinces.
  • Applicants need a job offer from a designated employer and a settlement plan.
  • Some streams require work experience; others are for international graduates.

Who the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is for

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  • Skilled workers with a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
  • International graduates from eligible Atlantic institutions
  • Applicants who can meet settlement and language requirements

Eligibility nuances

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Eligibility depends on the stream and province where the employer is designated.

You must show intent to live in the Atlantic province of the job offer.

Official IRCC guidance to review

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Use the official IRCC guidance before applying for a Canada visa or permit.

Canada visa requirements checklist

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  • Job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province
  • Language test results that meet program requirements
  • Settlement funds if required for your stream
  • Admissibility checks including biometrics and medical exams

Documents and evidence (IRCC checklist)

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  • Job offer letter and employer designation details
  • Language test results and education credentials
  • Proof of work experience (if required)
  • Settlement funds evidence and identity documents

Comparing options? Review Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry before you finalize your Canada visa pathway.

Canada documents checklist

Canada visa application steps

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  1. Secure a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
  2. Obtain an employer-provided settlement plan and endorsement.
  3. Submit the PR application with required documents.
  4. Complete biometrics, medicals, and follow-up requests.

If this pathway doesn’t fit, compare Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry before you finalize your plan.

Canada visa fees (verify before you pay)

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Fees vary by program and applicant type. Review IRCC’s official fee schedule before submitting. Program fees include PR processing and biometrics where required.

IRCC fees

Canada processing times

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Processing times depend on program, country of residence, and application completeness. Processing times vary by stream and application completeness.

IRCC processing times tool

Common mistakes that cause delays

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  • Submitting a job offer from a non-designated employer
  • Missing settlement plan or endorsement documents
  • Incomplete proof of work experience or education

Common misconceptions

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  • Any job offer in Atlantic Canada qualifies.
  • Endorsement is optional for PR submission.
  • You can settle in any province after approval.

Next steps

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Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.

FAQs

Do I need an Atlantic employer endorsement?

Yes. You must have a job offer from a designated employer and an endorsement to apply.

Are international graduates eligible?

Yes, eligible graduates from Atlantic institutions may qualify under specific AIP streams.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-01-30

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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