Employer-driven pathway to permanent residency in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Ideal for ECE, PSW, and healthcare professionals.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal program designed to help Atlantic Canadian employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they have been unable to fill locally. It covers all four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
AIP is an employer-driven pathway, meaning you need a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer to apply. The program features lower language and education requirements compared to Express Entry, making it accessible to a broader range of candidates including those in essential service roles.
The program is particularly well-suited for healthcare professionals, Early Childhood Educators (ECE), Personal Support Workers (PSW), Developmental Service Workers (DSW), and other essential service workers. Atlantic Canada actively recruits in these high-demand occupations, and TSH maintains relationships with designated employers across all four provinces.
Our AIP package covers the full process from employer matching to permanent residency approval.
We connect you with designated Atlantic employers actively hiring in your occupation across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland.
Complete preparation of your AIP application package including all forms, supporting documents, and employer documentation.
We guide you through the provincial endorsement process, ensuring all requirements are met for your chosen Atlantic province.
A mandatory settlement plan is developed with a designated settlement service provider to demonstrate your commitment to life in Atlantic Canada.
We review your job offer letter and employment contract to ensure they meet AIP program requirements and protect your interests.
After provincial endorsement, we prepare and submit your federal PR application to IRCC with all required documentation and fees.
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you will generally need the following:
AIP has more accessible requirements than Express Entry. Contact us for a personalized assessment based on your occupation and experience.
Track your document preparation progress. Click each item as you gather your documents.
Here is a typical timeline from your first consultation to PR approval through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
We evaluate your qualifications, work experience, and language scores to determine your AIP eligibility and best-fit province.
Day 1We connect you with designated Atlantic employers hiring in your occupation and secure a qualifying job offer.
2 – 4 weeksYour endorsement application is submitted to the province along with the settlement plan and employer documentation.
1 – 2 monthsThe province reviews your application and issues a provincial endorsement, confirming your eligibility for PR through AIP.
2 – 3 monthsYour federal PR application is submitted to IRCC. We monitor progress and handle any additional requests until approval.
~6 monthsBelow is an estimated breakdown of government, third-party, and service fees for an Atlantic Immigration Program application.
| Fee Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Provincial Endorsement Fee | $0 |
| IRCC Processing Fee | $850 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 |
| Biometrics | $85 |
| Language Test (IELTS / CELPIP / PTE) | ~$300 |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | ~$200 |
| TSH Service Fee | $499 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change. Provincial endorsement through AIP has no government fee. Amounts may vary depending on country of origin and number of dependents. IRCC fees are current as of 2026.
A designated employer is an Atlantic Canadian employer that has been approved by their provincial government to hire foreign workers through the Atlantic Immigration Program. The designation confirms the employer has met specific requirements and is committed to supporting newcomers. TSH maintains an active network of designated employers across all four Atlantic provinces and can connect you with employers hiring in your field.
Jobs classified under NOC TEER 0 through TEER 4 are eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program. Popular qualifying roles include Early Childhood Educators (ECE), Personal Support Workers (PSW), Developmental Service Workers (DSW), healthcare aides, registered nurses, food service supervisors, truck drivers, skilled tradespeople, and various other essential service occupations in demand across Atlantic Canada.
Yes, you must commit to living and working in the Atlantic province where you received your job offer. A settlement plan is a mandatory component of the AIP application, developed in partnership with a designated settlement service provider. This plan demonstrates your commitment to integrating into the community and building your life in Atlantic Canada.
Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your permanent residency application through AIP. Your spouse is also eligible to receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada while your PR application is being processed. Dependent children can attend school in Canada during this time as well.
Get a free profile review and discover how the Atlantic Immigration Program can be your path to permanent residency.