Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a program that covers the Atlantic Provinces. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.

Within this program there are 3 primary areas of immigration.

1. Atlantic International Graduate Program
2. Atlantic High Skilled Program
3. Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program

As of now the pilot program has now changed from a Pilot program to a permanent program for Canada Immigration.

In each of the above programs they all have their requirements to meet the standards for immigration.

Atlantic International Graduate Program

This program is for students who have studied in the province of their application. Meaning if you have studied in Nova Scotia this is where you would submit your application under the AIPP.

You also must have

1. At least a 2-year degree, diploma certificate or trade apprenticeship
2. You must have been in full time studies
3. You must have graduated within 24 months of your application
4. You lived for at least 16 months of the 24 months in the respective province
5. You have a visa or permit to work, study or train in Canada
6. Taken a language test to show you can communicate in English or French
7. Show you have the financial means to support yourself and your family

Your study Cannot be in a language course that was more than 50% of the study period and distant learning could also not be more than 50% of the study time and you cannot apply if you were given a sponsorship or fellowship that requires you to return to your home country

Note: You may be in an accelerated learning program but it still must be the equivalent of a 24-month course. 

Note: If you are an international graduate student you are not required to have work experience to apply for the Atlantic Immigration program.

Atlantic High-Skilled Program

To apply for the High-Skilled program you need the following.

In the last 3 years you must have been employed at least 1560 hours. This is equivalent to 1 year of full-time employment (30 hours paid work per week)

You must be in an occupation that is a NOC 0, A, or B

When you are figuring out your hours these are what to consider.

1. Count all the hours part time and full time
2. All the hours must be in one occupation but can be from more than one employer
3. All the hours must be paid. If you volunteer or have been in a co-op program these don’t count.
4. If you were self-employed, they do not count
5. You can have gained these hours both inside Canada or Outside Canada
6. The hours must have been accumulated over a period of at least 12 months

Your education must be from a Canadian Secondary school or post-secondary school certificate, diploma or degree from a recognized institution.
Or
It can be a foreign educational program but it must be equal to a Canadian education and must have been certified and the certification must be less than 5 years old.

You must also meet the language level in English or French with an approved test which is less than 2 years old.

You have the proof of funds to support yourself and your family. However, if you are currently living in Canada and have a valid work permit you are not required to show proof of funds.

You must have a valid job offer that meets all the requirements

1. The job offer was submitted using the offer of employment to a foreign national form
2. The employer is on the list of Designated Employers and is a part of the AIP
3. The job must be full time
4. The job must be non-seasonal

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

You must have worked for at least one year in a job that requires a high school or better or equivalent foreign education.

You must be able to show you can speak in English or in French and you must be able to show that you can support yourself and your family.

As per the Atlantic High-Skilled program you must.

In the last 3 years you must have been employed at least 1560 hours. This is equivalent to 1 year of full-time employment (30 hours paid work per week)

When you are figuring out your hours these are what to consider.

1. Count all the hours part time and full time
2. All the hours must be in one occupation but can be from more than one employer
3. All the hours must be paid. If you volunteer or have been in a co-op program these don’t count.
4. If you were self-employed, they do not count
5. You can have gained these hours both inside Canada or Outside Canada
6. The hours must have been accumulated over a period of at least 12 months

For the intermediate program you can qualify 2 ways

Be in a NOC level C which usually requires a high school (secondary school) certificate and have the training in areas such as

1. Industrial butchers
2. Long-haul truck drivers
3. Food and beverage servers

Or option 2

You have work experience as a

1. Registered nurse or psychiatric nurse
2. Or licensed as a practical nurse

You can also have one of the following jobs offers.

A nurse’s aide, orderly or patient services associate

Or a home support worker

Your education must be from a Canadian Secondary school or post-secondary school certificate, diploma or degree from a recognized institution.
Or
It can be a foreign educational program but it must be equal to a Canadian education and must have been certified and the certification must be less than 5 years old.

You must also meet the language level in English or French with an approved test which is less than 2 years old.

You have the proof of funds to support yourself and your family. However, if you are currently living in Canada and have a valid work permit you are not required to show proof of funds.

You must have a valid job offer that meets all the requirements

1. The job offer was submitted using the offer of employment to a foreign national form
2. The employer is on the list of Designated Employers and is a part of the AIP
3. The job must be full time
4. The job must be non-seasonal