The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to attract and retain skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions in the Atlantic Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program serves as a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who possess the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to meet the labor market demands of the region. The program is designed to assist employers in addressing workforce shortages by providing access to a pool of qualified candidates for positions that have been difficult to fill locally. The program provides an opportunity for employers to recruit and retain talented individuals, who can contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
Which employers are eligible for designation under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program?
To become designated, an organization must be in compliance with immigration and employment laws, have been in continuous operation for at least 2 years, and commit to providing settlement and intercultural competency training for their candidates. Each province has its own application process for designation, and there is no cost to apply. Employers must also work with a settlement service provider organization and be designated in the province where the candidate will be working.
How an employer can become designated under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions to gain permanent residence and work in one of the four Atlantic Provinces. Employers must be designated by the province in order to hire candidates under the program and must meet certain requirements such as being in compliance with laws and regulations and having a commitment to working with settlement service providers. Designated employers must complete two training courses before submitting their first endorsement: onboarding and intercultural competency training. Onboarding training covers topics such as the immigration process and integration into the community while intercultural competency training focuses on creating inclusive workplaces and cultural awareness. Employers can sign up for the training by contacting the Atlantic Immigration Program’s Dedicated Service Channel or a service provider in the area.
What is the process for an employer to submit an endorsement application under the Atlantic Immigration Program?
As a designated employer, it is necessary to submit an endorsement application to the province before a candidate can apply for permanent residence under the Atlantic Immigration Program. The provinces are responsible for the endorsement process and have specific requirements that must be met before an endorsement can be granted. This includes demonstrating that the job cannot be filled locally, providing a settlement plan for the candidate and their family members, and completing both onboarding and intercultural competency training.
The candidate must also submit the completed and signed Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form with their permanent residence application. If the candidate is also seeking a work permit, a referral letter from the province must be included in their application.
If the endorsement is granted, the province will provide a Certificate of Endorsement to the candidate, allowing them to proceed with their permanent residence application. After the first endorsement, the employer will be referred to the Dedicated Service Channel for ongoing support as a designated employer.
Who can apply for Canadian permanent Residency under the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed for individuals looking to immigrate to Canada and work in one of the four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador). In order to be eligible for the program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
If individuals meet all of these requirements, they can start looking for a job with a designated Atlantic employer. It is important to note that the language testing results and ECA report must be less than 2 years old and 5 years old respectively when the application is received.
How to apply for temporary work permit under the Atlantic Immigration Program?
As a candidate who meets the requirements to apply for permanent residence, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit under the Atlantic Immigration Program. This permit allows you to begin working while your permanent residence application is being processed. The permit is valid for one year, is specific to the employer who has requested it and only valid for the Atlantic Immigration Program. The candidate must apply for Permanent residence within 90 days of submitting their application for the temporary work permit.
However, it is important to note that obtaining a temporary work permit does not guarantee the approval of your Permanent Residence application. To apply for a work permit, the employer must request a referral letter from the provincial government during the endorsement process. The candidate must include this referral letter in their application for a temporary work permit and will be required to meet language, education and work experience requirements. Exceptions may apply for international students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
Contact Vizard
At our immigration firm, we specialize in assisting individuals with their application for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Our team of experienced professionals can guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary documentation and requirements are met. We understand that the immigration process can be complex and overwhelming, but with our expertise, we can make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to immigrating to Canada through the AIP.
Related Links:
