October 17, 2025
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is also one of the most promising pathways of foreign skilled workers and international graduates seeking the permanent settlement in Atlantic Canada. Out of the four Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia is one of the most welcoming places to be, having great job opportunities, high standard of living and easy immigration procedure.
Whether you are an international applicant or an employer or employer, based in Nova Scotia, who is searching to employ foreign talent, it is important to understand the AIP application process. Here we will break down all that you should know about it and its eligibility requirements and application process and show you why Green Dot Immigration can be there to assist you in all that you need to know.
What do you mean by the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration program that will target skilled workers and international graduates to Atlantic Canada Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
As opposed to historic streams of immigration, AIP enables employers the right to engage foreign nationals without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and as a result, it is a more expedited and employer-led route.
The two major goals of the program are:
- To help employers fill persistent labour shortages with qualified international talent
- To help foreign nationals secure a pathway to permanent residence in one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions
Key Benefits of AIP
- The processing time is faster than other economic streams of immigration
- No LMIA necessary, therefore easier to be employed by the employer
- Permanent Residence (PR) Skilled Worker/International Graduate Direct pathway to PR
- Settlement services Nova Scotia Supporting newcomers
- A solid emphasis on retention and community integrations, guaranteeing the success of the applicants and employers in the long run
Eligibility Conditions to AIP Applicants
In order to apply via AIP, the applicants should fulfill the following minimum requirements:
- Job Requirement: You need to have a valid full-time, not seasonal and Designated Employer job offer in Nova Scotia
- Work Experience: 1 year (1,560 hours) of employment in a related field or occupation within the last 5 years. (Exceptions on international graduates are possible)
- Language Proficiency: The minimum CLB is 4 in NOC TEER 4 or 5 jobs and greater in other groups
- Education Qualification: A Canadian high school diploma or a comparable foreign diploma with an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- Settlement Funds: Evidence of having enough money to sustain yourself and your family unless you are already residing and employed in Canada
Employers are eligible to Nova Scotia
Employers are involved in the major role of the AIP process. In order to hire using the program, employers will need to:
- Be Licensed by the Province of Nova Scotia
- Provide a full-time, non-seasonal employment to an overseas employee
- Make a promise to help the applicant and his family to settle in Nova Scotia
- Collaborate with settlement service organizations in order to provide adequate assistance to newcomers.
After being appointed, the employers will be able to post job openings on the AIP portal and endorse the applications of foreign workers regarding endorsement and permanent registration.
How it works in Nova Scotia AIP Application Process
Step 1: Employer Designation
The Nova Scotia employers have to apply to be designated as a part of the AIP in the first place. This includes presenting company data, proving actual labour requirements and agreeing to newcomer settlement assistance. Upon approval, the employer will be put on the list of Nova Scotia Designated Employers.
Step 2: Job Offer
The candidate is given a good job opportunity by the employer. The offer has to be full-time and non-seasonal, which has to comply with the program requirements.
Step 3: Application of Endorsement.
The Province of Nova Scotia has to endorse the candidate before he/she applies to be granted permanent residence. The employer files the endorsement application, on behalf of the candidate, as follows:
- The job offer
- Settlement plan
- Evidence in adherence to program requirements
Upon successful approval, an Endorsement Letter is given to the candidate.
Step 4: Application to obtain permanent residence
The applicant will be eligible to apply to permanent residence with the help of the Endorsement Letter, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This involves the personal documentation, police certificates, medical examination and all the requirements of the federal admissibility.
Step 5: Temporary Work Permit (Optional)
In case the applicant wants to begin his or her work in the province of Nova Scotia with the PR application being handled, he or she may request a temporary work permit with the help of the Endorsement Letter. This will enable them to work earlier and it will be beneficial to the employer and the applicant.
Typical pitfalls of AIP Implementations
Although the program can be considered simpler compared to the rest of the immigration avenues, applicants and employers can continue to encounter difficulties like:
- There is incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Delays in endorsement because of the unavailability of information
- Hardly finding specific employers
- Ideas of ineligibility in various types of NOC
- Federal or provincial processing schedule changes
To avoid these traps, it is advisable that you engage the services of an immigration consultant who is regulated such as the Green Dot Immigration to ensure that your application is successful and smooth.
Reasons to Select Nova Scotia as AIP?
Nova Scotia has a distinctive combination of economic and lifestyle advantages. It is fast emerging as one of the favorite places among skilled immigrants with its expansive employment opportunities, cheap living standards and favorable immigration policies.
In Nova Scotia, the AIP opportunities are in major industries, which include:
- Health care
- Logistics and transportation
- Hospitality and tourism
- These include construction and skilled trades
- IT and technology
The provincial government is quite welcoming newcomers to make Nova Scotia their home and establish themselves and live in this land, which makes it a perfect place to start a prosperous future in Canada.
How Green Dot Immigration Can Help
The process of navigation in the AIP application is very specific and relies on the current knowledge and effective planning. Our competent consultants at Green Dot Immigration offer:
- Eligibility tests to applicants as well as employers
- Help with applications of employer designation and endorsements
- PR and temporary work permit assistance
- Paperwork and planning to prevent delays and rejections
- Integration support guideline in Nova Scotia
You may be an employer looking to recruit professional employees or an employee looking to find a permanent future in Canada, we will provide you with the necessary personalized care so that your AIP experience is successful and successful.
Start Your AIP Application Today
The Atlantic Immigration Program is one of the most efficient and promising immigration pathways for skilled workers and employers in Nova Scotia. Don’t navigate the process alone, let Green Dot Immigration guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today
To book your consultation and take the first step toward your future in Canada.
