Hire through the Atlantic Immigration Program: How the program works for employers
About the program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) helps you hire qualified candidates for jobs you haven’t been able to fill locally. These candidates can be overseas or living in Canada as temporary residents.
Before you can make a job offer to a candidate, you must first become designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province where the candidate will be working.
Once you’ve offered a job and the candidate has accepted, there are several steps that you and the candidate need to complete. If you and the candidate meet all the requirements, the candidate may then apply for permanent resident status in Canada.
We’ll help you through this process by providing various resources, such as training and services offered by the Dedicated Service Channel.
Step-by-step guide for AIP employers
There are a few steps to take to
- become a designated AIP employer
- hire through the program
Review the infographic below for an overview of the process.
Designation and hiring process at a glance
AIP guide for employers (PDF, 273 KB)
Text version: A step by step guide for employers
Employer designation
- Apply to your provincial immigration department to become a designated AIP employer.
- Register for IRCC’s mandatory onboarding training.
- Register for intercultural competency training (unless exempt).
- The province will designate you as an AIP employer.
Endorsement
- Present your candidate with a job offer. *Candidates must meet AIP criteria.
- For settlement plans, connect your candidate with an English or French settlement service provider.
- Send an endorsement application to the province.
- When approved, your candidate will be sent an endorsement certificate.
- Eligible candidates for permanent residence (PR) can apply for a temporary work permit (WP).
- When applying for an endorsement, request a referral letter from the province. This allows the candidate to work while their PR application is being processed.
Immigration Application
- Candidate submits PR application, endorsement certificate, and required documents to IRCC.
- IRCC reviews and processes application.
- Candidate can apply for a work permit while their permanent resident application is being processed.
- Approved candidate and their family can travel to Atlantic Canada.
- Connect your candidate with a local settlement service provider.
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