AIP 2025: Provincial Priorities and Updates
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) 2025: Key Priorities and Provincial Updates
Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) continues to be one of the most important pathways for skilled workers and foreign graduates who aspire to settle in the country’s eastern provinces. With 2025, however, came challenges and adjustments such as a reduced federal allocation that have led provinces to be more discriminating about the sectors and types of jobs they cover under the program.
Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Program
The AIP is an employer-sponsored pathway for importing talent to Prince Edward Island (PEI), Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick. While candidates in PNPs must first secure a nomination and apply for permanent residency (PR) subsequently, the AIP allows applicants with a validated employment offer from a recognized employer to apply directly to the federal government for PR.
Qualified candidates can also apply for a temporary work permit in Canada, allowing them to begin employment as their PR is being processed. This offers the AIP as a faster and more flexible route than numerous other Canadian immigration routes.
Provincial Priorities in 2025
Prince Edward Island
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Manufacturing
The change only affects those candidates within these sectors who will be eligible for AIP endorsements until 2025. Applicants in other sectors are still open to exploring possibilities through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s 2025 update places significant emphasis on retaining previously-residing employees within the province, especially those whose permit to work expires this year. Top preference is being given to applicants who work in:
- Health and social assistance (NAICS 62)
- Construction (NAICS 23)
The province did grant some exceptions to employers who are hiring in specialized fields such as trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development. Foreign candidates outside Canada can be considered too if they work in healthcare, social assistance, or construction.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Healthcare career in demand is:
- Physicians in different specialties (family practice, psychiatry, pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, and others)
- Nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and personal care assistants
- Clinical psychologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and occupational fields
- Software developers, AI developers, and engineers in different fields
- UI/UX designers, cloud experts, data analysts, and technical writers
- Aquaculture professionals such as facility managers, cage site technicians, and water quality specialists are also being targeted.
The province introduced an Expression of Interest (EOI) system in February 2025 for both its PNP and AIP streams, so applicants are now required to submit an EOI and receive an invitation before they can apply for endorsement.
New Brunswick
In April 2025, New Brunswick officially suspended its AIP intake once it reached its quota. New employer designations and endorsement requests are no longer being processed for the remainder of the year.
Prior applications received before the April deadline continue to be considered. The province was also allocated an additional 1,500 spots under the NB Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), which acts as a backup for those seeking to come to New Brunswick.
Eligibility Requirements for AIP
In order to be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, applicants must possess the following:
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job Offer | A permanent full-time non-seasonal employment offer from a designated Atlantic employer |
| Work Experience | At least 1,560 hours in the last 5 years in NOC TEER 0–4 (new graduates excluded) |
| International Graduates | Atlantic Canada institution 2-year credential, full-time education, valid legal status throughout the stay, and a minimum residence of 16 months in the region |
| Education | TEER 0/1: One year post-secondary or higher, TEER 2–4: Graduation from high school |
| Language Proficiency | CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0–3 jobs; CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4 jobs |
| Settlement Funds | Need to show proof of funds unless presently working in Canada with proper work permit |
How the Application Process Functions
- Get a Job Offer – Candidates need to have an offer of employment from a designated employer within one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Settlement Plan – A personalized settlement plan is prepared to ease the integration of the candidate and family in a smooth way.
- Province Endorsement – The organization/company/employer provides the endorsement application to the region or province. Once approved by the province, the candidate gets a Certificate of Endorsement.
- Apply for PR – The applicants may apply for permanent residence with the federal government directly through the endorsement certificate.
- Temporary Work Permit (Optional) – Eligible applicants can submit an application for a Canadian work permit subject to PR approval.
How to Get an LMIA: What Employers Need to Know
LMIA Application Process:
Step 1: Submit Application to ESDC
Employers or the company should first open the job in Canada by advertising through various portals and make genuine efforts to recruit domestically. This should be for four weeks at least. They also have to provide details about job duties, wages, and employment conditions, along with the required processing fee.
Step 2: Wait for the LMIA Decision
Step 3: Share LMIA with the Worker
Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?
- Employer-driven process – No LMIA needed in most cases
- Faster timelines – More rapid processing compared to most other streams
- Settlement support – Customized settlement services for families and newcomers
- Regional focus – Helps immigrants to settle in smaller towns with strong labor market requirements
Applications without any needed elements will be rejected or delayed. If you get a request for further papers, you have 30 days to produce them.
What Happens Following Submission?
Upon receipt of your application, IRCC will begin the evaluation process and require additional documentation, including:
Medical exams
You will be called with directions on where and how to take a medical checkup.
Police Certificates
Applicants over the age of 18 may be required to present police clearance certificates. These papers have to be valid for one year after the date of issuance.
Biometrics
Final Thoughts
For candidates, this translates to matching with preferred industries, receiving a job offer from a specified employer, and satisfying all the qualifications. Despite the reforms, the AIP continues to be a desirable opportunity for individuals who want to work and settle in Atlantic Canada.
