Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program – A Unique Pathway to the Permanent Resident Canada Visa

To sustain and expand the local and national economy, population-deficient countries like Canada enthusiastically welcome fresh immigrants into their workforce. Among the various gateways for attaining the coveted permanent resident Canada status, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program has the most distinctive procedure and requirements. This intriguing passage for the Canada immigration process is an option worth considering for aspirants who wish to permanently reside and work in the country. 

This program is a collaboration between the Canadian government and four Atlantic provinces – namely New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island – aimed towards recruiting foreign skilled workers to fill vacancies in local labour markets. Applicants must possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer before considering this pathway. Under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), three distinct programs cater to specific candidate profiles: 

• Atlantic High-Skilled Program

• Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

• Atlantic International Graduate Program

The Canada immigration points system does not apply to these programs. The eligibility criteria for each program differs. Applicants are assessed based on:

• Occupation demand in the province

• Skills, work experience, and academic qualifications

• English or French language proficiency

• Potential for supporting themselves and accompanying dependents while settling in Canada

• Intention of residing in the province where the employer is located

In order to qualify for any of these programs, it is essential to: 

• Appear for a language proficiency examination

• Undergo Education Credential Assessment (ECA) from a relevant authority to ascertain the Canadian equivalency of the applicant’s educational qualifications

• Showcase sufficient proof of settlement funds 

Besides these basic conditions, various documents are required at separate stages of the application process. This procedure includes the process of securing a legitimate job offer:

Step 1: Confirm a job offer

The applicant must independently seek and receive a job offer from an employer who is designated by the province where the workplace is located. The job seeker should fulfill the employment requirements of the National Occupational Classification. The job should meet the requirements of the relevant AIP program. Subject to these conditions, the aspirant receives an offer of employment. 

Step 2: Create a settlement plan

The primary applicant and accompanying adult family members must draft a settlement plan which validates their intention to live in the province, and provides access to resources that ensure a smooth transition to the Canadian lifestyle. A settlement service provider organization can provide assistance in creating this plan, without any cost attached. A copy of the plan is to be submitted to the employer.

Step 3: Receive a Certificate of Endorsement

The employer facilitates the process of getting the candidate’s job offer endorsed by the province. If approved, the employee receives a Certificate of Endorsement from the provincial authorities.

Step 4: Apply for permanent residence 

The endorsement certificate is required to submit an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This includes the relevant document checklist, application forms, and processing fee. After verification, the IRCC may issue a PR visa.

The processing time of a Canada PR visa application under this program is 6 months, which does not include the duration of seeking a job and receiving an endorsement from the province. The employee could apply for a temporary work permit, if they wish to begin working while their application is being processed. 

The processing fee is CAD 550 while the Right of Permanent Residence fee is CAD 490 – payable to IRCC. Additional expenses such as biometrics (CAD 85 for individual applicants), language examinations fee, and ECA fee are payable to the relevant authorities. 

For those wondering how to apply Canada PR visa processes may seem complicated or overwhelming. By following the aforementioned steps, migrants can leverage the broad range of social benefits accessible to every permanent resident Canada accepts as an asset to the nation’s economic prosperity.