How To Apply For Canadian Permanent Residency Or Work Permit Through The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a pathway that allows skilled foreign workers and graduated international students to obtain permanent residency.
Created in March 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) recruits foreign immigrants into the Atlantic provinces.
Atlantic Canada includes the Provinces below.
1. Nova Scotia.
2. New Brunswick.
3. Prince Edward Island.
4. Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
There are 3 different immigration programs under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). They include:
1. Atlantic International Graduate Program.
2. Atlantic High-Skilled Program.
3. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program.
The Atlantic International Graduate Program
This Immigration Program is only for international students that have graduated from a recognized Institution in Canada. In this immigration program, work experience is not compulsory.
The requirements have been listed below.
- Applicants must have a degree, diploma or other credentials from a Public Institution in an Atlantic province.
- All applicants must have lived in an Atlantic province for a minimum of 16 months within the last 2 years preceding their degree, diploma or any credential.
- All applicants will be required to take a language proficiency test to prove that they can communicate fluently in English or French language or both.
- Applicants must show proof that they can sustain themselves and their family members financially when they come to Canada.
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
This Immigration Program is for professionals and very skilled candidates. Work experience is a compulsory requirement here. The basic requirements are mentioned below.
- Interested applicants must have worked in a management, professional or technical skilled company in a recognized position for a minimum of 12 months.
- All applicants should have a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent education.
- All candidates will need to take a language proficiency test to show their communication skills in English or French.
- Proof of financial capability is needed to show that a candidate can support his/herself and also family members should they come to Canada.
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
Although a little bit similar to the Atlantic High-Skilled Program, the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program is easier. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree or diploma or work experience in a professional position. See the requirements below.
- The applicant must have worked in a company or position that requires basically a high school education or job-specific training or apprentice for a minimum of 12 months
- The applicant should have a Canadian high school diploma (minimum) or equivalent education (for applicants who had their high school education outside Canada.
- Each candidate would be required to take a language proficiency test to demonstrate their communication skills in English or French.
- Applicants must submit documents that show they can sustain themselves and their family members if they come to Canada.
General Requirements For The Canadian Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
Job Offer
First and foremost, the applicant must have been offered a job by an employer or a company designated in Atlantic Canada.
Education
You will need to upload your academic and career records, the ones specified and the ones you think are relevant to your Immigration Program.
If you had your education outside Canada, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment report. The assessment report shows how your education is equivalent to a Canadian one.
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Language Test
All applicants must take a language proficiency test and upload its result alongside your application form.
All applicants must do this, even if they had their education in Canada.
Proof Of Funds
You will need documents that show that you have enough financial resources to sustain yourself and your family members (if they are to come with you).
Application Fee
The fees might vary slightly depending on which of the 3 Immigration Programs, but it starts from $1,325.
A Settlement Plan
A settlement plan is how it sounds. It will help you and your accompanying family members to adapt to your new environment in Atlantic Canada.
A Settlement Plan will also provide you with useful information and networking to let you get associated in your new neighbourhood. Mind you, Settlement Plans are free.
For applicants that are already in Canada at the period, they can work it out with a settlement service provider organization in the vicinity where their new place of work is located. The employing company or employer can also be of help.
If you are outside Canada when you finish processing your Settlement Plan, keep it safe and take it with you when travelling into the country. If you are inside Canada at that moment, you should make two copies. One for yourself and the other for your employer.
Certificate Of Endorsement
Another compulsory requirement for permanent residency is a Certificate Of Endorsement. The Province you are travelling to must approve your job offer. Your employer will handle this process.
It’s is advisable not to submit the permanent residency application form until you have received confirmation from your employer that your job offer has been endorsed.
Once the Province approves your job offer, you will receive a Certificate of Endorsement by mail. You should now proceed with your application and include the endorsement certificate with your permanent residency application form.
The AIPP Canada Processing Time
The processing time for this Immigration Pilot Program is around 6 months.
How To Apply For A Temporary Work Permit Through The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
After applying for permanent residency under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, you might be eligible for a work permit. The duration is 12 months.
The work permit will enable you to work during the 6 months that your permanent residence application is being processed for the employer that offered you employment.