Immigration to the Atlantic provinces - Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program allows skilled workers from various professions to immigrate with minimal language and financial requirements.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a regional immigration program that allows skilled workers and graduates of Canadian universities to obtain permanent residence in Canada. The requirements for language proficiency, education, and work experience are simplified compared to other immigration programs.
Program Features
Through the Atlantic Immigration Program, you can move to one of four Atlantic provinces in eastern Canada:
To apply, candidates must find a job with a designated employer in one of these provinces. Due to a shortage of skilled workers in these regions, employers can hire foreign applicants through a simplified process, without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which usually requires companies to prove that no suitable candidates are available among Canadian citizens and residents.
Each province has a list of designated employers who can hire foreigners under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Candidate Categories
Two categories of candidates can apply for immigration through the Atlantic Program:
- Foreign skilled workers with relevant work experience;
- International graduates from recognized educational institutions in the Atlantic provinces.
The requirements for these two categories differ.
Work Experience Requirements
Skilled workers need at least 1,560 hours of paid work in the last 5 years (equivalent to 30 hours per week for one year). The work experience must be accumulated over at least 12 months and fall under one of the NOC categories: TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Graduates from Canadian educational institutions in the Atlantic provinces are exempt from work experience requirements but must meet education and residency requirements.
Education Requirements
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Education requirements depend on the job category offered:
- For TEER 0 and 1 positions: At least one year of post-secondary education or equivalent;
- For TEER 2, 3, and 4 positions: At least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
If education was obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required to confirm equivalency to Canadian standards. The ECA report must be issued no more than 5 years before applying.
Language Requirements
All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French:
- For TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 positions: Minimum CLB 5 (for English) or NCLC 5 (for French);
- For TEER 4 positions: Minimum CLB 4 (for English) or NCLC 4 (for French).
Results from language tests (IELTS, CELPIP for English or TEF, TCF for French) must be valid (less than 2 years old) at the time of application.
Financial Requirements
Candidates must show they have enough funds to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada. The amount depends on family size. If you're already working in Canada with a valid work permit, proof of financial means is not required.
Application Process
The process involves several steps: getting a job offer from a designated employer, developing a settlement plan, obtaining a provincial endorsement certificate, and applying for permanent residence with IRCC. The average processing time is 6-8 months.
Candidates can apply for a temporary work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed, allowing them to start working in Canada without waiting for the final decision.
Help with Immigration to Canada
We are a legal Canadian immigration company, and our licensed immigration consultants can help you assess your chances of moving through the Atlantic Program and prepare all the documents. Book a consultation if you need qualified assistance.
