Рус
Будь в курсе!

AIP Summary

ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
PARAMETERS
STEPS
GUIDANCE
LINKS
All questions related to immigration policy fall under the jurisdiction of federal authorities in Canada. Provincial programs primarily follow federal laws, and local nuances are controlled at the federal level. The purpose of provincial programs is to distribute immigrant flows to ensure the even development of regions.


The main goal of AIP is to attract people to Atlantic Canada, which includes four provinces:
  • Nova Scotia, NS
  • New Brunswick, NB
  • Newfoundland and Labrador, NL
  • Prince Edward Island, PE
The main parameters of the program
  • The program aims to supply employers in Atlantic Canada with skilled workers. Therefore, there is a connection not only to the region but also to the employer.
  • The employer is a crucial participant in the process, as they handle all the necessary paperwork and take responsibility for the worker.
  • In each province, a pool of approved employers, known as the List of Designated Employers, is established. These employers are participants in the program and have the right to hire workers from outside Canada.
Almost any company can become a Designated Employer. To do so, they need to invest a certain amount of effort and person-hours in submitting an application. The application review process may take up to 6 months.

  • Each province establishes its own rules within the program.
  • The expedited processing time for Permanent Resident (PR) status candidates is 1 year.
  • Program participants do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which assesses the impact of foreign workers on the local job market.
  • Participation in the program is free for both employers and candidates, except for mandatory fees for work visa and PR application processing.
FYI
Like in any other case, all immigration and program-related documents are available to the public on the websites of the Government of Canada and provincial websites.
There is no special need to hire an immigration lawyer, especially when the employer handles almost all the paperwork for the program, including applications, work visa processing, and assistance with PR and settlement (on-site settlement).
Main steps of the program
1 step: Emloyer
  • Работодатель подготавливает заявку на признание Designated Employer, что дает ему право найма работников из-за пределов Канады. Это one-time event – т.е. одобренная заявка действительна пока действует Программа
  • Работодатель проходит 2 обязательных тренинга для людей в компании, ответственных за Программу – владельцев/топ менеджеров/НR:
  • The employer prepares an application for recognition as a Designated Employer, which grants them the right to hire workers from outside Canada. This is a one-time event, meaning that an approved application remains valid as long as the program is in effect.
  • The employer undergoes two mandatory training sessions (Program Training and Intercultural Training) for individuals in the company responsible for the program - owners, managers, HR.
  • Employers search for employees in both Canada and beyond. By default, when hiring, the following priority order is observed (in descending order):
    - Canadian citizens and PR holders;
    - Candidates already in Canada with an Open Work Permit;
    - Candidates without a work visa who are located outside Canada.

For instance, in PEI, the employer must provide Proof of Recruitment Activities as evidence that a suitable candidate was not found in Canada.

  • The employer submits an application with a package of supporting documents.
  • The employer receives an official letter from the government confirming that the application is approved. This letter is used by the company for Endorsement, and the candidate includes the same letter in their PR application package.

2 step: Employer and Potential Candidate
  • The employer prepares documents for a work visa if the candidate does not already have one. In this case, it will be a Closed Work Permit, tied to the specific employer.
  • Together, they assemble a document package for Endorsement.
  • The candidate must gather and provide the employer with a document package according to a specified list (all documents needed for PR and a work visa).
  • The employer prepares the documents and submits the application on their behalf, attaching all necessary documents both from their side and the candidate's side, including a job offer in a specific format valid for at least a year.
  • The application review can take up to 6 months. If approved, both the employer and the candidate receive an Endorsement Certificate, which the candidate includes in the PR application package.
  • At this stage, the candidate can already work if they are in Canada, or they can come to Canada as soon as the work visa is processed if they were outside the country.

3 step: Candidate
  • The candidate independently submits a PR application within a year, but ideally as soon as possible (ASAP), especially since it's in the candidate's best interest. The candidate is 'tied' to the employer until they receive PR.
  • The PR application review should take no more than a year.
  • After obtaining PR, the candidate gains almost all the rights of a Canadian citizen, except the right to participate in elections and vote.
Candidate's Guidance

1

To compile a document package for immigration, including originals and notarized copies, just in case. Translation into English can be done at home or in Canada. Doing it at home is cheaper, but doing it in Canada is more appropriate from an English translation perspective.
  • Passports, birth certificates for all family members, marriage certificate, and/or name change documents.
  • Diplomas, certificates, and other documents confirming the level of education.
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for anyone who studied outside Canada – aligning your diplomas with the Canadian grading system. It's ideal to do this before moving, as it takes time and can present various complexities.
  • Documents verifying work experience in the declared field. This can include employment records or letters from employers with details such as:
   - Company name and address, contact person
   - Job title and key responsibilities
   - Exact dates of employment (day, month, year)

  • Proof of financial means to cover necessary fees and living expenses in Canada for the initial period.
  • Proof of legal status in Canada.
Note: Try to gather all documents before moving. Experience shows that sometimes obtaining a document from your home country can be impossible, so take everything with you.
FYI
For the evaluation of educational diplomas, you can use the services of the following organizations:
  • WES (World Education Service): This diploma evaluation is accepted not only for immigration purposes but also by most Canadian universities for academic admission.
  • ICAS of Canada (International Credential Assessment Services): This organization assesses diplomas for immigration and employers. The processing time can take up to 25 weeks.

2

Take an English language proficiency exam. IELTS General is sufficient for employment and immigration purposes (Academic is only necessary for university admission). However, keep in mind that this exam has an expiration date.

3

Determine your NOC code (National Occupational Classification code). This is important because employers take this into account when applying for Designation. The ideal situation is when your NOC code matches the employer's requirements.

  • The National Occupational Classification is a system for standardizing professions, where each profession is thoroughly analyzed in terms of required knowledge, skills, educational level, and duties.
FYI
To learn more about the Canadian system of occupational classification click here.
4
Prepare for your job search:
  • Create a Canadian-style resume, considering NOC criteria.
  • Register and complete your profile on LinkedIn. Many employers review candidates' profiles, especially for leadership positions or roles requiring specific knowledge and skills.
  • Register on various job search portals, such as Indeed, Work PEI, Job Bank Canada, and others. This will not only help you track job postings but also allow you to submit your resume directly through these platforms.
5
To find an employer in Canada, you can explore multiple approaches:
  • Use the list of Designated Employers from each province, look for companies operating in your field of expertise or interests, check if they have current job openings, and send your resume.
  • Seek an employer in your area of expertise and interests who is willing to hire you, and if they are not on the Designated Employers list, propose to them the idea of joining the list.
  • Utilize the list of Designated Employers to find any employer with job openings and potentially make a strategic decision to compromise something for the sake of immigration, be it ambitions or comfort.
Good luck!
PREVIOUSE ARTICLENEXT ARTICLE
HOME
Made on
Tilda