Moving Abroad

Atlantic Immigration Program: Eligibility and Steps for Skilled Workers and Graduates

3 min read

In this guide
  1. What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
  2. Who can apply?
  3. How does the process work?
  4. What about a work permit while you wait?
  5. What do employers need to do?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Can I apply from outside Canada?
    2. Is it the same as the PNP?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Quick answer: The Atlantic Immigration Program is a route to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates of a recognized Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institution who want to live and work in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. You need a job offer from a designated employer, among other requirements.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program helps employers in the four Atlantic provinces hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally. Candidates can be living abroad or in Canada as temporary residents.

Who can apply?

To apply for permanent residence you must:

  • get a valid job offer from a designated employer;
  • have qualifying work experience (you might be exempt if you recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada);
  • have the right level of education for the job you’re offered;
  • prove your language ability with an approved test;
  • show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive (if you already live and work in Canada on a valid work permit, you don’t need to show proof);
  • get a settlement plan from a service provider organization.

How does the process work?

  1. Job offer. A designated Atlantic employer offers you a job, and you are connected with settlement services to get a settlement plan.
  2. Endorsement. You send the plan to your employer, who applies to the department for endorsement. You then receive a provincial endorsement certificate and may receive a work permit support letter if you need a work permit.
  3. Permanent residence application. You submit your PR application, endorsement certificate and other documents to IRCC.
  4. Work permit while you wait. If required, you can apply for a work permit during processing.
  5. Arrival. If approved, you travel to Atlantic Canada to live and work, with support from your employer and a settlement service provider.

What about a work permit while you wait?

To work in Canada while your application is processed, IRCC says you need a job offer from a designated employer that meets program requirements and a referral letter from the Atlantic province where you will work.

What do employers need to do?

Employers must first be designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province where the candidate will work. Each province has its own process, and there is no cost to become a designated employer.

Common mistakes

  • Accepting a job offer from an employer who isn’t designated.
  • Skipping the settlement plan, which is required.
  • Using an out-of-date language test; see our language test guide for how IRCC treats results.
  • Not keeping proof of funds ready if you are applying from abroad.

FAQ

Can I apply from outside Canada?

Yes. You can be living abroad or in Canada as a temporary resident.

Is it the same as the PNP?

No. It is a separate program, though both are regional. See our PNP guide.

Key takeaways

  • You need a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
  • A settlement plan and provincial endorsement come before your PR application.
  • Recent Atlantic graduates may be exempt from the work experience requirement.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not immigration advice. Check current rules on the IRCC website.

Sources

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Atlantic Immigration Program

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