Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) 2025: Priority Sectors, Eligibility & PR Opportunities

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) continues to be one of Canada’s most sought-after permanent residence (PR) pathways for skilled workers and international graduates. In 2025, Canada’s Atlantic provinces—Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and New Brunswick—have shifted their focus to priority sectors due to reduced allocations.

If you’re aiming to build a future in Atlantic Canada, here’s everything you need to know about AIP 2025, eligibility requirements, and real-world examples of how this program can benefit skilled professionals.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration program that allows skilled workers and international graduates to apply for PR in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Unlike Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), where you need a provincial nomination first, AIP lets candidates apply directly to the federal government after receiving a job offer from a designated employer.

Key benefits of AIP include:

• Faster processing compared to many PNPs.

• LMIA-exempt job offers, making it easier for employers to hire foreign talent.

• Settlement support services to help newcomers integrate into their new communities.

• A temporary work permit option to start working while your PR application is in progress.

Priority Sectors in 2025 by Province

Each Atlantic province has identified sectors that will receive priority this year.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

• Healthcare

• Construction

• Manufacturing

 Real case: A registered nurse from India with a job offer in Charlottetown can apply under AIP and get priority processing. Similarly, skilled tradespeople such as electricians and welders are in demand for PEI’s growing construction industry.

Nova Scotia

• Healthcare & Social Assistance (NAICS 62)

• Construction (NAICS 23)

• Exceptions for trucking, clean energy, science & technology, and resource development.

Real case: An international student graduate in Nova Scotia working as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) with a work permit expiring in 2025 can benefit from priority under AIP. Truck drivers and solar energy engineers also find better chances here.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Healthcare occupations (Doctors, Nurses, Personal Care Attendants, Clinical Psychologists, Radiation Therapists, etc.)

• Information & Communication Technology (ICT) (Software Developers, Cloud Specialists, AI Engineers, Cybersecurity Experts, etc.)

• Aquaculture sector (Cage Site Technicians, Facility Managers, Offshore Technicians, Ocean Mapping Specialists)

 Real case: A software developer from Nigeria hired by a St. John’s IT firm or an aquaculture specialist with marine expertise can apply directly under AIP with priority processing.

New Brunswick

• The AIP program is paused for the remainder of 2025 due to allocation limits.

• However, the province received 1,500 additional spots under NB PNP, making PNP a viable alternative.

 Real case: A healthcare worker targeting New Brunswick may still explore PNP streams such as the NB Skilled Worker Stream while waiting for AIP to reopen.

Eligibility Criteria for AIP

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Work Experience

• Skilled Workers: 1,560 hours in the last 5 years in NOC TEER 0,1,2,3, or 4.

• International Graduates: Exempt from work experience if they hold a 2-year credential from an Atlantic institution and have lived in the region for at least 16 months.

Education

• TEER 0 or 1 jobs: One-year post-secondary diploma or higher.

• TEER 2, 3, 4 jobs: High school diploma minimum.

• If education was completed outside Canada → ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) required.

Language Requirements

• TEER 0-3: CLB/NCLC 5

• TEER 4: CLB/NCLC 4

Settlement Funds

• Proof of funds required unless already working in Canada with a valid work permit.

The AIP Process Step by Step

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet work experience, education, language, and settlement fund requirements.

2. Find a Job – Apply to a designated employer listed on provincial websites.

3. Settlement Plan – Work with the employer and service providers to prepare for life in Canada.

4. Provincial Endorsement – Employer submits your job offer for endorsement by the province.

5. Apply for PR – Submit your application to IRCC with the endorsement certificate.

6. Optional Work Permit – Start working while PR is processed.

New Update: TOEFL Essentials Accepted Soon

IRCC has approved the TOEFL Essentials test as a designated language test for Canadian immigration. While not yet active, once fully implemented, candidates will have an additional option besides IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE.

This will benefit applicants under:

• Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)

• AIP

• PNPs

Real case: An applicant from the Philippines struggling with IELTS could choose TOEFL Essentials for faster test results and potentially lower costs.

Final Thoughts

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in 2025 is strongly geared toward filling critical labor shortages in healthcare, construction, ICT, and aquaculture. While some provinces like New Brunswick have paused allocations, others are opening opportunities for skilled workers and graduates.

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, securing a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer is your first step toward permanent residence.

Pro tip: Target industries in demand and build your resume to match provincial needs. With Canada facing skill shortages, aligning your profession with AIP’s priorities significantly increases your PR chances.