How to Get Permanent Residency in Canada in 2025 Through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

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How to Get Permanent Residency in Canada in 2025 Through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Are you planning to move to Canada in 2025 or already in Canada and looking to secure Permanent Residency (PR)? The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of the easiest, fastest, and most promising routes to becoming a Canadian permanent resident—especially if you’re eyeing the beautiful Atlantic provinces.

Whether you’re applying from outside Canada or already living there as a student or worker, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about AIP, including eligibility, required documents, how to apply, and important tips to avoid rejection.

Let’s dive in!

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🌍 What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residency created by the Government of Canada in partnership with the Atlantic provinces:

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island

Unlike other immigration programs, AIP is employer-driven, meaning you must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. The process is fast-tracked and has low rejection rates, making it a highly attractive route for newcomers.

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📝 AIP Eligibility Requirements (2025)

✅ For Applicants Outside Canada:

Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours (equivalent to 1 year of full-time work)
Education: High school diploma or higher
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): From organizations like WES to evaluate your foreign qualifications
Language Test: CLB 4–5 (IELTS, CELPIP, etc.)
Proof of Funds: Required if you’re applying from outside Canada

✅ For Applicants Inside Canada:

If you studied or graduated from a Canadian institution in the Atlantic provinces:
You may not need work experience if you meet graduate criteria
Proof of funds is waived if you’re already employed and earning income

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📚 Required Documents

To ensure a smooth AIP application, you’ll need:

✔️ Valid job offer from a designated employer
✔️ Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
✔️ Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, etc.)
✔️ Proof of work experience
✔️ Proof of funds (if applying from outside Canada)
✔️ Resume/CV
✔️ Medical exam & police clearance
✔️ Endorsement certificate from the province
✔️ Valid passport and identification

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🧑‍💼 Who is a Designated Employer?

Not all Canadian employers can sponsor AIP applicants. Your job offer must come from a Designated Employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.

You can search for designated employers on each province’s official immigration website. If a company isn’t designated, you can politely ask them to become designated—the process is straightforward for employers and opens up access to global talent like you!

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🔍 Understanding NOC & TEER Codes

To qualify for AIP, your job offer must match your work experience and NOC/TEER category. Canada uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, updated with TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) categories:

TEER

Description

CLB Requirement

0

Management roles

CLB 5+

1

University degree required

CLB 5+

2

College diploma or apprenticeship

CLB 5

3

High school + job-specific training

CLB 4–5

4–5

Short work training or no formal ed.

CLB 4

📌 Tip: Your job title may differ, but your NOC code must match the same TEER category as your past work experience.

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📌 Key Points to Remember

🎯 The AIP will reopen in January 2025 – start preparing now!
🏠 You must live in the province where your employer is based for at least 6 months.
💼 Seasonal jobs are not eligible. It must be a full-time, non-seasonal job.
🕒 Processing time is usually 6 to 8 months with low rejection rates.

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🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for AIP

1.✅ Check eligibility and gather your documents
2.🔎 Search for a job with a designated employer in Atlantic Canada
3.📝 Get a valid job offer aligned with your NOC/TEER category
4.📬 The employer submits a provincial endorsement application
5.📩 You receive an endorsement certificate
6.📑 Apply for permanent residence through IRCC
7.✈️ If outside Canada, apply for a work permit (optional) to arrive sooner
8.🎉 Receive your PR within 6–8 months (estimated)

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🔗 Useful Links

List of Designated Employers (New Brunswick example – each province has its own)

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🙋 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a student, a skilled worker, or an aspiring immigrant, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is your golden opportunity to settle in Canada and build a future there.

Start preparing today—gather your documents, find a designated employer, and align your job offer with your experience. With the right preparation, you could be on your way to permanent residency in 2025!

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