Atlantic Immigration Program for Skilled Workers and Graduates

The Atlantic Immigration Program is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in Canada's Atlantic provinces.

The program aims to meet the labour market needs of these regions by attracting qualified international talent. The Atlantic Immigration Program provides a fast track to permanent residence in Canada.

Atlantic Immigration Program Overview

The Immigration Program Atlantic is a unique initiative that aims to promote economic growth in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. This program seeks to attract and retain skilled workers and international graduates in these regions to address demographic challenges and meet labour market needs. Through the Atlantic Immigration Program, qualified candidates can have the opportunity to work and live in one of the four Atlantic provinces.

• The program includes the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova ScotiaPrince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Aims to meet employers' needs for skilled workers.
• Provides a fast track to permanent residency for qualified candidates.
• Helps address demographic challenges in the Atlantic region.

Atlantic Immigration Program Benefits for Candidates

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers many attractive benefits to qualified candidates. Through this program, skilled workers and international graduates can take advantage of unique opportunities to work and live in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. These benefits provide a strong incentive for candidates to choose the Atlantic Immigration Program as a means of immigrating to Canada.

• accessibility Permanent residence Faster than other immigration programs
• Job opportunities in various fields in demand in the Atlantic provinces
• Support from employers and local governments to settle into the new community.
• Ability to bring family members to live and work in Canada
• Opportunities for professional and personal development in a growing economic environment.

Eligibility requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program for those who want to immigrate to Canada, applicants must meet a set of basic requirements. These requirements include specific educational qualifications and work experience, as well as language requirements and financial ability. The Atlantic Immigration Program aims to ensure that candidates are well-qualified to succeed and contribute to the economy of the Atlantic provinces.

• Obtain a job offer from an approved employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• Proof of language proficiency in English or French
• Demonstrate sufficient financial ability to settle in Canada
• Obtain an educational evaluation certificate if the education was outside Canada.

If you have a TEER 0 job offer, you must have a one-year Canadian education certificate or higher, or the equivalent from outside Canada. If you have a TEER 2, 3 or 4 job offer, you must have a Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada.

However, if you studied outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your education is equal to or greater than the level of education required for the job offer.

The educational certificate must be obtained within 24 months before the date you apply for permanent residence.

Job Categories Required

The Atlantic Immigration Program uses the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) classification system to determine skill levels for different jobs. Below is a table showing the TEER categories with examples of jobs for each category:

Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program application process involves several basic steps that candidates must follow carefully. The process begins with obtaining a job offer from an approved employer and ends with submitting an application for permanent residence. It is important that applicants clearly understand each step to ensure a smooth and successful Atlantic Immigration Program application process.

• Find a qualified job with an approved employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• Get an official job offer from an approved employer
• Submit an application for a nomination certificate from the relevant province.
• Conduct a medical evaluation and criminal background check.
• Submitting an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Verify eligibility

Before starting the application process, candidates must ensure their eligibility for the program. Candidates can be either:

• Recent graduates from an accredited educational institution in the Atlantic Provinces
• Skilled workers with experience in specific fields

Candidates must have a job offer from an approved employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. This step is essential to participate in the program.

• Find jobs in the Atlantic Provinces
• Contact approved employers
• Ensure that the job offer meets the program requirements.
• The employer submits a nomination application on behalf of the candidate to the relevant provincial government.
• After approval of the application, the candidate will receive a certificate of nomination from the province.
• The candidate submits an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with a Certificate of Nomination and other required documents.
• Candidates can apply for a temporary work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed, allowing them to work in Canada during the waiting period.
• It takes approximately 7 months to process applications for permanent residence through the Atlantic Immigration Program, not including the time required to submit biometric data.
• Candidates will be required to undergo medical and security checks as part of the application process.
• If the application is approved, the candidate can move to the Atlantic province in question to live and work.

Documents required for the Atlantic Immigration Program

Applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program requires the preparation of a set of necessary documents. It is important to start collecting these documents early to avoid any delays in the application process. These documents include proof of educational qualifications, language skills, and financial ability, in addition to other documents that prove the applicant’s eligibility for the program.

Below is a list of the main documents required to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program:

1. Language test results (even for those who studied in Canada)
2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Study Outside Canada
3. Proof of financial ability (not required for those currently residing in Canada with a valid work permit)
4. Settlement plan from an approved settlement services organization
5. County Nomination Certificate
6. Job offer from a verified employer
7. Valid passport
8. Work experience certificates
9. Updated CV
10. Personal identification documents
11. Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
12. Birth certificates of dependent children (if any)
13. Completed Permanent Residence Application Form
14. Personal photos as per required specifications
15. Proof of payment of application fee

Atlantic Immigration Program Language Requirements

Language proficiency is a key component of the Atlantic Immigration Program. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English or French, Canada’s two official languages.

You must meet the minimum language requirements based on the TEER category in the NOC 2021 that applies to your job offer. This can be either:

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or
• Canadian Language Proficiency Levels (NCLC)
• CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
• CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4
• You must submit your results from a designated language testing organization with your application.
• These results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

Steps to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program

Applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program involves several important steps. Below is a detailed explanation of each step:

Step 1: Prepare to apply online

• Online application is now mandatory.
• Create an account on the e-application portal for permanent residence.
• See the Instruction Manual [IMM 0154] for important information on eligibility, fees, and how to apply.

Step 2: Fill out the required forms.

The following digital forms must be completed online:

• Canada General Application Form (IMM 0008)
• Table A – Background/Advertising (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information – Your Trips (IMM 5562)

In addition to filling out the following PDF forms:

• Document Checklist [IMM 0155]
• Economic Categories – Atlantic Immigration Program [IMM 5501]

Step 3: Pay fees online

• Pay the application processing fee and biometric fee (if applicable) online.
• Keep your payment receipt to include with your order.

Step 4: Submit the application

Before submitting your application, please make sure that:

• Answer all questions
• Electronically sign your application (write your full name exactly as it appears on your passport)
• Include processing fee receipt.
• Upload all supporting documents

Important Notes:

• If your application is incomplete, it will be rejected and you will have to correct errors and resubmit.
• In most cases, you will need to provide fingerprints and a photo (biometric data) after you apply.
• If you are using an immigration representative, you must submit the Use of a Representative form [IMM 5476].
• You must provide one photo per person in your application.
• Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

After applying for the Atlantic Immigration Program

After you submit your application for the Atlantic Immigration Program, there are several steps and procedures to follow. Here is a detailed explanation of what to expect:

Application review

Canadian authorities review your application to ensure that:

• Completeness and accuracy of all information in the permanent residence application
• Pay processing fee
• Meet all requirements
• Include all required documents.

You may be contacted to:

• Request for fingerprints and photo (biometric data)
• Confirm your order review
• Request additional documents if necessary.
• Schedule an interview if necessary.
• Inform you of the next steps
• Request payment of the Permanent Residence Fee (if you have not already paid it)

Update information

It is important to keep your contact information and application details up to date to avoid processing delays. Any changes such as:

• Marriage, divorce or separation
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of the applicant or a dependent
• Contact information updates (email, phone number, postal address)

If you are between 14 and 79 years old, you may need to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometric data):

• Biometric data fee must be paid upon application.
• You have 30 days from the date of the letter to submit biometric data.
• After receiving the biometric data, the application processing process begins. You may be contacted if further information is required.
• A medical examination must be conducted before settling in Canada, and this also applies to family members even if they are not accompanying you.

Verify information

It is important to provide honest information in the application, as dishonesty may result in:

• Request denied
• You are considered ineligible for entry.
• You have been prevented from applying for entry to Canada for any reason for 5 years.

make final decision

The decision is made based on:

• Meet the program eligibility criteria
• Your admission to Canada is based on the results of a medical examination and background check.

In case Request deniedA letter will be sent explaining the reasons for the denial. To have your application reconsidered, you must submit a new application and meet the eligibility criteria. By understanding and following these steps, applicants can improve their chances of success with their Atlantic Immigration Program application.

What happens after your application is approved in the Atlantic Immigration Program?

Once your application is approved for the Atlantic Immigration Program, there are several important steps ahead. Here’s what to expect:

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

• You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
• If you are from a country that requires a visa, you will also get a permanent residence visa.
• Make sure all information in the COPR is correct. If you find any errors, contact the Canadian authorities immediately.
• COPR cannot be extended, so be sure to use it before it expires.

When you arrive in Canada, you must have:

• Valid passport and/or travel documents.
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
• Permanent residence visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) if you are from a visa-exempt country.
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.

Upon arrival:

• You will meet with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
• Your identity and eligibility for immigration to Canada will be verified.
• If you provide false or incomplete information, you may be refused entry to Canada.

Permanent residence cards

• An electronic copy of your COPR will be provided in the e-portal as proof of your new status in Canada.
• You will be asked to provide a photo to begin the process of issuing your first permanent resident card.
• You can use the signed COPR to prove you are a permanent resident of Canada and to apply for government benefits and services, such as a Social Insurance Number for work.

The role of employers in the Atlantic Immigration Program

Employers play a pivotal role in the success of the Atlantic Immigration Program. By participating in this program, employers in the Atlantic provinces gain access to a wide range of international talent to meet their workforce needs. The program requires employers to commit to a set of responsibilities to ensure successful recruitment and retention.

• Apply for designation as an accredited organization in the program
• Submit job offers that meet the program requirements.
• Supporting candidates in the application and settlement process
• Providing a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development
• Contribute to the community integration efforts of candidates and their families.

The difference between the Atlantic Immigration Program and other immigration programs

The Atlantic Immigration Program has several characteristics that set it apart from other Canadian immigration programs. These differences make the program an attractive option for many candidates seeking to immigrate to Canada, especially those who want to settle in the Atlantic provinces. Understanding these differences helps candidates make an informed decision about the best immigration path for their circumstances and goals.

• Geographic focus on the four Atlantic provinces
• Faster application processing compared to other federal immigration programs
• Greater support from employers and local governments in the settlement process
• More flexibility in work experience and education requirements for some jobs
• Possibility of applying for a temporary work permit while processing Permanent Residence Application.

Potential Challenges in the Atlantic Migration Program

Despite the many benefits offered by the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates may face some challenges during the application and settlement process. It is important for applicants to be aware of these potential challenges and prepare well for them. Understanding these obstacles helps candidates develop effective strategies to overcome them and increase their chances of success in the program.

• Difficulty finding an approved employer in some fields or regions
• Adapting to life in smaller communities compared to large cities
• Dealing with severe weather conditions in some Atlantic regions
• The need to develop strong language skills to succeed in work and daily life.
• Compete with other local and international talents for available job opportunities.

Tips for Success in the Atlantic Immigration Program

To increase your chances of success in the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates can follow a set of effective tips and strategies. These tips cover various aspects of the application and settlement process, and help candidates avoid common mistakes and improve their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

• Start improving your language skills early before applying to the program.
• Comprehensively research job opportunities in the Atlantic provinces and understand the local job market.
• Build a professional network in the target area before moving.
• Prepare well for job interviews and understand Canadian work culture.
• Take advantage of support and guidance programs available to new immigrants in the provinces.