--- title: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — Canada (2026) description: Free complete guide to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) visa for Canada. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Canada flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fca.png&w=3840&q=75]ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (AIP) Category: Migration · Processing time: 6-12 months Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-29Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-program.html] Review due soon 3 min readCommunity feedback: open Save visa to plan Visa decisions require official verification MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/] Apply through official authority Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-19. Apply on official site → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-program.html] Visa type Migration Processing time 6-12 months Fees ApplicationProcessingFee: CAD 990 Validity Permanent residency status granted. Stay duration Indefinite Entry type Multiple entry privileges tied to Permanent Resident status Insurance Confirm if required Bookmark Save this visa to My Plan OVERVIEW This program helps employers in the Atlantic provinces recruit global talent to address local labor shortages. It offers a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. * Leads to permanent residency: Yes * Requires job offer: Yes * Language required: Yes * Minimum education: High school diploma or equivalent (credential assessment required for foreign degrees) * Financial requirement: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival, unless they are already living and working in Canada with a valid work per * Accommodation proof: No * Return ticket: No ESTIMATED COSTS * - ApplicationProcessingFee: CAD 990 * - RightOfPermanentResidenceFee: CAD 600 * - BiometricsFeeIndividual: CAD 85 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS * - Valid international passport or recognized travel document * - Official Provincial Endorsement Certificate from an Atlantic province * - Co-signed Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form from a designated employer * - Valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for credentials earned outside Canada * - Approved language proficiency test results satisfying minimum CLB requirements * - Proof of settlement funds matching your family size parameters (if applicable) APPLICATION STEPS 1. Receive a formal, full-time job offer from an officially designated employer in an Atlantic province. 2. Obtain a personalized settlement plan designed by an approved settlement service provider organization. 3. Secure a provincial endorsement certificate from the province where your employer operates. 4. Submit your complete permanent residency application online via the official IRCC portal. 5. Pay the mandatory federal application processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). 6. Complete required biometric enrollment, medical exams, and background safety clearances upon instruction. Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-program.html] TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT * Mandatory: Confirm with official source * Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules * Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions * Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority EMBASSY, CONSULATE & APPOINTMENTS * - Federal visa processing, biometric capture, and tracking parameters are handled uniformly through IRCC centralized digital intake portals. * - Always reference official federal ministerial update logs before locking in regional application fees or document drop-off paths. Open appointment or official portal → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-program.html] Browse foreign embassies in Canada (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/canada/] Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal. Application checklist TRACK YOUR ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (AIP) PREPARATION Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan. 0 / 17 complete * Confirm Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) requirements on the official Canada immigration source.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.This pathway lists a job offer requirement. * Secure a qualifying job offer and employer documents.Ask the employer for official offer letters, registration details, and any sponsorship forms. * Book or gather language test evidence.Confirm accepted tests and minimum scores before booking. * Prepare document: Valid international passport or recognized travel documentCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Official Provincial Endorsement Certificate from an Atlantic provinceCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Co-signed Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form from a designated employerCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for credentials earned outside CanadaCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Approved language proficiency test results satisfying minimum CLB requirementsCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Proof of settlement funds matching your family size parameters (if applicable)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Complete step: Receive a formal, full-time job offer from an officially designated employer in an Atlantic province. * Complete step: Obtain a personalized settlement plan designed by an approved settlement service provider organization. * Complete step: Secure a provincial endorsement certificate from the province where your employer operates. * Complete step: Submit your complete permanent residency application online via the official IRCC portal. * Complete step: Pay the mandatory federal application processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval. * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations. Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/] GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in Canada. Get reminders BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS * - Grants immediate Canadian Permanent Residency status upon successful landing, skipping intermediate point-scoring pools * - Bypasses standard, highly competitive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements for participating regional employers * - Provides a tailored settlement framework that connects your family with community integration partners for smooth long-term transition tracking Trust & safety BEFORE YOU PAY OR SUBMIT DOCUMENTS Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract. Official portal → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-program.html] RELEVANT LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/canada/work-authorisation-rules/] Employment · Severity: Critical In Canada, work authorization rules are strict and must be followed closely. Individuals entering Canada may have different permissions based on their visa type. A visa that allows entry does not automatically grant… * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/canada/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/] Immigration · Severity: Critical Your right to stay in Canada depends on the specific immigration status you hold, which includes visas, permits, or entry stamps. Many individuals, including tourists, students, workers, families, and digital nomads,… * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/canada/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/] Tax · Severity: High In Canada, tax residency is determined by various factors, including the duration of your stay, your residential ties, and where your income is sourced. If you live in Canada for a significant period, work locally, or… * Employment Standards Act [/laws/canada/employment-standards/] Employment · Severity: Critical In Canada, the Employment Standards Act outlines essential rights for workers, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. You are entitled to a minimum wage, which varies by province, but it is a legal requirement that… ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/canada/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium In Canada, newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may fall victim to a scam involving inflated fees for document translation, notarization, or apostille services. Dishonest agents may… * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/canada/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium In Canada, a common scam involves fraudsters posing as airport personnel, immigration officers, or travel agents, claiming that newcomers must pay a special fee upon arrival. This fee is falsely presented as necessary… * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/canada/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium In Canada, there is a growing concern about scams involving fake university or scholarship letters targeting students, parents, and scholarship applicants. Fraudsters offer enticing packages that promise admission to… * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/canada/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium In Canada, a growing concern involves rental scams where fraudsters advertise non-existent apartments. These scammers often target students, families, new arrivals, and remote workers who may be unfamiliar with the… QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK Use this self-check for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). It does not replace official legal assessment. I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher Result: Requirements appear incomplete HELPFUL PARTNER LINKS MigrantIQ is free. Some links are affiliate partners — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. * consultation Canada: Newcomer consultation → [/api/affiliate/canada-consultation/?source=%2Fvisas%2Fcanada%2Fatlantic-immigration-program-aip%2F] Talk to a verified Canada migration expert. Sponsored or partner placement when a matching partner is active. COMMON REJECTION REASONS * - Submitting an application with an invalid, expired, or non-designated employer job offer profile * - Failing to provide an official settlement plan or failing to clear the required provincial endorsement phase first * - Language proficiency test results dropping below the mandatory statutory CLB benchmarks for the respective TEER category * - Incomplete background records, unverified work history gaps, or unsatisfactory Educational Credential Assessment filings APPLICATION TIPS * - Your employer must be officially designated by their home province under the AIP umbrella before they can sponsor your placement. * - Ensure your language tests and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) are fully completed and valid on the exact day you file your digital IRCC submission. * - Pay your Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) upfront alongside your application processing fee to avoid major delays later in the cycle. * - Avoid consultants who claim they can bypass the designated employer job offer requirement, as this is a core statutory anchor of the stream. SOURCES & REFERENCES Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ. * Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-program.html] Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements. * MigrantIQ visa record Last verified 2026-06-19. Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS * All visas · CanadaIndex [/visas/canada/] * CanadaCountry [/countries/canada/] * Arrival checklistChecklist [/checklist/canada/] * Eligibility quizTool [/tools/eligibility/] * Pick a corridor calculatorCalculator [/calculator/] * Immigration Q&AQ&A [/qa/] * People storiesStories [/stories/?corridor=canada] * Save to My PlanPlan [/plan/] Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHO IS ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (AIP) FOR? This visa is designed for applicants matching Migration pathway criteria. HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE? Typical processing time is 6-12 months, subject to documentation quality and application volume. WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FIRST? 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