About Atlantic Immigration Program and Express Entry System

About Atlantic Immigration

The Atlantic Immigration Program serves as a route to obtaining permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who aspire to work and reside in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative facilitates employers in recruiting capable individuals for positions that have proven challenging to fill with local candidates.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a collaborative effort between the Canadian federal government and the Atlantic provinces aimed at addressing labor market needs and stimulating economic growth in the region. Launched in 2017, the AIPP offers a pathway for skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates to settle permanently in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. By facilitating the recruitment of foreign talent, the program helps employers in the Atlantic provinces fill job vacancies that cannot be met locally, thereby contributing to the region’s prosperity and diversity.

How Does it Work? The AIPP operates through three main streams:

1. Atlantic High-Skilled Program: This stream targets highly skilled individuals who possess at least one year of work experience in a management, professional, or technical/skilled occupation.
2. Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: Geared towards individuals with at least one year of work experience in a semi-skilled occupation.
3. Atlantic International Graduate Program: Tailored for international students who have graduated from eligible publicly-funded institutions in the Atlantic region.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Employer Endorsement: The AIPP requires candidates to have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. Employers must receive endorsement from their respective provincial government before making a job offer to an immigrant.
2. No Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Required: Unlike other Canadian immigration programs, the AIPP does not necessitate a Labor Market Impact Assessment, streamlining the hiring process for employers.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residence: Successful candidates, along with their families, are granted permanent residency in Canada, offering stability and long-term prospects for settlement and integration.
4. Regional Focus: By encouraging immigration to the Atlantic provinces, the program aims to address demographic challenges, stimulate economic growth, and foster vibrant communities in the region.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the AIPP, candidates must meet certain criteria, including:

• Language proficiency (minimum CLB level 4)
• Educational qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Adequate settlement funds
• Intention to reside in one of the Atlantic provinces

Navigating the Application Process: Applying for the AIPP involves several steps, including securing a valid job offer from a designated employer, obtaining provincial endorsement, and submitting a complete application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit accurate documentation to avoid delays or rejection.

Express Entry

Launched in 2015, Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration management system, designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy.

Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility Assessment: To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three federal economic immigration programs:
   • Federal Skilled Worker Program
   • Federal Skilled Trades Program
   • Canadian Experience Class
2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Eligible candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Higher CRS scores increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
3. Pool Entry: Qualified candidates enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked against each other based on their CRS scores. The highest-ranked candidates are issued ITAs during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Invitation to Apply: Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documents and fees. Successful applicants are typically processed within six months.
5. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Express Entry candidates may also receive nominations from Canadian provinces and territories through their respective PNPs, which provide additional CRS points and expedite the immigration process.

“Here is a list of invitations issued in 2024

The Express Entry system is a comprehensive ranking system based on points, through which top candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada every two weeks. Follow for the latest Express Entry Draws.

DATE	CATEGORY	INVITATIONS ISSUED	CUTOFF
APR 23	GENERAL	2095	529
APR 11	STEM OCCUPATIONS	4500	491
APR 10	GENERAL	1280	549
MAR 26	FRENCH LANGUAGE	1500	388
MAR 25	GENERAL	1980	524
MAR 13	TRANSPORT	975	430
MAR 12	GENERAL	2850	525
FEB 29	FRENCH LANGUAGE	2500	336
FEB 28	GENERAL	1470	534
FEB 16	AGRICULTURE AND AGRI FOODS	150	437
FEB 14	HEALTHCARE OCCUPATIONS	3500	422
FEB 13	GENERAL	1490	535
FEB 1	FRENCH LANGUAGE	7000	365
JAN 31	GENERAL	730	541
JAN 23	GENERAL	1040	543
JAN 10	GENERAL	1510	546
	TOTAL INVITATIONS TILL DATE	34570

“Express Entry System Canada:”

Conclusion

For skilled workers and international graduates seeking opportunities in Canada, the AIPP offers a viable pathway to permanent residency and a brighter future in the Atlantic region. While Express Entry with its streamlined process is emphasizing on attracting skilled talent and paving the way for a brighter future, creating the Canadian dream for millions of immigrants.”