Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program has been strategically crafted to foster economic advancement within Canada’s Atlantic provinces by enticing skilled workers to contribute their expertise and talents. The Atlantic provinces, which encompass New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, have recognized the potential of skilled immigration as a driving force for economic growth and development in their regions.
These provinces, characterized by their distinct landscapes, cultural diversity, and unique economic needs, have collaboratively established the Atlantic Immigration Program to address specific labor gaps and propel local industries forward. By attracting skilled workers who possess the requisite qualifications and experience, the program aims to address shortages in various sectors, ensure the region’s sustainability, and enhance its overall competitiveness on a global scale.
As a result, immigrants welcomed through this program not only contribute to the provinces’ economies but also enjoy the opportunity to build successful and fulfilling lives within these vibrant and resource-rich communities.
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What is Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program serves as a valuable avenue for skilled foreign workers and international graduates hailing from Canadian institutions who aspire to establish their lives in one of Canada’s four picturesque Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. With a focus on facilitating a seamless transition to permanent residency, this program provides a promising pathway for individuals seeking both professional growth and a vibrant lifestyle within these dynamic regions.
A notable facet of the Atlantic Immigration Program is its integral role in addressing the labor demands of these provinces. By enabling employers to tap into a pool of qualified candidates, the program actively supports the recruitment of skilled workers for positions that have proven challenging to fill through local talent acquisition.
As a federally operated initiative, the program’s collaborative framework underscores its commitment to assisting employers in identifying and hiring individuals who can make meaningful contributions to their organizations and, by extension, to the socioeconomic landscape of the Atlantic provinces.
By merging the objectives of facilitating skilled immigration and responding to the unique labor requirements of these provinces, the Atlantic Immigration Program stands as a testament to Canada’s dedication to fostering growth, innovation, and diversity within its regions.
Eligibility for Atlantic Immigration Program
To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates are required to secure an authorized job offer. Unlike traditional Canadian immigration pathways that typically demand a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to validate a job offer, the Atlantic Immigration Program presents a distinctive feature. In this case, a designated employer can extend a job offer without necessitating an LMIA. This approach streamlines the process, recognizing the strategic importance of enabling skilled foreign workers to contribute to the growth and vitality of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
Initially introduced as a pilot program in 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Program has demonstrated its effectiveness in driving economic development and addressing labor needs within the region. Its resounding success led to its permanent establishment at the outset of 2022, underscoring its pivotal role in attracting and integrating over 6,000 individuals annually into the welcoming communities of the Atlantic provinces. By offering a flexible and pragmatic avenue for skilled individuals to secure permanent residency, the Atlantic Immigration Program aligns with Canada’s commitment to harnessing talent and enriching the cultural tapestry of its diverse provinces.
Update on Atlantic Immigration Program
Building upon the achievements of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIP), which concluded its operations in 2021, the introduction of this novel employer-driven initiative marks the next phase in facilitating skilled immigration to Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Participants who had engaged with the pilot program must now navigate the transition to this new permanent program, reflecting the program’s evolution and commitment to sustaining its positive impact.
Under the purview of the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSEEE) stream have been temporarily suspended for positions classified under NOC 6311 – food service supervisors. This strategic pause aims to ensure the ongoing effectiveness and relevance of the program, allowing for necessary recalibrations to align with the evolving needs of the labor market.
Consequently, certain eligibility criteria have undergone adjustments: candidates with work experience related to NOC 6311 under NSEEE and job offers tied to NOC 6311 under AIP are currently not eligible for participation. However, the broader landscape retains its dynamism, as candidates falling within NOC 6311 can still leverage the Skilled Worker Stream for their application. Moreover, businesses in the food and hospitality sectors will maintain their access to the Skilled Worker stream, enabling them to continue recruiting food service supervisors.
In parallel, employers operating within the food and beverage domain (NOC 6513) and those engaged in roles such as food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations (NOC 6711) are still welcomed to participate through the Occupations in Demand (OiD) stream, reinforcing the program’s commitment to facilitating labor market demands. As the program adapts and evolves, it remains aligned with the broader objectives of enhancing regional economic vitality and enriching the skilled workforce within Canada’s Atlantic provinces.