Can Atlantic Canada be your backdoor to Permanent Residency
Atlantic Immigration Program In Canada
This has been a long promised writing. I have also written about the PR pathways to other Canadian provinces. Please check them out here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSpz5jwX2AkfLtf1L8c8viJxBRzjHz55-
Atlantic Canada is sparsely populated area. They are infamous for harsh winter and snow. That’s why for the longest time it was not a popular destination for immigrants. As immigration is getting harder day by day more people are moving into these provinces. Atlantic Canada is composed of four provinces. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador. Atlantic Immigration Pathway is the immigration pathway that is common to all of these provinces. Aside from this all of the provinces have separate Provincial nominee programs. Lets start with Atlantic Immigration pathway AIP
To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must
have qualifying work experience, unless you’re an international graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada
meet or exceed the educational requirements
meet or exceed the language requirements
show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you get to Canada
If you’re already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you don’t need to show proof.
This is the general requirement. There are some nuances associated with your immigration status. A open work permit holder and an international student is not treated equally. The international student does not need to show the work experience. They will be eligible if they have a job offer from a designated employer.
You can find more about the designated employer list here. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration/how-to-immigrate/job-offer.html#gc-document-nav
When a designated employer offers you a job, they’ll give you an Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form [IMM 0157]
.You must
make sure you meet the employment requirements listed in the National Occupational Classification
sign the form titled Offer of Employment to a Foreign National and keep a copy for your records
You’ll need this form when you work with a service provider organization on your settlement plan and for your permanent residence application.
If you receive a job offer from an employer
ask for a copy of the employer’s Confirmation of Designation, or
tell them about the Atlantic Immigration Program and ask them to consider becoming designated, if they aren’t already
I have lived in Atlantic Canada for four years and attempted AIP myself yet failed. The employer denied to sponsor us for immigration even though they were designated employer. Eventually we found another way to apply for PR. Here I am sharing this bit of information just so that you can be vigilant. As this program is entirely dependent on the employer’s willingness to sponsor you, you have less control over the process. There will be competition among co workers who also want to be sponsored. Last suggestion never put all of your faith into one immigration pathway. Always keep a backup.
I will write more about Nova Scotia PNP program next week. You can subscribe if you find this information valuable.