Beginning March 2017, three new employer-driven permanent residence immigration programs will come into effect under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program. Faced with a declining labour force, this three-year Pilot program will help attract and retain skilled immigrants coming to Atlantic Canada.
For the first time, employers will work with settlement service provider organizations to help these newcomers integrate into their communities. By offering support, resources, and guidance, these new immigrants will be encouraged to stay long-term and help the economy grow.
Every immigrant under this Program will arrive in Atlantic Canada with a job offer and a personalized settlement plan from their employer. Oftentimes a Labour Market Impact Assessment is required by Canada from Canadian employers to prove that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. However, to address the pressing needs of the Atlantic region, employers do not need this assessment for jobs they offer to skilled workers under this new Pilot program. Furthermore, temporary work permits will be accessible for employers that need to fill an immediate job vacancy to ensure quick arrival of the skilled worker.
In 2017, a total of up to 2000 applications will be accepted for the Atlantic Pilot program, one application for each skilled worker including their family. To determine the success of the program, employers, settlement service providers, and provinces will be reporting to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada with feedback.
The first of the three different residence immigration programs is the Atlantic Intermediate-skilled Program (AISP). This program requires a full-time job offer for an indeterminate period of time, with a National Occupational Classification of 0, A, B, or C. Applicants require one year of experience in the occupation related to the job offer, as well as at least a high school diploma and an Educational Credential Assessment.
The second program, Atlantic High-skilled Program (AHSP) requires a full-time job offer and a one-year contract, with a National Occupational Classification of 0, A, or B. Applicants require one year of experience in the occupation related to the job offer, as well as at least a high school diploma and an Educational Credential Assessment.
The third program is the Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) which requires a full-time job offer and a one-year contract, with a National Occupational Classification of 0, A, or B. No prior experience is required in the occupation, but a two-year post-secondary diploma from a publicly funded learning institution in the Atlantic region is required.
All three programs require Level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or the Niveau de compétence Linguistique Canadien in French, as well as a letter of endorsement from the province.
Information about National Occupational Classifications can be found here.
If you are interested in finding out of if you qualify for this program of any of Canada’s other immigration programs, please fill out our free assessment form.
FWCanada is a Canadian Immigration Law Firm which provides expertise in immigration services such as Temporary Resident Permits, Criminal Rehabilitation, Study Permits and Work Permits. Marisa Feil and her team ensure that each case is closely evaluated to determine the most relevant program. For more information, contact FWCanada at 1-855-316-3555.
