A permanent residency (PR) is the essential grant every individual who wants to settle in Canada needs. It is like the initial step to making your stay in the country permanent. Interested individuals seek a Canadian PR to live, study, work, and explore a beautiful life. Once they enter Canada, they unwrap a whole new and upgraded lifestyle.
Canada needs skilled personnel to fulfill the labour market’s demand. For this reason, the country’s immigration system has made several amendments to help candidates experience a smooth transition.
Any individual looking for job opportunities must first qualify for PR. Once the individual has cleared their eligibility criteria, they can apply for PR under the various pathways offered by different states and provinces in Canada.
This blog post specifically focuses on the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for professionals interested in demonstrating their expertise in the Atlantic provinces’ dedicated fields.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is yet another attempt by the Canadian government to invite talented individuals and foreign graduates to live and work in its Atlantic region. The program aims to provide job opportunities in the most demanded fields, filling labour market gaps.
The fastest and easiest application process makes the AIP unique. Employers from the Atlantic region need not obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before looking for employers outside Canada, making the recruitment process smooth for both the employer and the applicant.
Why Choose the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The immense benefits offered by the AIP make it an attractive option for job seekers:
- Faster Processing Times
Unlike other immigration programs, the AIP process is quicker, helping candidates shift to Canada sooner. - Employer Support
The employers from Atlantic provinces provide full support throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition. - Family Inclusion
Workers can also bring their spouses and children, who gain access to similar rights in Canada. - Pathway to Citizenship
The candidate may apply for citizenship after gaining significant experience in Canada and fulfilling the residency requirements. - No LMIA Requirement
Employers need not face administrative setbacks, allowing them to recruit skilled workers in any required field.
Who Can Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Candidates from two main categories can apply:
- Skilled Workers who have
- Received an employment letter from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER work experience in 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 categories.
- CLB 4 or higher language proficiency in English or French.
- Completed high school education or a diploma equivalent to Canadian standards.
- International Graduates who have
- Completed a two-year post-secondary program in a recognized institution from one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Recently graduated from an international institution without any work experience.
- Received a valid job offer issued by a designated employer.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency Through the AIP
Step 1
Get a Job Offer from a Designated Employer
Secure a job offer from a company listed under the Atlantic Immigration Program. The provincial governments have approved these employers to hire foreign workers, so they do not have to undergo an LMIA process.
Step 2
Endorsement Process
The employer will help you get your provincial endorsement if you secure a job offer. This entails submitting a settlement plan and ensuring you and your family are prepared to move to the Atlantic province.
Step 3
Submit Your PR Application
You can submit your name to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the endorsement certificate and get permanent residency from IRCC. The AIP applications are processed faster than normal.
Why the Atlantic Provinces?
Several factors may benefit you when you apply for a job in the Atlantic provinces. Some of these include:
- Affordable Living
Living in Canada is costly, but living in the Atlantic provinces is much more affordable, making it an excellent choice for people wanting financial stability.
- Community Integration
People from all over the world are welcome to bring pieces of their culture.
- Scenic Views
Most people look out for the pristine views of the Atlantic region and prefer travelling and exploring while serving the nation.
- Economic Opportunities
With the massive expansion of industries across Canada, the Atlantic region is open to recruiting talented people for diverse roles.
Pitfalls of the Process and How to Overcome Them
Despite the fast and easy process of AIP, there exist some undeniable challenges, including:
- Finding reliable recruiters
- Fulfilling language requirements
- Getting through the endorsement process
These challenges can be overcome with careful planning, which includes:
Get a list of designated employers from provincial websites and job boards. You can also network with local immigrant services or attend job fairs.
- Enroll in language training programs to improve your proficiency. This will ensure you will attempt and pass a valid language test, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English.
- Talk to your employer and get professional legal advice to ensure everything is written correctly and matches the particulars of the letter.
Seeking Professional Advice
Even though the AIP application process is straightforward, candidates must be extremely careful when filling out the details. Any mistakes or missing information may delay applications or even cause rejection.
With the help of a citizenship lawyer, you can minimize these mishappenings, as they help:
- Find out if you are eligible for PR and guide you to the best pathway to apply.
- Help get a job offer and compile a settlement plan.
- Help you through the process of getting endorsed.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
While leaving the details of immigration to the experts, with professional legal assistance, you can divert your attention to building your future.
Conclusion
If you have ever dreamt of experiencing breathtaking views, city life and new experiences, the AIP could be your chance to move to Canada. While the process is quite simple, it is essential to understand them and make wise choices.
Our elaborate discussion of AIP in this blog may serve as a guide and help you avoid delays and rejections. Moreover, consulting an expert helps you focus on other aspects than filling out and submitting your application. Find out the most suitable pathway to begin your career in Canada with the help of Citizenship Lawyer.
