The Nova Scotia Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Nova Scotia Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a cornerstone for economic growth in Nova Scotia, driving top-tier talent attraction toward its vibrant capital, Halifax, and its beautiful regional communities. As an employer-driven program, it enables local businesses to hire qualified international professionals to fill high-demand labor shortages in strategic sectors such as Healthcare, Technology, and Skilled Trades.

To apply successfully from abroad, candidates must meet specific criteria established by provincial and federal immigration authorities:

Designated Job Offer: You must hold a valid, full-time, and non-seasonal job offer from an officially designated employer in Nova Scotia. The position must align with an eligible TEER category (0, 1, 2, 3, or 4).

🔍 Find Designated Employers: You can review the official requirements and connect with authorized companies through the Nova Scotia Immigration AIP Portal.

Work Experience: You must have accumulated at least 1,560 paid hours of work within the last 5 years (equivalent to 1 year of full-time work).

🎓 International Graduate Exception: If you graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, you may be entirely exempt from this work experience requirement.

Education: Educational requirements depend directly on your job offer:

For TEER 0 or 1: A minimum of a 1-year Canadian post-secondary credential (or foreign equivalent).

For TEER 2, 3, or 4: A minimum of a Canadian high school diploma. If your studies were completed overseas, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is mandatory.

Language Proficiency: You must prove your language skills with an approved official test (such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF):

Minimum CLB 4 for TEER 4 job offers (basic, functional command to handle daily routines).

Minimum CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 job offers (intermediate communication for professional tasks).

📚 Need to reach this benchmark? Boost your confidence and get ready to pass your test by exploring the resources and language guidance available through atlantino.ca.

Settlement Funds: Unless you are already legally living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support your family's arrival. Review the exact scales on the official IRCC Proof of Funds Page.

To understand how the AIP transforms lives, let us look at the story of Adesuwa, a dedicated registered nurse from Nigeria who successfully relocated to Halifax.

Adesuwa possessed years of clinical experience in Lagos but sought a healthcare system with better infrastructure and a stable future for her family. Her strategic goal was to secure an eligible job offer within Nova Scotia’s expanding long-term care or hospital networks to apply for permanent residency via the AIP.

Before moving, she completed her nursing credential validation and actively leveraged the Atlantino Community Directory to connect with local support groups and diaspora networks in Atlantic Canada. Through a targeted virtual settlement job fair, she successfully interviewed with and secured an official offer from a designated Nova Scotian healthcare employer.

Today, Adesuwa and her family enjoy life in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), where she contributes to the local healthcare sector while her children thrive in a safe, welcoming environment.

Ready to Start Your Atlantic Journey?

Migrating from abroad is a step-by-step process that combines official immigration pathways with community integration. Here is how to begin:

Check Federal Eligibility: Review the comprehensive application steps on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) AIP Portal.

Explore Provincial Streams: Learn more about regional demands directly through the Government of Nova Scotia Immigration Office.

Build Your Network Early: Landing an overseas job offer requires visibility. Visit atlantino.ca to explore local immigrant-led businesses, professional connections, and community services designed to help you settle smoothly into Nova Scotia.