Why is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) so Popular?

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is an immigration pathway that is run as a pilot program until November 2019. Currently, it is one of Canada's most popular immigration pathway.

Accelerated Permanent Residency

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is one of the quickest ways to get permanent residency. In fact, foreign nationals can become Canadian permanent residents in about six months. Immigrants value being able to get permanent residency quickly, because they want to avoid uncertainty as much as possible by not having their immigration status tied to one specific employer. 

Temporary Worker Work Permit Option

Another facet of the AIPP program that makes it that popular is the fact that workers can obtain a temporary work permit, so they can start working while the permanent residency is being processed. Not every employer will be able to wait six months or more for candidates to move to Canada. Having the option to come work in Canada while the process takes place is certainly appealing. 

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Exemption

One of the mechanisms in place to protect the Canadian labour market are Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA). When an employer is not able to hire a Canadian worker, they have to go through a complex process where they have to determine what the impact of hiring a foreigner would be on the Canadian workforce. Essentially, the process aims to verify that the position cannot be filled by a Canadian. If the LMIA is positive, the employer will be issued a confirmation that he is allowed to recruit internationally. Many employers prefer not to go through this complex process. This is waived in the AIPP program. In that program, employers become designated by an Atlantic province: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or Newfoundland and Labrador. Once they are designated, they only have to advertise for positions for six weeks. If they could not find a Canadian worker, they are then allowed to hire a foreign national without getting a LMIA.

​Approved Settlement Plan

When employers use the AIPP program, they have to work with an approved third party organization to create a settlement plan for the newcomer and their families. Immigrants are fond of this, because it requires employers to be fully committed to them. They have to help in the resettlement program. This makes the relocation and integration processes a little easier. 

​Lower Language Skill Requirements (IELTS scores)

When immigrants apply for Express Entry, they sometimes retake their language test several times to try to score more points for language abilities. The way that AIPP is setup, candidates only need to reach CLB 4, which is lower than with most immigration pathways.

Limited Time Opportunity

AIPP is particularly popular right now, because the pilot program is only confirm until November 2019. There is no guarantee that this opportunity will still exist after that time. Hence, many immigrants are trying to file their application as soon as possible. Working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant could be helpful in order to ensure a prompt processing.

​Living in Atlantic Canada

Canada is a huge country. Living in one region or area can be very different than living somewhere else. Atlantic Canada is home to breathtaking scenery, easy access to the ocean (in many cases great beaches), and lobster, fish and seafood are abundant and fresh. It's a popular vacation destination and it is known to be a little more laid back, filled with the friendliest people you can meet, and a safe place to raise a family. The cost of living also tends to be lower than in most major population centres, making owning a house easier. Finally, with aging population, there will be a need for more workers in the future.