The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in the Atlantic provinces. The program helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.

Under the AIP, employers are encouraged to connect new employees and their families with local settlement services in order to promote their ultimate retention in the Atlantic provinces.

We’ve been serving newcomers for more than 30 years. We house the largest settlement team in the region, with more than 80 staff from around the globe. We are authorized and ready to help employers navigate the new AIP system and continue to grow our local population.

If you are applying for your designation

Step 1: Contact Newcomer Connections to learn about available settlement services and begin the process. You will see ‘Collaboration with a settlement service provider’ in the Employer Designation Application Form as one of requirements. You can reach out to us at newcomerconnections@saintjohny.ca.

Step 2: Register for onboarding training at the IRCC website and register for Newcomer Connections intercultural competency training by contacting us at ylearning@saintjohny.ca

If you are already a designated employer and your potential employee(s) needs a settlement plan:

Step 3: Provide your candidate(s) an offer of employment (IMM0157E) and a copy of a confirmation of the Designation Letter.

Step 4: Refer candidate(s) to register with our team for a settlement plan.

Step 5: (optional) Become a pioneer for inclusivity and embrace diversity at your workplace by receiving support around hiring, onboarding, and retention of newcomers through the [NEC] program. Reach out to us to us at NEC@saintjohny.ca.

Important Note: Potential employers and employees must be mindful that other requirements need to be met as part of candidates’ application for immigration under this program. Visit Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for these details.