Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) 2026: Guide to This Year’s Updates
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) continues to be one of Canada’s most reliable pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates. As we move through 2026, the program is entering a more stable, targeted, and employer‑driven phase—making it an ideal time for qualified applicants and designated employers across Atlantic Canada to take action.
This guide breaks down the latest 2026 updates, including admissions targets, eligibility rules, priority sectors, and what applicants can expect this year.
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent pathway that allows skilled workers and graduates to obtain permanent residence while supporting labour market needs in:
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island (PEI)
• Newfoundland and Labrador
The program is employer‑driven, meaning applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer before applying.
AIP 2026: Key Updates You Need to Know
1. Stable Admissions Target for 2026
The federal government has confirmed that the AIP will welcome approximately 4,000 new permanent residents in 2026.
This steady target helps provinces plan long‑term workforce strategies and ensures employers can continue filling critical labour shortages.
2. Stronger Focus on Workers Already in Canada
A major theme for 2026 is the government’s push to transition more temporary residents into permanent residents.
This means:
• Workers already in Canada may experience faster processing.
• Employers may find it easier to retain existing staff through AIP.
• Temporary foreign workers in Atlantic provinces are well‑positioned for endorsements.
This aligns with the national goal of transitioning tens of thousands of temporary workers into permanent residents across economic programs.
3. Priority Sectors for 2026
While AIP remains open to a wide range of occupations, 2026 brings clearer priorities for sectors facing urgent labour shortages, including:
• Healthcare and long‑term care
• Skilled trades and construction
• French‑speaking workers, supporting bilingual communities
Applicants with experience in these areas may have improved opportunities for job offers and endorsements.
AIP 2026 Eligibility Requirements
1. Work Experience
Applicants must show:
• 1,560 hours of paid work experience (approx. 1 year) within the last 5 years.
Experience must align with the job offer and fall under TEER 0–4.
2. Language Requirements
• CLB 5 for TEER 0–3
• CLB 4 for TEER 4
Accepted tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF.
3. Education Requirements
• Minimum high school diploma
• ECA required for foreign education
International graduates from Atlantic institutions may qualify without work experience.
4. Settlement Funds
Applicants must show proof of funds unless they are already working in Canada with a valid work permit.
AIP 2026 Job Offer Requirements
To qualify, job offers must be:
• Full‑time and non‑seasonal
• In a TEER 0–4 occupation
• At least one year in duration for TEER 0–3
• Permanent for TEER 4 roles
• Issued by a designated employer in an Atlantic province
Employers must complete a settlement plan and support the applicant’s integration.
Processing Environment in 2026
Some provinces, such as New Brunswick, experienced high demand and temporary pauses in 2025. As a result:
• Processing times may be longer than usual.
• Early employer engagement is essential.
• Complete, accurate applications are more important than ever.
Applicants should monitor provincial updates closely, especially regarding employer designation and endorsement caps.
Why AIP Remains a Top PR Pathway in 2026
The Atlantic Immigration Program continues to stand out because:
• It does not use a points‑based ranking system like Express Entry.
• It is employer‑driven, making it ideal for applicants with job offers.
• It supports regional growth, meaning provinces actively encourage participation.
• It offers a clear, stable pathway for workers already contributing to the Canadian economy.
For many skilled workers and graduates, AIP remains one of the most accessible and predictable routes to permanent residence in 2026.
Who Should Apply in 2026?
AIP is especially strong for:
• Temporary workers already in Atlantic Canada
• Skilled tradespeople
• Healthcare professionals
• French‑speaking applicants
• International graduates from Atlantic institutions
• Workers with lower CRS scores who may not qualify through Express Entry
If you fall into one of these categories, 2026 is an excellent year to pursue AIP.
How we Can Help
Navigating the Atlantic Immigration Program requires precision, employer coordination, and up‑to‑date knowledge of provincial requirements.
Our team supports:
• Employer designation
• Job offer compliance
• Endorsement applications
• Permanent residence submissions
• Settlement planning guidance
FAQ for AIP 2026
1. What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in 2026?
The Atlantic Immigration Program in 2026 is a permanent pathway that allows skilled workers and international graduates to become permanent residents while supporting labour needs in Atlantic Canada. The program remains employer‑driven and continues to prioritize applicants who can fill long‑term workforce shortages.
2. Has the AIP changed for 2026?
Yes. The 2026 updates include stable admissions targets, a stronger focus on workers already in Canada, and clearer priority sectors such as healthcare, trades, construction, and French‑speaking roles. Job offer and eligibility requirements remain consistent but are being applied more strategically to meet regional labour needs.
3. How many people will be accepted through AIP in 2026?
The program is expected to welcome approximately 4,000 new permanent residents in 2026. This steady intake helps provinces plan long‑term workforce strategies and ensures employers can continue filling essential roles.
4. Who is most likely to qualify for AIP in 2026?
Applicants with full‑time job offers from designated employers, especially those already working in Atlantic Canada, have strong chances. Workers in healthcare, trades, construction, and French‑speaking roles are particularly well‑positioned due to regional labour shortages.
5. What are the job offer requirements for AIP in 2026?
Job offers must be full‑time, non‑seasonal, and fall under TEER 0–4. TEER 0–3 roles require a minimum one‑year job offer, while TEER 4 roles require a permanent offer. Employers must be provincially designated before hiring through AIP.
6. What are the language requirements for AIP in 2026?
Applicants must meet CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations and CLB 4 for TEER 4 occupations. Accepted tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF.
7. Do I need work experience to apply for AIP in 2026?
Yes. Most applicants must show at least 1,560 hours of paid work experience within the last five years. International graduates from eligible Atlantic institutions may be exempt from this requirement.
8. How long does AIP processing take in 2026?
Processing times vary by province and application volume. Some provinces experienced high demand in 2025, so applicants should expect longer processing times and ensure their applications are complete and accurate.
9. Can temporary foreign workers apply for AIP in 2026?
Absolutely. Temporary workers already living and working in Atlantic Canada are strongly positioned for endorsements and may benefit from faster processing due to the program’s focus on transitioning in‑Canada workers to permanent residence.
10. How can I apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2026?
Applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer, obtain a provincial endorsement, and then submit a permanent residence application. Working with an experienced immigration consultant can help ensure compliance and improve application success.
