Atlantic Immigration Program: Which candidates are the Atlantic provinces of Canada that prioritize immigration in 2025?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has seen some changes in 2025, with Canadian provinces prioritizing specific professions and sectors for immigration. This shift in focus aims to meet the labor market needs of the provinces while providing opportunities for skilled workers to settle in Atlantic Canada.

Here is a breakdown of the sectors that are given priority under the AIP in 2025:

Prince Edward Island

• Priority sectors: Healthcare, construction, and production.
• PEI is only accepting AIP applications for employees in these sectors for the remainder of 2025.

  Nova Scotia

• Priority sectors: Healthcare, social assistance, construction, trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development.
• Nova Scotia is giving priority to foreign nationals already living and working in the province with work permits expiring in 2025.

  Newfoundland and Labrador

• Priority professions: Healthcare, information and communication technology, and agriculture.
• Newfoundland and Labrador has exempted certain professions from labor market testing processes and will give priority processing to these professions.

  New Brunswick

• The AIP in New Brunswick has been paused for the rest of 2025 due to reaching its allocation limit.

  The AIP is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in Atlantic Canada. Applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces and meet certain eligibility criteria.

  Eligible candidates under the AIP can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence and may also be eligible for a temporary work permit to work while their PR application is processed.

  Each Atlantic province has its own designated employer list for the AIP, and applicants must have a settlement plan in place to help them transition to their new province. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of approval, which can be used to apply for permanent residence.

  Overall, the AIP offers benefits such as shorter processing times, individualized settlement services, and access to LMIA-exempt work permits. By prioritizing specific sectors and professions, the program aims to address the labor market needs of Atlantic Canada while attracting skilled workers to the region.