Guide 5424 - Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Atlantic High-Skilled Program
You can use this guide for reference only. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) closed on December 31, 2021 and on March 5, 2022 IRCC stopped accepting Pilot applications. The Atlantic Immigration Program replaced the Pilot program.
Table of Contents
This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.
For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act, Citizenship Regulations and Citizenship Regulations No. 2, as applicable.
Before You Apply
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from people with abilities, education and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot allows Atlantic provincial governments to choose immigrants according to the economic needs of the province.
Who may use this application?
You may apply through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot if you meet the eligibility requirements and plan to settle permanently in one of these Atlantic Provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Provincial Endorsement
Before you can apply to immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot you must first receive an Endorsement Letter from an Atlantic Province. Each province has its own application and endorsement procedures. However, IRCC has the authority to make the final decision on an application for permanent residence using existing selection and admissibility criteria. This includes security, criminal, and medical screening for candidates with Atlantic Endorsement letters and valid job offers in one of the Atlantic Provinces.
For more information about how to become endorsed by an Atlantic Province, or to learn which employers are hiring under this program, contact the provinces below:
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the minimum requirements outlined below.
Work Experience
Important: Make sure you are applying for the right program based on your previous work experience. If you apply for the wrong program and do not have the work experience required for that program, your application for permanent residence will be refused
You must have the following work experience:
- within the last three years, you have accumulated at least one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in your main occupation at:
- NOC Skill Type 0 (management jobs such as restaurant managers, mine managers, etc.) or
- NOC Skill Level A (professional jobs that usually need a degree from a university, such as doctors, dentists, architects etc.) or
- NOC Skill Level B (technical jobs and skilled trades such as chefs, electricians, plumbers etc.)
- you have performed the actions in the lead statement of the NOC;
- you have performed a substantial number of the main duties of the NOC, including all of the essential duties;
- your work experience must be from paid work (volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count);
- you worked overseas or in Canada (as long as you were legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident).
For more information, see National Occupational Classifications.
Any periods of self-employment will not be included when calculating the period of qualifying work experience.
Work experience acquired during a period of study is allowed, as long as the work hours did not exceed what was authorized to do.
Note: Full–time work experience means working at least 30 paid hours per week. You can count part-time work toward the work experience requirement as long as you have gained the equivalent amount of experience as someone who worked full-time for at least one year (1560 hours).
Job Offer
You must have a job offer that is:
- from a designated employer in an Atlantic province,
- full time and non-seasonal,
- a one year contract, and
- at type 0, or skill levels A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
You must submit an Offer of Employment [IMM 5650] with your application. Your employer must complete this form and the employer must send you a copy. You must read and sign the declaration at the bottom of the copy and submit it with your application.
Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 5650).
Education
- You must have a high-school diploma, post-secondary certificate or degree that is valid and equal to a Canadian equivalent.
- If you did not complete your studies in Canada, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show that your studies are equal to a Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.
- Your ECA report must be less than five years old on the date we receive your application.
Language requirements
- You must have a level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- You will need to do mandatory language testing and submit your results with your application.
- If you have already done language testing, your test results must not be more than two years old on the date your application is received.
Note: Canadian Language Benchmark/ Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens 4 is considered “Basic Proficiency” and means that you can:
- take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics;
- understand simple instructions, questions and directions;
- use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses; and
- show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself.
Applicants inside Canada
If you are applying from inside Canada, you must submit proof that you have valid immigration status. Your status must be valid on the day you submit your application. See the document checklist for examples of documents you should submit.
How do I know if I have valid immigration status?
When you arrived in Canada and gave your passport to the officer, they authorized your stay by placing a stamp in your passport and/or issuing an additional document. Check your passport. If you find a stamp, it should look like one of these.

For example, if the officer specified a date as shown in the above illustration, your temporary resident status would expire on June 30th, 1993.
If there is no stamp, a handwritten date or document in your passport, your temporary resident status will expire six months from the day you arrived in Canada.
If you were given a visitor record, study or work permit, the expiry date is marked on the document.
Funds needed to settle in Canada
The government of Canada provides no financial support to new immigrants. You must prove that you have enough money unencumbered by debts or obligations to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.
You must submit proof with your application to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. Examples of documents you can submit are:
- current bank statements or certification letter
- proof of your savings balance
- deposit statements
Note: You do not have to submit this proof if you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit.
You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able to use this money to pay the costs of living for your family (even if they are not coming with you).
The amount of money you need to support your family is set by the size of your family. We update these amounts every year.
Number of Family Members |
Funds Required (in Canadian dollars) |
---|---|
1 | $3,327 |
2 | $4,142 |
3 | $5,092 |
4 | $6,183 |
5 | $7,013 |
6 | $7,909 |
7 | $8,806 |
For each additional family member | $896 |
We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you plan to live. Bring with you as much money as possible to make your establishment in Canada easier.
Disclosure of funds
If you arrive in Canada with an amount greater or equal to CAN$10,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency, you must tell this to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. These funds could be in the form of:
- cash,
- securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills), or
- bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders.
Note: Failure to disclose funds can result in fines and imprisonment.
Working in Canada
You must show that you meet the employment requirements of the primary occupation listed on your application. These may include education, training or other qualifications in the NOC description. For regulated occupations, you do not need to meet Canadian licensing requirements.
Although qualifications assessment and licensing are not needed for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, you should be aware of these issues when considering immigrating to Canada.
See regulated and non-regulated occupations (PDF, 2.12MB) for more information.
Regulated occupations
Twenty percent of people working in Canada work in jobs that are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Examples include:
- nurses
- engineers
- electricians
- teachers
Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies are responsible for:
- establishing entry requirements for individual occupations;
- recognizing prior credentials, training and experience; and
- issuing licences required to practice.
The recognition process varies between provinces and territories and between occupations. Recognizing qualifications and issuing licenses can generally only be done in Canada. The process can take time. You may be asked to:
- provide documentation of qualifications
- do a language exam (which may differ from those needed for immigration)
- complete a technical exam (with accompanying fee)
- do supervised work
Non-regulated occupations
For non-regulated occupations, there are no set requirements and there is no legal requirement to get a licence. The employer will set the standards and could ask for registration with a professional association.
Qualifications assessment
A qualifications assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian qualifications. An assessment does not guarantee that:
- a regulatory body will issue you a licence to practice
- your credentials will be accepted by a Canadian employer
However, having your qualifications assessed will help you understand the Canadian educational system and help you with your job search.
To have your qualifications assessed by one of the provincial evaluation services, consult the Foreign credentials referral office (PDF, 2.12MB).
Labour market information
Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region of Canada. It is important to research conditions in the area where you want to live.
See the Working in Canada tool for information on the Canadian labour market, job banks, and provincial and territorial labour market information.
Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements
You and your family members may need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.
As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.
Find out if you need to give biometrics.
If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:
- pay for and submit your application and biometric fees; and
- get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from.
You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to give your biometrics.
We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.
Where to give your biometrics
You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.
Step 1. Gather Documents
What documents do I need?
Use the Document Checklist [IMM 5457] to help you gather the necessary documents
Important information: If you do not provide all the requested information and the documents from the checklist, your application will be returned to you.
Offer of Employment to a Foreign National – Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (IMM 5650)
Your employer must complete this form and send you a copy to include with your application package. You must read and sign the declaration at the bottom of the form.
Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 5650).
Translation of documents
You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:
- the English or French translation; and
- an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator).
Translations may be done by:
- a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
- a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).
If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.
The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:
In Canada:
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.
Outside of Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.
Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.
Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.
Certified true copies
To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:
- “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
- the name of the original document;
- the date of the certification;
- the name of the authorized person;
- their official position or title; and
- their signature.
Who can certify copies?
Only authorized people can certify copies.
Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.
People authorized to certify copies include the following:
In Canada:
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.
Outside Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.
Police certificates
If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.
Note: You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.
If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the translation.
We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.
For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate.
Convictions / offences outside Canada
If you were convicted of or committed a criminal offence outside Canada, you may overcome this criminal inadmissibility
- by applying for rehabilitation, or
- you may be deemed to have been rehabilitated if at least ten years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed upon you, or since you committed the offence, if the offence is one that would, in Canada, be an indictable offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than ten years.
If the offence is one that would, in Canada, be prosecuted summarily, and if you were convicted for two (2) or more such offences, the period for rehabilitation is at least five (5) years after the sentences imposed were served or are to be served.
Convictions / offences in Canada
If you have a criminal conviction in Canada, you must seek a record suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) before you will be admissible to Canada.
Note: Do not complete the forms in this guide until you have received your record suspension.
You can request a Record Suspension Application Guide or additional information from:
Parole Board of Canada
Clemency and Record Suspension Division
410 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R1
Telephone: 1-800-874-2652 (Callers in Canada and the United States only)
Fax: 1-613-941-4981
Email: suspension@pbc-clcc.gc.ca
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board.html
(The instructional guide and application forms can be downloaded from the website)
In order to be considered for a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act, a specified period of time must pass after the end of the sentence imposed. The sentence may have been payment of a fine, period of probation, or imprisonment.
Note: Once you have a copy of the record suspension, submit a photocopy to a Canadian visa office or Citizenship and Immigration Centre. If you are travelling to Canada carry a copy of the record suspension with you.
If you have had two (2) or more summary convictions in Canada, you may no longer be inadmissible if:
- at least five (5) years have passed since all sentences imposed were served or to be served,
- you have had no other convictions.
Step 2. Complete the Application
Filling out the application
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.
The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:
For the employer:
- Offer of Employment to a Foreign National under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program [IMM 5650]
Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 5650).
For the applicant:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008 DEP), if applicable
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Economic Class – Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program [IMM 5501]
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604] (opens in a new tab) , if applicable
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (opens in a new tab) , if applicable
- Document Checklist [IMM 5457]
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) , if applicable
Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.

Important information
Be complete and accurate
Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.
If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application.
Step 3. Pay the Fees
Calculating your fees
Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($575) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.
Application | $CAN |
---|---|
Your application Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575) |
1,525 |
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | 950 |
Include your spouse or partner Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575) |
1,525 |
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | 950 |
Include a dependent child | 260(per child) |
Note: Dependent children are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence fee.
Biometrics fees | $CAN |
---|---|
Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)
Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place |
$170 |
How to pay the fees for your application
To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:
- a valid e-mail address;
- access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
- a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.
Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:
- Go to Online Payment.
- Follow the online instructions.
- At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
- Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
- Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.
Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!
Payment Issues
No fee included or insufficient fees
If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.
For immigration applications, see section 10 of the IRPR and for citizenship applications, see section 13 of the Citizenship Act for more information.
Overpayment
If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.
Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.
Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.
Additional fees
You will also have to pay fees to third parties for yourself and your family members (if applicable) for:
- medical examinations
- police certificates
- language assessments
Step 4. Mail the Application
Mailing instructions

Note
Follow the instructions below to determine where to submit your application.
- Put the completed forms, supporting documents required by the CIO and fee payment receipt in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9” x 12”) envelope.
- Send your completed application to one (1) of the addresses shown below, depending on how it will be mailed.
Regular mail:
Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)
Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 8900
Sydney, NS
B1P 0H1
Canada
Or by courier:
Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)
Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
Canada
What Happens Next
The application process
Submission
Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to make sure:
- all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted,
- the application processing fee has been paid, and
- all required documents from the document checklist have been submitted.
If your application is missing any of the requested documents, it will be returned to you. Failure to provide supporting documents in certain circumstances may result in the refusal of your application.
Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, it will be placed into processing. You will be sent a letter or e-mail that:
- notifies you of this fact and provides you with your IRCC office file number
- sets out some basic instructions for contact with the IRCC office processing your file
- gives you a brief outline of future processing steps
Processing
Review for decision
Your application will undergo a detailed review by an IRCC Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards.
Medical requirements
You and your family members must undergo an immigration medical exam (IME)in order to become a permanent resident of Canada. You and your family members must not have a health condition that:
- is a danger to public health or safety, or
- would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.
Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.
Find out more about immigration medical exams.
Important information: You must inform us immediately of any change in your marital status or your family composition (e.g. marriage, common-law relationship, separation, divorce, birth of a child, adoption of a child, death, etc). Any family member who has not been examined before you become a permanent resident can never be sponsored by you in the future.
Instructions
Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the IRCC office. When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any dependants, if applicable) and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct IMEs (see below).
Note: You are not required to have an IME before you submit your application forms.
Exam validity
Medical results are valid for twelve months from the date of the IME. If your application is not finalized during this time, you may be required to do another medical exam.
Authorized doctors
The IME must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians. You cannot choose your family doctor if their name is not on this list. See the list of Panel Physicians to find a doctor in your area.
Note that the doctor is only responsible for conducting the IME and cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.
Permanent resident status
If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive status as permanent residents of Canada. To prepare, see Understanding permanent resident status.
What you can do to help processing
There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:
- submit all documents and information we have asked for with your application
- pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
- provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
- tell us if your contact information changes, including:
- mailing address;
- telephone numbers;
- facsimile number (fax);
- e-mail address.
Things that delay processing
The following may delay processing:
- unclear photocopies of documents;
- verification of your information and documents;
- a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations;
- a criminal or security issue;
- consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.
In Canada and the United States
You may also Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:
- Click on Check application status, and
- Follow the instructions provided.
For details about how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.
If you are outside Canada and the United States:
Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.
Protecting your information
Your personal information is:
- available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
- not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.
For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:
- verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
- verify that your application has been completed properly.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
Need help?
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
Appendix A - Photo Specifications
Notes to the applicant
Take this information with you to the photographer
- Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.
- You must provide identical and unaltered photos.
- Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
- Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
- Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past twelve (12) months).
Notes to the photographer
The photos must be:
- taken by a commercial photographer;
- 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
- clear, sharp and in focus;
- taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling);
- taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
- taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
- taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones.

The back of one (1) photo must include:
- the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
- the name and complete address of the photography studio
- the date the photo was taken;
The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.