The Atlantic provinces of Canada are tightening their immigration pathways in 2025 under the Atlantic Immigration Program(AIP). The federal allocations prompting governments are being reduced, focusing on certain high-demand sectors. The skilled workers and international graduates wanting to get PR in the region, the competition is getting sharper. But, there remain opportunities for those in healthcare, construction, manufacturing and other selected industries.
The AIP remains one of the most employer-driven immigration pathways in Canada. This program is designed to help local employers fill persistent labour shortages while offering the foreign workers an easier pathway to PR. Candidates can apply directly to the federal government for PR after securing a job offer from an employer. They may also get a temporary work permit while their PR is being processed. This allows them to begin working in Canada sooner.
What is Changing in 2025?
Each Atlantic province has given its updates for 2025. This will shape the priorities of each program.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island was the first to announce changes for 2025. PEI is facing a high volume of applications and a reduced federal allocation. Due to this, PEI has declared that for the rest of 2025, it will only process AIP endorsements for workers in healthcare, construction and manufacturing.
Foreign workers in other occupations may still submit Expressions of Interest under the PEI PNP. But these employers will not be considered under AIP this year.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia announced its adjustments in July 2025. This gave priority to foreign nationals who are already in the province with work permits expiring in 2025. Within this province, workers in healthcare and social assistance and construction are being prioritised.
Applications from candidates outside Canada will also be fast-tracked if they belong to the following industries. Also, exceptions exist for employers in:
- Clean energy
- Resource development
- Trucking
- Science and technology
This will ensure that Nova Scotia can still attract talent in sectors beyond healthcare and construction. This program also addresses immediate labour needs.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador has taken a more occupation-specific approach. The province now prioritises certain jobs exempt from labour market testing. It has also adopted an Expression of Interest model effective February 19, 2025. Some of the other key priority occupations are healthcare, ICT and Aquaculture.
These details show the strategy followed by Newfoundland and Labrador to balance critical public health needs with its growing technology and aquaculture industries.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick has paused its AIP intake entirely for 2025 after reaching its allocation in April. Employers will not be designated under the program for the rest of the year, and no new endorsement applications are being accepted.
However, the province secured an additional 1,500 spots under the NB PNP in June 2025. Candidates interested in moving to New Brunswick may still qualify through one of its PNP streams.
Eligibility
To apply through AIP, foreign nationals should meet the following eligibility criteria.
- They should hold a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Should have work experience of 1560 hours in the last 5 years in NOC TEER 0-4.
- Must hold an educational qualification of at least a high school diploma. For foreign credentials, an ECA is required.
- Should have language skills. A CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0-3 and CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4.
- Applicants should have settlement funds. They should be able to support themselves and their family.
International students with a 2-year credential from an Atlantic institution may qualify without work experience. They should also be full-time and live in the region for at least 16 months.
Why AIP Remains Attractive?
Despite tighter allocations in 2025, the Atlantic Immigration Program offers several advantages when compared to other immigration options. Some of them are:
- The processing time for PR applications is faster
- Can have access to LMIA-exempt work permits.
- Offer customised settlement support services
- Have strong employer involvement. This ensures a smoother transition into the local workforce.
For 2025, the AIP is increasingly focused on strategic, sector-specific immigration. Professionals with the strongest chances of approval are Healthcare professionals, construction workers, manufacturing specialists, ICT experts, and aquaculture managers.
For those interested in building their future in Atlantic Canada, getting through the right pathway will be important, whether it is through AIP or a PNP stream.
Experts at Croyez immigration can assess the eligibility of each candidate and connect them with the designated employers. We will be able to guide them through the endorsement and PR application process. Check your eligibility for Canadian immigration today with Croyez Immigration.
