Atlantic Immigration Program
Skilled workers and graduates with a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a Canadian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF)) and processing time (~6-12 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Atlantic Immigration Program is for
Skilled workers and graduates with a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
An endorsed job offer plus a settlement plan leads directly to permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program - eligibility criteria
- A job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
- Work experience or recent graduation from an Atlantic institution
- Meet language (CLB 5/4) and education minimums
- An endorsement from the province
- Proof of settlement funds (unless already working in Canada)
Atlantic Immigration Program cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Atlantic Immigration Program (Canada) is ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF), with an indicative processing time of ~6-12 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Apply to IRCC after getting an endorsed job offer (online) |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Job-offer based; full work rights as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | ~6-12 months |
| Route to PR | An endorsed job offer plus a settlement plan leads directly to permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
An endorsed job offer plus a settlement plan leads directly to permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare PNP · Provincial Nominee Program, RCIP · Rural Community Immigration Pilot, CEC · Canadian Experience Class. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Atlantic Immigration Program pitfalls we fix
Atlantic Immigration Program - frequently asked questions
How much does the Atlantic Immigration Program cost?
The Atlantic Immigration Program government fee is ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Atlantic Immigration Program take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6-12 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Atlantic Immigration Program lead to permanent residence?
An endorsed job offer plus a settlement plan leads directly to permanent residence.
Can I work on the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Work rights: Job-offer based; full work rights as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Skilled workers and graduates with a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority