To get a work permit under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you need a provincial Endorsement Letter and an Offer of Employment from a designated employer. You will apply online to IRCC, and the standard work permit fee is currently $155 CAD.
Moving to Canada’s beautiful East Coast is a dream for many foreign workers. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven federal immigration pathway designed to help employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador hire qualified candidates. Because processing Permanent Residence (PR) takes time, the government allows AIP candidates to apply for a temporary work permit so they can arrive and start working sooner.
This specific permit is an employer-specific (closed) work permit. 🚚 It is LMIA-exempt, meaning your employer does not need to go through the complex Labour Market Impact Assessment process. Instead, the focus is on a coordinated settlement plan to ensure you and your family integrate successfully into your new local community.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are relocating to Halifax, Moncton, or St. John’s, the procedure requires tight coordination between you, your employer, and the provincial government. Generally, it is highly recommended to consult a Canadian law firm to ensure no administrative errors delay your arrival, as the paperwork can be incredibly detailed.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a Designated Employer
Before you can do anything, you must receive a genuine job offer from an employer who is officially designated by their provincial government. 📄 The job offer must be made on the official federal form (Offer of Employment to a Foreign National) and must meet the specific skill level and wage requirements of the AIP.
Step 2: Complete a Settlement Plan
Once you have the job offer, you must connect with an approved settlement service provider organization. They will conduct an assessment of your needs and create a customized Settlement Plan for you and your family. This document outlines the resources you will need to comfortably settle into your new Atlantic community.
Step 3: Obtain the Provincial Endorsement Letter
Your employer will submit your job offer and your Settlement Plan to the province for endorsement. 📍 If the province approves the match, they will issue an Endorsement Letter. You absolutely must have this letter before you can apply for your LMIA-exempt work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 4: Employer Submits the Offer and Pays the Fee
Before you submit your work permit application, your employer must log into the IRCC Employer Portal. They will upload the job offer details and pay the mandatory Employer Compliance Fee. The portal will generate an Offer of Employment number (an “A” number), which you need for your application.
Step 5: Apply to IRCC for the Work Permit
With your Endorsement Letter, your “A” number, and your passport ready, you will apply online for your employer-specific work permit. 📸 Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) and undergo an immigration medical examination.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The financial requirements for this process are split between the foreign worker and the designated employer. Here is a breakdown of the standard fees in Canadian dollars (CAD):
- Work Permit Application Fee: The applicant pays $155 CAD to IRCC.
- Employer Compliance Fee: The employer must pay $230 CAD through the Employer Portal.
- Biometrics Fee: If required, this costs $85 CAD per person (or $170 CAD maximum per family).
- Medical Exam: Usually ranges from $150 to $300 CAD, paid directly to a panel physician.
- Lawyer Fees: Retaining an immigration lawyer to handle the work permit typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 CAD.
| Type of Requirement | Who is Responsible? |
|---|---|
| Obtaining the Settlement Plan | The Applicant (with an approved agency). |
| Applying for Provincial Endorsement | The Employer. |
| Paying the $230 Compliance Fee | The Employer. |
| Submitting the Work Permit Application | The Applicant (or their retained lawyer). |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timing can vary based on your country of origin and IRCC processing volumes. 🕑 Getting the Endorsement Letter from the province usually takes between 1 to 3 months. Once you apply for the work permit online, standard IRCC processing times can range from 2 to 6 months. Although a provincial Endorsement Certificate remains valid for 12 months from the date it is issued, candidates who apply for a temporary AIP work permit are strictly required to submit their application for permanent residence within 90 days of submitting their temporary work permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my spouse work in Canada while I am on an AIP permit?
Yes. If your job offer is in a qualifying National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
No. The Atlantic Immigration Program is an LMIA-exempt pathway. The provincial Endorsement Letter completely replaces the need for an LMIA, saving your employer significant time and effort.
Can I change employers once I arrive in Canada?
Because this is an employer-specific work permit, you are legally tied to the employer listed on your document. If you wish to change jobs, you must find a new designated employer, get a new Endorsement Letter, and apply for a brand-new work permit.
Can I apply for this work permit at the Port of Entry?
Generally, only applicants from visa-exempt countries (like the UK, Australia, or France) can apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (airport or border). Others must apply online and wait for approval before travelling to Canada.
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