Canada has introduced a simplified immigration route that allows eligible foreign workers to obtain permanent residency (PR) in as little as six months—without the need for IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This new pathway is offered under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), targeting skilled workers and international graduates who wish to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island..
The program, now operational in Newfoundland and Labrador, is part of the federal government’s strategic effort to address acute labour shortages across various sectors by facilitating the hiring of international talent.
Under the revised framework, over 500 Canadian employers in Newfoundland and Labrador have been designated to hire foreign workers directly without the bureaucratic delays associated with the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The AIP allows skilled and unskilled workers, including barbers, chefs, healthcare professionals, and tech workers, to obtain job offers that qualify them for expedited PR processing.
The AIP aims to fill critical labour shortages in the Atlantic region by making the immigration process more accessible and employer-friendly. Unlike other immigration programs that require high language test scores or costly LMIA approvals, the AIP allows designated employers in the region to hire foreign talent directly.
Applicants only need a job offer from an approved employer and must meet basic eligibility criteria related to work experience, education, and language proficiency—though standardized tests like IELTS are not mandatory.
READ ALSO: UK Doctors Begin Five-Day Strike Despite Government Appeals
The job contract must cover a minimum duration of two years. Once secured, the employer initiates a provincial endorsement process on behalf of the applicant.
Upon receiving endorsement, applicants may proceed to apply for permanent residency under the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) framework.
The Atlantic Immigration Program, which began as a pilot, has now been institutionalized as a long-term federal initiative following its success in supporting economic growth in Atlantic provinces.
By facilitating employer-driven immigration, the program addresses sector-specific labour shortages while offering international workers a direct path to settle in Canada with their families.
“This is not a clickbait offer,” a Canadian immigration consultant emphasized during a recent live broadcast. “Employers are willing to cover visa fees, flight tickets, and even provide housing support as part of the work sponsorship arrangement.”
Designated employers span multiple industries including healthcare, information technology, hospitality, construction, and personal care services.
The inclusion of non-degree roles such as bartenders, barbers, and tailors further underscores the program’s flexibility in accommodating various skill levels.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the list of designated employers via the official Newfoundland and Labrador immigration portal.
Job seekers are advised to tailor their resumes and cover letters to meet Canadian standards and submit applications directly to employers’ career portals or recruitment contact points.
With fast-tracked processing, family eligibility, and waived language and LMIA requirements, the AIP presents one of the most accessible immigration routes currently available to global job seekers.
Industry experts have highlighted the program as a viable alternative for those deterred by restrictive UK and U.S. visa requirements.
Canadian authorities maintain that the program is specifically designed for foreign workers residing outside Canada, as well as international graduates already in the country seeking permanent residency.
For further information and updates on the Atlantic Immigration Program and employer directories, applicants are advised to consult official provincial resources and the IRCC website.