What you need depends on the job level
The TEER of the job you are offered sets the language level and how long the offer must be.
| TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job | TEER 4 job | |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, at least 1 year | Full-time and permanent |
| Language | CLB 5 | CLB 4 |
| Work experience | 1,560 hours in the last 5 years, TEER 0 to 4 | Same |
| Education | Canadian high school, or foreign equivalent with an ECA | Same |
| Settlement funds | Yes, unless you already live and work in Canada | Same |
TEER 5 jobs are not eligible for AIP. The job offer must come from an employer the province has designated for the program.
Check yourself against AIP
The exemption for Atlantic graduates
If you studied in Atlantic Canada you may not need the year of work experience. All of these must be true:
✓You qualify for the exemption if
- You finished a program of at least 2 years at a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province
- You were a full-time student for the whole program
- You lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 of the last 24 months before graduating
- You had valid status the whole time
- You apply within 24 months of graduating
✕It does not cover
- Programs where most of the courses were distance learning
- Students who held a scholarship that required them to return home after studying
- Graduates of programs shorter than 2 years
What changed in 2026
Spaces are tight this year, and provinces have started to rank and prioritize.
New Brunswick introduced a candidate pool for AIP endorsements.
AIP spaces stay limited under the 2026 to 2028 levels plan. Newfoundland and Labrador has 475 AIP spaces for 2026.
Several provinces now favour priority sectors such as healthcare, trades and early childhood education when they endorse.
IRCC PR fees went up to $1,590 for a principal applicant, including the right of PR fee.
From job offer to PR
- 1
Find a designated employerVaries
Provinces publish lists and job boards. The employer must be designated before it can make an AIP offer.
- 2
Get a settlement plan1 to 3 weeks
A settlement service provider meets you, usually online, and writes a plan for your family.
- 3
Employer asks for endorsementWeeks to months
The employer applies to the province. In New Brunswick you enter a pool first.
- 4
Optional work permitCheck IRCC times
With the endorsement letter you can apply for an employer-specific work permit to start sooner.
- 5
Apply for PRCheck IRCC times
Send the IRCC application with the endorsement certificate, documents and fees.
What IRCC charges
| Item | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee, principal applicant | $990 | |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $600 | Can be paid later, before you land. |
| Spouse or partner | $1,590 | Processing plus right of PR fee. |
| Each dependent child | $270 | No right of PR fee for children. |
| Biometrics | $85 | Per person, family maximum $170. Valid 10 years. |
IRCC fees as listed on the IRCC fee page in November 2026. Our professional fees are separate and given to you in writing before you pay.
Mistakes we see with AIP
- Accepting a job before the employer is designated.
- Expecting first come, first served. Provinces now rank and prioritize.
- Reference letters for past jobs that do not match the NOC you claim.
- Applying for PR before the endorsement certificate is issued.
Get a review first if
AIP is simple on paper. These situations are where files stall:
- Your past work is in a different occupation from the offer
- You are relying on the graduate exemption
- Your current permit ends soon
- Your family includes dependants with medical issues
Questions about AIP
Do I need an LMIA for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
No. Designated AIP employers do not need an LMIA to hire you.
Can international students use AIP?
Yes. Graduates of 2-year programs at publicly funded Atlantic institutions can be exempt from the work experience requirement if they meet the other conditions.
Is AIP still a pilot?
No. It became a permanent program in 2022.
Can I work while my AIP application is processed?
Often yes. With an endorsement you can apply for an employer-specific work permit tied to your designated employer.
Are TEER 5 jobs eligible?
No. AIP covers TEER 0 to 4 jobs.
Official sources
We read these before every update to this page.
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