Atlantic Highly Skilled Program

Atlantic Immigration Pilot - High-skilled workers

Eligibility Criteria 


Work experience

Applicants to the Atlantic Highly Skilled Program must prove that they have obtained work experience for a minimum of one year (1,560 hours total/30 hours per week). This work experience should be:

  • This work must have been at National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type/level 0, A, or B.
  • Hours worked in part-time and full-time jobs.
  • Hours must be in one occupation, but can be with different employers.
  • All work should be Paid Work. (Volunteering or unpaid internships will not be counted).
  • Self-employed work hours will not be counted
  • Working hours can be inside or outside Canada.

Education Requirements:

Applicant should: have one of the following Qualifications 

  • A Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree from a recognized institution.
  • A foreign degree, diploma or certificate, equal to a Canadian credential.

Applicant will need an educational credential assessment (ECA) report from a recognized organization to show his/her credential is valid and equal to a Canadian credential. If in case the applicant already has an ECA report, it should be less than 5 years old at the time of application for permanent resident.


Language testing

Applicant must pass one of the approved language tests. The test shows that the applicant is able to communicate in English or French fluently to live and work in Canada.

If you have taken an approved test,

  • Applicant needs to have a CLB 4 (NCLC 4) or higher for all 4 abilities.

Proof of funds

Applicant must have enough monetary support for him/herself and their families when they come to Canada. The amount needed depends on the size of the family. The size of your family also includes anyone the applicant supports who isn’t immigrating with the applicant.

Applicant doesn’t need to show proof, if the applicant is already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit.


Job offer Requirements:

Job Offer of the Applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • The job offer is made using the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form.
  • The employer should be designated as an employer taking part in the AIP by the Atlantic province where you’ll be working. They must have a Confirmation of Designation from the province.
  • The job has to be full-time for at least 1 year, at least 30 paid hours per week.
  • The job has to be non-seasonal. 
  • The job is skill type/level 0, A, B or C under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Employment requirements must met by the Applicant for the job they are offered. The job doesn’t need to be in the same NOC as other jobs you’ve had.