Atlantic International Graduate Program

The applicant has lived and studied in one of the Atlantic provinces, to be eligible to apply for the Atlantic International Graduate Program.


Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must have the following to qualify for this Program:

  • Have resided  in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before getting the degree, diploma or credential
  • Meet the education requirements
  • Has done a language test to show you can communicate in English or French
  • Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you get to Canada

Work experience

This program doesn’t require work experience.


Education Requirements:

Applicant must meet all of these requirements:

  • Applicant must have at least a 2-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship credential from a recognized publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province.
  • Applicant must have been a full-time student for the entire duration of his/her studies.
  • Applicant must have graduated from this institution within the 24 months before we receive your permanent resident application.
  • Applicant must have lived in the Atlantic province of the institution granting the education credential for at least 16 months within the 24‑month period before the credential was granted.
  • Applicant had the visa or permit they needed to work, study or train in Canada.

Applicant’s study or training program can’t be either:

  • English or French second-language courses for more than half the length of the program
  • distance learning undertaken for more than half the length of the program

Applicants can’t apply if they had a scholarship or fellowship requiring you to return to your home country after you graduate.


Accelerated studies

Applicant can accelerate their studies and complete their education credential in less than 2 years. The education credential must still be considered as part of a 2-year program by the educational institution at which it is being offered.

Note: The entire 2-year program education credential must be obtained from 1 single institution and must have been obtained within 24 months of the date on the application for permanent residence.


Education outside Canada

Only your education in Canada is considered. However, if the applicant has education credentials from outside Canada they want to include, applicant must have his/her education outside Canada assessed.

Language testing


Even though the applicant has educated in Canada, he/she must take one of the language tests we approve. The test shows you can communicate in English or French well enough 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.
  • are less than 2 years old

Proof of funds


Applicant needs to have enough money to support him/herself and their families when they get 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.

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


Job Offer Requirements:

Applicant must have a job offer that meets all of these requirements:

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

Applicant must meet employment requirements for the job you are offered. You can find these requirements in the NOC. The job doesn’t need to be in the same NOC as other jobs you’ve had.