Atlantic Immigration Program

Finding skilled workers can be a major barrier for businesses in Atlantic Canada, especially when local recruitment efforts come up short. The Atlantic Immigration Program offers employers a practical pathway to fill hard-to-staff roles by connecting them with qualified international candidates and recent graduates who want to build a future in the region. Rather than providing direct cash incentives, the program focuses on helping businesses access global talent and support long-term workforce stability through permanent residence pathways.

Led by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and delivered in partnership with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, the program is open to designated employers across a wide range of industries. Once designated by the province where the job is located, businesses can make job offers to skilled foreign workers or international graduates, whether those candidates are already in Canada temporarily or living abroad. In some cases, new hires may be able to start working while their permanent residence application is being processed, helping employers address urgent staffing needs.

The Atlantic Immigration Program is ongoing and designed for businesses that meet certain requirements and are committed to supporting newcomers’ settlement and retention. For employers considering international recruitment, reviewing the full designation process and hiring steps can help determine whether this program fits their workforce strategy.