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The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a strategic initiative by the Canadian government designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to the Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. As a business owner in one of these provinces, becoming a designated employer through the AIP can give you access to a broader pool of international talent, helping you address labor shortages and grow your business. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a designated employer under the AIP.
By understanding the requirements, navigating the application process, and fulfilling your responsibilities, you can successfully hire skilled workers from around the world to meet your business needs.
3. Apply for Designation
The designation process involves several steps, which vary slightly depending on the province in which your business is located:
- Contact Your Provincial Immigration Office: Begin by reaching out to the provincial immigration office in the Atlantic province where your business is located. Each province has its own application process, so it's important to follow the specific guidelines provided by your province.
- Complete the Designation Application: You will need to complete and submit an application form, which typically requires you to provide detailed information about your business, including:
- Business registration and contact information.
- Proof of good standing with provincial labor laws.
- Details about the positions you intend to fill through the AIP.
- A plan for supporting the settlement and integration of foreign workers.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Along with your application, you may need to submit supporting documents, such as business licenses, proof of compliance with labor standards, and a description of your recruitment efforts for local candidates.
- Await Approval: Once your application is submitted, the provincial government will review it to ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the volume of applications.
4. Offer a Job to a Foreign Worker
Once your business is designated, you can start recruiting and hiring foreign workers through the AIP. The process includes:
- Job Offer: You must offer a full-time, non-seasonal job to a foreign worker. The job offer must meet the requirements of the AIP stream under which you are hiring (AHSP, AISP, or AIGP).
- Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Exemption: Unlike other immigration programs, you do not need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire through the AIP. This simplifies the hiring process, as you don't need to prove that you've exhausted local recruitment efforts.
- Prepare a Settlement Plan: After offering the job, you must work with a settlement service provider organization to develop a settlement plan for the new employee and their family. This plan outlines the services and resources available to help them settle in your community.
1. Understand the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is an employer-driven program, meaning that international workers can only apply for permanent residence through the program if they have a job offer from a designated employer. The program is divided into three streams:
- Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP): For skilled workers in management, professional, or technical jobs (NOC 0, A, B).
- Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP): For workers with job offers in occupations requiring a high school education and/or job-specific training (NOC C).
- Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP): For international graduates who have a degree, diploma, or credential from a publicly funded institution in an Atlantic province.
2. Determine Eligibility for Designation
Before you can start hiring through the AIP, your business must be designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province where you operate. To be eligible for designation, your business must:
- Operate in the Atlantic Region: Your business must be located in one of the four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Be in Good Standing: Your business must have a positive history of compliance with provincial labor laws and standards, including fair treatment of employees and adherence to employment regulations.
- Show Genuine Need for Foreign Workers: You must demonstrate that you are unable to find suitable local candidates for the positions you are offering and that hiring foreign workers is necessary to meet your business needs.
- Commit to Settlement Support: As a designated employer, you are responsible for supporting the settlement and integration of your foreign employees and their families. This includes helping them find housing, access healthcare, and integrate into the community.
5. Support the Immigration Process
After offering the job and developing a settlement plan, the foreign worker can apply for permanent residence through the AIP. As an employer, you play a crucial role in this process:
- Endorsement Application: You must submit an endorsement application to your provincial government, which includes the job offer and the settlement plan. This endorsement is required for the foreign worker's immigration application.
- Temporary Work Permit (if applicable): If your new hire needs to start working before their permanent residence application is processed, they can apply for a temporary work permit. As their employer, you may need to provide additional documentation to support this application.
6. Ensure Ongoing Compliance
As a designated employer, you have ongoing responsibilities to ensure compliance with the AIP:
- Monitor Employee Settlement: Stay in touch with the foreign workers you've hired to ensure they are settling well and accessing the resources they need. This may involve regular check-ins and working with local service providers.
- Adhere to Program Guidelines: Follow all program guidelines and provincial labor laws, including fair wages, working conditions, and employee treatment.
Looking to Hire Through the AIP? Let BeGlobal Assist You!
Navigating the AIP designation process can be complex, but with BeGlobal, you don’t have to do it alone. Our expert team can guide you through every step, from obtaining designation to finding the right candidates and ensuring compliance. Contact BeGlobal today to learn how we can help you access top international talent and grow your business in the Atlantic provinces.
Conclusion
Becoming a designated employer under the Atlantic Immigration Program is a strategic move that allows you to access a global talent pool and support the economic growth of your business and community. By understanding the requirements, navigating the application process, and fulfilling your responsibilities, you can successfully hire skilled workers from around the world to meet your business needs. This not only strengthens your workforce but also contributes to the vibrant, multicultural fabric of Canada's Atlantic provinces.