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Atlantic International Graduate Program

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Atlantic Canada presents the Atlantic International Graduate Program for international student graduates to live in the province(s) as permanent residents. Through this program, international students without work experience can settle in any of the four provinces of Atlantic Canada; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Atlantic International Graduate Program helps local employers hire qualified candidates for work. This way, this immigration program helps the province recruit global talent, increase the employment rate, and support the Atlantic Growth Strategy.

Important: The AIGP originated as part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) in 2017. When the AIPP closed on December 31, 2021, the AIGP continued under the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which launched on January 1, 2022. The AIGP continues to be an active pathway under the AIP.

Applicants must have:

  • A credential from a recognized Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institution
  • Been enrolled as a full-time student for at least 2 years in Atlantic Canada
  • Resided in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador for at least 16 months within the 24-month period before receiving their credential
  • Maintained legal temporary resident status throughout their stay in Canada

The educational credential must have been obtained within 24 months (2 years) of the date IRCC receives your permanent residence application.

Note: Credentials are NOT eligible if the study or training program involved: (a) at least half English/French as a second language; (b) at least half distance learning; or (c) a scholarship requiring the student to return to their home country.

Job Offer Requirements

The AIGP is employer-driven. The job offer must be:

  • From a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces
  • For full-time, non-seasonal employment (indeterminate)
  • For a skilled or intermediate-level occupation — NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (covers managerial, professional, technical/trades, and some intermediate positions)
  • Supported by a provincial certificate of endorsement from the relevant Atlantic province

Language Requirements

  • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in English or French — equivalent to basic fluency

Accepted language tests:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) — General test only
  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) — General test only
  • TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)
  • TCF (Test de connaissance du français)

Language test results must be less than 2 years old at time of application.

Proof of Funds

Applicants who are already living in Canada and working with a valid work permit are exempt from the proof of funds requirement. All other applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds. Updated financial thresholds apply effective July 29, 2025.

If you need assistance with the Atlantic International Graduate Program or any other immigration pathways offered by Atlantic Canada, connect with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC).