Special Federal Economic Programs

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIPP) offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions who wish to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. This employer-driven initiative aims to help local employers fill job vacancies with qualified candidates. Applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer in the region. There are three immigration programs under the AIPP: the Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP) for skilled workers, the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) for semi-skilled workers and high school graduates, and the Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) specifically for international graduates, all of which operate without a points system and do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program encourages immigrant entrepreneurs to establish businesses while obtaining permanent residency. To qualify, applicants need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5, proof of sufficient funds, and endorsement from a designated organization. Minimum investment requirements are $200,000 from a venture capital fund, $75,000 from an angel investor group, or acceptance into a business incubator without monetary investment. A Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from the endorsing organization are essential for the application process.

The Self-Employed Persons Program targets individuals aiming to contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic sectors or those with farm management expertise. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience, achieve a minimum of 35 points in various selection criteria, and meet medical and financial requirements. Eligible occupations include roles in art, culture, and sports, with an emphasis on self-employment and participation at a world-class level.

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program allows skilled foreign workers to settle in smaller communities outside major urban areas, providing a path to permanent residency. Applicants must meet both federal and community-specific requirements, including securing a job offer from an employer in one of the ten participating communities.

Canada’s Caregiver Programs streamline pathways to permanent residence for caregivers through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. Eligibility criteria include at least 12 months of relevant work experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications. Caregivers may also qualify for work permits based on their experience.

Finally, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot addresses labor shortages in Canada’s agri-food sector by offering permanent residency to experienced, non-seasonal agricultural workers. With a cap of 2,750 principal applicants per year, this pilot aims to attract workers in meat, mushroom, and greenhouse crop production, ensuring that families can settle in Canada for the long term.

At The Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services, we are dedicated to guiding you through these immigration pathways to help you realize your dreams of living and working in Canada.