The Atlantic immigration program immigrants prefer to settle in Atlantic Canada, according to the latest study of Statistics Canada. The AIP emerged in 2017 as a Pilot Program under which governments, communities, settlement agencies, and employers aim to recruit international graduates and skilled workers. The settlement service providers help immigrants in settling and integrating within the country. Hence, immigrants receive a great deal of help through them compared to any other immigration programs.
According to the latest study, IRCC came to the conclusion that the AIP succeeded in retaining more immigrants after a year’s admission than the Provincial Nominee Programs. However, the data from the first three years of AIP displayed a substantial retention rate of immigrants in the Atlantic Provinces.
On the other hand, the other provinces have witnessed a decline in retention rates.
The maximum retention rate occurred in Nova Scotia under the Atlantic immigration program. Moreover, the retention rate of the past one-year for skilled workers and tradespersons under AIP was 67.6 percent in 2019. Comparatively, this percentage was higher than 21.5 percent in 2016.
AIP also witnessed higher retention rates in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador. The rate of retention for immigrants in the past four years in these provinces increased by 22 percent.
Conversely, Prince Edward Island observed the lowest rate of retention in Canada. Interestingly, this province comprised the maximum increase in admissions between 2010 to 2015.
The Atlantic immigration program- reason behind its existence
Canada’s oldest population exists in Atlantic Canada, with more than 8 percent of 85 years old adults residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, that is, 8.6 percent. This is followed by 8. percent in PEI, 8.7 percent in Nova Scotia, and 8.8 percent in New Brunswick. Moreover, Newfoundland and Labrador comprise at least 30 percent of the older population.
Consequently, a workforce shortage puts more pressure on the economy, making it all the more challenging for provinces to provide healthcare to individuals.
AIP was an initiative to address existing challenges for newcomers arriving in Canada. As a result, increased retention rates and integration levels would prevail.
AIP succeeded immensely and resulted in a permanent program in 2022. Its success even brought forth other immigration pilot programs, including the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program.
The reduced retention rate in the Prairies
The latest study by Statistics Canada also stated that immigrants arriving in provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario between 2010 and 2015 were more likely to continue staying in the same provinces even after years of their arrival.
Additionally, Alberta was the only province where the retention rate declined from 88.9 percent to 84.5 percent. However, in other areas, the retention rates remained consistent over time.
Besides this, Manitoba and Saskatchewan also observed lower retention rates, with a reduction of over 10 percent between 2010 and 2015.
Interestingly, the immigration category of the immigrant also determined where they would eventually settle down in the longer run. For instance, individuals arriving in a Canadian province using the immigration program will have the slightest possibility of staying in that province in the future.
On average, there was a decline of 4.3 percent in retaining economic immigrants in the province between 2010 and 2015. Moreover, Saskatchewan experienced the most significant drop, from 79.3 percent to 61.7 percent.
Overall, those with a retention rate of 92.3 percent in 2015 emerged through Family Class Sponsorship. On the other hand, refugees had an 87.4 percent retention rate.
The working process of AIP
The AIP focuses on employers looking to hire foreign nationals. AIP applicants must hold an employment offer under a designated employer and a separate settlement plan for their family and themselves.
Notably, these designated employers don’t require to submit LMIA proof. However, they will need to provide a designated settlement service provider to the employee once he accepts the employment offer. The employers will also have to support them further with integration in the long run.
Atlantic immigration program immigrants- their eligibility
The Atlantic immigration program immigrants must have considerable work experience of 1,560 hours within the past five years. Additionally, they will have to meet the education requirement, which might differ based on the individual’s NOC TEER.
- If the employment offer lies in the NOC category 0 or 1 (TEER), candidates will have to fulfill the requirement of having a (one-year) post-secondary education credential; it could be higher or equivalent outside Canada.
- Candidate’s employment offer under NOC categories 2,3, or 4 will require Canada’s high school diploma or its equivalent outside Canada.
Notably, the language requirements will also largely depend upon the NOC category (TEER) of the person’s employment offer.
The international students as applicants must hold a degree, certificate, diploma, trade, or apprenticeship with complete two years of studies. Additionally, they must gain recognition from post-secondary institutions in provinces, such as Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Moreover, they must hold a study permit and reside in Canada already. They must also have experience living in at least one of the Atlantic provinces for a 16-months period for the past two years before their graduation completion.
