…As of August 2025
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in 2025 has transformed into a more strictly regulated instrument of regional immigration policy. Due to the reduction of federal quotas, provinces were tasked with selecting candidates in a targeted manner, focusing exclusively on the needs of the labor market. As a result, each jurisdiction has formed its own sectoral and occupational priorities. This means that applicants can no longer view AIP as a “general” employment channel; instead, they must demonstrate compliance with precise criteria.
Comparative Priorities of Provinces in 2025
Province | Priority Areas 2025 | Specific Conditions |
Prince Edward Island (PEI) | Healthcare, Construction, Manufacturing | All other fields are redirected to PEI PNP; endorsement applications outside these three sectors will not be considered in 2025 |
Nova Scotia (NS) | Healthcare, Social Assistance (NAICS 62), Construction (NAICS 23) | Priority is given to those already in the province with work permits expiring in 2025; exceptions allowed for strategic sectors |
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) | Healthcare, Information Technology & Engineering, Aquaculture | Full lists of occupations with NOC codes; as of 19.02.2025 Expression of Interest (EOI) system applies |
New Brunswick (NB) | AIP suspended until the end of 2025 | New employers cannot obtain designated status; NB PNP received 1,500 additional spots |
Prince Edward Island
Sectoral Restrictions
In January 2025, PEI’s government significantly narrowed program accessibility: endorsement applications under AIP are accepted only in three sectors:
- Healthcare. The province faces shortages of nurses, doctors, and support staff, particularly in rural areas.
- Construction. The growing number of housing, road, and hospital projects has created strong demand for skilled workers and engineers.
- Manufacturing. Expansion of food processing and local industrial enterprises requires both operators and managers.
Analysis
PEI aims to concentrate its limited quota on the most critical sectors. For all other candidates, only the alternative channel — PEI PNP — remains, where selection is broader but competition significantly higher.
Nova Scotia
Core Priorities
In July 2025, the government of NS decided to focus strategically on:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance (NAICS 62). This includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and staff in long-term care homes.
- Construction (NAICS 23). Housing and infrastructure construction sectors critically require skilled labor.
- Workers already in the province. This minimizes the risk of out-migration and accelerates integration.
Exceptions
Despite strict restrictions, exceptions are maintained for the following strategic industries:
- Trucking,
- Science and Technology,
- Renewable Energy,
- Natural Resource Development.
Analysis
Nova Scotia’s policy is based on balance: on one hand, focusing on socially and economically vital sectors; on the other, retaining the flexibility to attract talent in high-tech industries that drive long-term growth.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In 2025, NL formed one of the most detailed lists of priority occupations, divided into three main blocks.
- Healthcare
Category | Examples / NOC | Rationale for Demand |
Physicians | Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Pathology, General Internal Medicine, Radiology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Anesthesia, Pediatric Intensivists (PICU), Neonatologists (NICU), Hemopathology | Aging population and shortage of specialists in regional hospitals |
Nurses | Nurse Practitioner (NP), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Increased workload in hospitals and clinics |
Support staff | Personal Care Attendant (PCA) | Elderly and chronic patient care |
Other | Clinical Psychologist, Medical Physicist, Radiation Therapist, Dosimetrist | Lack of narrowly specialized professionals in advanced care centers |
- Information Technology & Engineering (ICT)
Category | Examples / NOC | Rationale for Demand |
Developers | Software Developer, Web Developer, .NET Developer, Python Developer | Supporting IT companies and digital economy start-ups |
Engineers | Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer | Construction and technological projects in the province |
Innovation | AI Developer, UI/UX Developer, Cloud Specialist, Security Specialist, Bioinformatician | Positioning NL as a research and innovation hub |
Marine Technologies | Offshore Technician, ROV Operator, Ocean Mapping Specialist | Development of marine and offshore oil & gas industries |
Analytics | Data Analytics, Research Associate, Technical Writer | Using data to optimize resources and technology |
- Aquaculture
Category | Examples / NOC | Rationale for Demand |
Management | Farming and Feeding Manager, Site Manager (expertise in water quality), Area Manager | Expansion of fish farms and improved quality standards |
Technical staff | Facility Technician, Cage Site Technician, Assistant Manager | Servicing of aquaculture production processes |
Shipping | Captain (FM4 certification) | Vessel management in aquaculture sector |
Analysis
NL has focused on the three pillars of its economy: healthcare, technology, and aquaculture. Large-scale occupational lists in these fields highlight the province’s long-term development strategy.
New Brunswick
In April 2025, NB suspended the acceptance of new AIP applications due to quota exhaustion. Only applications submitted before 4 April 2025 remain valid.
At the same time, in June 2025 the province received an additional 1,500 spots under NB PNP, providing an alternative for candidates unable to access AIP.
Analysis
NB effectively shifted immigration intake to its own PNP, which provides the province with greater autonomy and control over candidate selection.
General Conditions of Participation in AIP
The procedure consists of several legally significant stages:
- Eligibility determination. Education, work experience, language proficiency (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF), and financial resources are verified. Supporting documents — diplomas, bank statements, certificates — are mandatory.
- Finding a designated employer. Only employers officially accredited by the province may hire through AIP, ensuring legality and oversight of labor market needs.
- Job offer. The offer must correspond to NOC level and program conditions. It must confirm not only employment but also compliance with local wage standards.
- Settlement plan. The candidate and employer, together with an approved settlement organization, prepare a plan covering housing, language training, and community integration. This is a legally binding feature distinguishing AIP from other programs.
- Endorsement. The province officially confirms support of the candidate. Endorsement functions as a regional guarantee and is the basis for the federal application.
- Federal PR application. With endorsement, the candidate applies to IRCC for permanent residence, undergoing medical, security, and financial screening.
- Temporary work permit. While the PR application is being processed, the candidate may apply for a temporary work permit, allowing employment prior to the final decision.
Analysis
In 2025, the most significant changes occurred at the endorsement stage: each province precisely defined the sectors and occupations eligible for endorsement. This made AIP more fragmented but also more strategic.
Conclusion
In 2025, AIP lost its universal character. Now:
- PEI limited itself strictly to three sectors.
- Nova Scotia balanced between socially vital and innovative sectors.
- Newfoundland and Labrador developed the broadest list, covering healthcare, IT, and aquaculture, presented in detail through tables.
- New Brunswick effectively shifted intake to NB PNP.
Thus, candidate success is determined not only by securing an employer but also by strict compliance with sectoral lists, which have become the key filter for AIP in 2025.
