March 31, 2017— Moncton, NB — A pilot program to attract more skilled immigrants to Atlantic Canada and retain them is gaining significant interest from employers. To date, almost 200 employers have expressed interest in the program, with over 50 being formally designated. Under the pilot, employers play a key role, with responsibility to help with the recruitment of immigrants and their successful integration into the community.
Federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen and the Honourable Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick Minister for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, met today to discuss progress on the pilot and next steps.
Provinces will be responsible for designating employers to participate in the pilot, and in endorsing applicants who can apply for permanent residency. Provinces will also have an enhanced coordination role in facilitating connections between employers, settlement service providers and other government services.
IRCC is now accepting permanent residence applications for three programs under the pilot: the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program; the Atlantic High-Skilled Program; and the Atlantic International Graduate Program, aimed at international students.
Quick Facts
- The Atlantic Immigration Pilot was developed in collaboration with the four Atlantic provinces. It will help address the pressing labour market needs of the Atlantic region by giving businesses that need skilled workers the ability to fill job vacancies quickly using permanent immigration programs.
- Eligible skilled immigrants and international graduate students with a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, and an endorsement from that province, can now apply for permanent residence.
- Up to 2,000 applications will be processed in 2017 for principal applicants and accompanying family members.