Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has become one of the most attractive pathways for skilled foreign workers and international graduates looking to build a long-term future in Canada. Unlike many traditional work permit streams that require employers to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), designated employers under the AIP can hire eligible foreign workers without first securing an LMIA.

This streamlined process benefits both employers and job seekers. Employers can fill persistent labour shortages more efficiently, while qualified candidates may access employment opportunities that can lead to Canadian permanent residence.

If you’re searching for employers that regularly hire international talent in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, this guide highlights 15 well-known AIP-designated employers and explains how the program works, who qualifies, and how you can improve your chances of securing an offer.

Important: AIP employers do not issue LMIA-based work permits under this program. Instead, they must be designated by an Atlantic province and follow the requirements of the Atlantic Immigration Program. Receiving a job offer does not automatically guarantee permanent residence; applicants must still meet all federal and provincial eligibility requirements.

What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal-provincial immigration pathway designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada recruit qualified workers when local labour shortages cannot be filled.

The program serves employers in:

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

One of its biggest advantages is that designated employers are not required to obtain an LMIA before hiring eligible foreign workers under the AIP.

Instead, employers work directly with provincial authorities to recruit international talent and support successful candidates through the immigration process.

Why Many Foreign Workers Choose AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers several advantages:

• No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement
• Pathway to permanent residence for eligible applicants
• Employers experienced in hiring international workers
• Growing labour demand across multiple industries
• Opportunities in both skilled and select intermediate occupations
• Access to settlement support services for newcomers

Atlantic Canada continues to experience labour shortages due to an aging population, economic growth, and increasing demand across healthcare, construction, hospitality, transportation, manufacturing, seafood processing, and technology.

Who Can Apply?

Depending on the stream, eligible applicants generally include:

• Skilled foreign workers
• Recent graduates from eligible Atlantic Canadian institutions
• Individuals who meet education, language, and work experience requirements
• Applicants with a qualifying job offer from a designated employer

Applicants must also satisfy immigration requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

15 Top AIP Employers Hiring International Workers

The following employers have been designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program in one or more Atlantic provinces at various times. Designation status can change, so always confirm an employer’s current designation before applying.

1. J.D. Irving Limited

Industry: Transportation, Forestry, Manufacturing, Shipbuilding

J.D. Irving is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest employers.

Common positions include:

• Truck Drivers
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Welders
• Industrial Mechanics
• Engineers
• Production Workers
• Logistics Coordinators

Locations:

• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia

2. Cooke Aquaculture

Industry: Aquaculture

Cooke Aquaculture operates internationally and regularly recruits skilled workers.

Popular jobs:

• Fish Farm Technicians
• Vessel Crew
• Processing Workers
• Mechanics
• Maintenance Technicians
• Supervisors

Locations across Atlantic Canada.

3. Horizon Health Network

Industry: Healthcare

One of New Brunswick’s largest healthcare employers.

Frequently recruits:

• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Pharmacists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Medical Imaging Professionals

4. Nova Scotia Health

Healthcare continues to face significant labour shortages.

Hiring includes:

• Registered Nurses
• Physicians
• Continuing Care Assistants
• Medical Technologists
• Healthcare Administrators

5. Shannex Incorporated

Industry: Senior Care

Shannex regularly hires:

• Continuing Care Assistants
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Registered Nurses
• Housekeeping Staff
• Dietary Aides
• Recreation Coordinators

Locations throughout Atlantic Canada.

6. IMP Aerospace & Defence

Industry: Aviation

Available careers include:

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
• Aerospace Technicians
• Mechanics
• Project Managers
• Engineers
• Logistics Specialists

7. Irving Shipbuilding

Canada’s shipbuilding industry continues expanding.

Common opportunities include:

• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Electricians
• Naval Architects
• Engineers
• Marine Technicians

8. Sobeys

One of Canada’s largest grocery chains with major Atlantic operations.

Hiring includes:

• Retail Associates
• Warehouse Employees
• Truck Drivers
• Pharmacy Assistants
• Distribution Staff
• Store Managers

9. Michelin North America (Canada)

Industry: Manufacturing

Operations in Nova Scotia hire:

• Production Workers
• Industrial Electricians
• Millwrights
• Engineers
• Maintenance Technicians

10. Eastlink

Industry: Telecommunications

Frequently recruits:

• Network Technicians
• Customer Service Representatives
• IT Specialists
• Field Technicians
• Sales Consultants

11. Medavie Health Services

Healthcare support positions include:

• Paramedics
• Emergency Medical Dispatchers
• Administrative Professionals
• Clinical Support Staff

12. BioVectra

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Hiring includes:

• Laboratory Technicians
• Chemists
• Engineers
• Manufacturing Specialists
• Quality Assurance Professionals

13. Mariner Innovations

Industry: Information Technology

Technology careers include:

• Software Developers
• Cloud Engineers
• Data Analysts
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• Project Managers

14. Ocean Choice International

Industry: Seafood Processing

Common jobs:

• Seafood Processing Workers
• Quality Assurance Staff
• Maintenance Mechanics
• Production Supervisors
• Logistics Personnel

15. Armour Transportation Systems

Transportation continues experiencing labour shortages.

Hiring includes:

• Truck Drivers
• Fleet Coordinators
• Dispatchers
• Warehouse Associates
• Mechanics

Industries with the Strongest Hiring Demand Under AIP

The Atlantic region continues to recruit workers across several sectors.

How the Atlantic Immigration Program Works

The process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Find a Designated Employer

Search for employers officially designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program in one of the four Atlantic provinces.

Step 2: Apply for a Suitable Position

Tailor your résumé to Canadian standards and submit applications for positions that match your qualifications.

Step 3: Receive a Job Offer

If selected, the employer provides a qualifying job offer under the program.

Step 4: Settlement Plan

Applicants work with an approved settlement service provider to develop a personalized settlement plan for living and working in Atlantic Canada.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence

Eligible candidates submit their application to IRCC, along with all required supporting documents.

Some applicants may also qualify for a temporary work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed, provided program requirements are met.

Tips for Getting Hired by an AIP Employer

Improve your chances by following these best practices:

Use a Canadian-Style Résumé

Keep your résumé concise, achievement-focused, and tailored to each position. Avoid including personal details such as age or photographs.

Apply Early

Many employers review applications as they are received. Applying soon after a vacancy is posted can improve your visibility.

Research the Employer

Understand the company’s operations, values, and hiring needs before applying. This can help you prepare stronger applications and interviews.

Strengthen Your Language Skills

Good English or French proficiency is valuable for both employment and immigration.

Be Flexible About Location

Smaller communities often experience greater labour shortages and may offer more opportunities than larger urban centres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AIP employers need an LMIA?

No. Designated employers hiring through the Atlantic Immigration Program do not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for eligible hires under the program.

Does an AIP job guarantee permanent residence?

No. A qualifying job offer is only one part of the process. Applicants must also meet all program and immigration requirements before permanent residence can be approved.

Can I apply from outside Canada?

Yes. Many AIP employers recruit qualified international candidates, provided they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Which province has the most AIP opportunities?

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick generally have a large number of designated employers, but opportunities also exist in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Are healthcare workers in demand?

Yes. Healthcare remains one of the highest-demand sectors across Atlantic Canada, with ongoing recruitment for nurses, continuing care assistants, medical technologists, physicians, and other professionals.

Final Thoughts

The Atlantic Immigration Program remains one of Canada’s most accessible employer-driven immigration pathways for qualified foreign workers. Because designated employers can recruit eligible candidates without first obtaining an LMIA, hiring can be more straightforward than many traditional work permit processes.

Success, however, depends on more than finding an AIP-designated employer. A strong Canadian-style résumé, relevant work experience, language proficiency, and a clear understanding of program requirements all play an important role in securing a qualifying job offer.

If you’re serious about building a career and future in Canada, focusing your job search on Atlantic Canada’s designated employers could be an excellent first step toward permanent residence and long-term success.