Canada has introduced new rules for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) applicants whose employment situation changes while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Under the updated immigration instructions, certain AIP applicants now have 90 days to submit required documents after receiving a procedural fairness letter. Applicants who fail to provide the documents within this period may have their Canada permanent residence application refused.
The new instructions apply to situations involving changes in employer ownership, changes in employment with the same employer, and moves from one designated AIP employer to another.
What Has Changed for AIP Applicants?
Previously, there was no specific deadline for applicants to submit updated employment documents. Immigration officers were instructed to place affected applications on hold until the required information was received.
The updated Atlantic Immigration Program requirements now introduce a 90-day deadline.
When an employment-related change occurs, an immigration officer can issue a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) explaining what documents the applicant must provide and giving them 90 days to respond.
This makes it especially important for AIP applicants to keep their employment information and provincial endorsement documents up to date during the PR process.
Employer Ownership Changes Under the AIP
The updated rules now specifically address situations where an applicant’s employer changes ownership while their AIP permanent residence application is pending.
The province that provided the endorsement must reassess the employer and determine whether:
- The employer remains designated under the AIP
- The applicant continues to have provincial support
- The existing endorsement remains valid
If the province continues supporting the applicant, the PR application can continue provided the applicant submits the required updated documentation within 90 days.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include a provincial letter confirming continued support or an updated endorsement and offer of employment.
If the province withdraws its support, the immigration officer is instructed to refuse the permanent residence application.
Changing Jobs With the Same AIP Employer
Employment changes with the same employer are also covered by the new instructions.
For example, changes to wages, occupation, working conditions, or the NOC/TEER classification of the position may require updated documentation.
Applicants may need to submit the following through the IRCC online web form within 90 days:
- An updated provincial endorsement certificate showing the new job information
- An updated Offer of Employment form IMM 0157
A change in job title alone may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a new endorsement certificate is necessary.
This means AIP applicants should not assume that a promotion or job-title change automatically has no impact on their immigration application.
Changing From One AIP Employer to Another
Applicants who move from one designated Atlantic Immigration Program employer to another must also provide updated documentation.
Under the new instructions, applicants must submit:
- An updated provincial endorsement certificate
- An updated IMM 0157 Offer of Employment form
These documents must be provided within the 90-day period specified by the immigration officer.
The previous instructions did not specifically identify IMM 0157 as a required document for this particular employment-change scenario.
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Applicants generally need a full-time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. The employer must have the job offer endorsed by the relevant provincial government before the foreign national can proceed with the permanent residence application.
Applicants must also meet requirements related to work experience, education, language proficiency and settlement funds, depending on their circumstances.
AIP Applicants Can Apply for a Two-Year Work Permit
Once an applicant receives provincial endorsement, they can apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration system.
AIP applicants may also be eligible for a two-year employer-specific work permit connected to the employer supporting their PR application.
This can be particularly important because AIP applicants generally do not have access to the same bridging open work permit options available under some other Canadian permanent residence pathways.
Spouses or common-law partners may also be eligible for an open work permit, depending on the applicable requirements.
Why the 90-Day Deadline Matters
The new deadline creates an important compliance requirement for people with pending AIP PR applications.
Applicants who change employers, experience significant changes in their employment terms, or have an employer that changes ownership should review their situation promptly and provide the required documents within the deadline.
Failing to respond within the specified 90-day period can result in refusal of the permanent residence application.
Because AIP permanent residence processing has also been lengthy, maintaining valid employment and provincial support can be particularly important for applicants waiting for a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an AIP applicant changes employers?
The applicant may need to obtain updated provincial endorsement documentation and submit an updated Offer of Employment form to IRCC within the specified 90-day deadline.
How long do AIP applicants have to submit updated documents?
Under the updated instructions, affected applicants are given 90 days after receiving the procedural fairness letter to provide the required documents.
Can an AIP applicant change jobs with the same employer?
A change may be possible, but changes involving wages, occupation, working conditions or the NOC/TEER classification can require updated provincial endorsement and employment documents.
What happens if the province withdraws its support?
If the province no longer supports the applicant, the immigration officer is instructed to refuse the AIP permanent residence application.
Can AIP applicants get a work permit while waiting for PR?
Eligible AIP applicants can apply for a two-year employer-specific work permit connected to the employer supporting their application. Eligible spouses or common-law partners may also qualify for an open work permit.
Key Takeaway for AIP Applicants
The latest Atlantic Immigration Program rules place greater emphasis on keeping employment and endorsement information current during the permanent residence process.
AIP applicants facing an employer ownership change, job change, promotion, or move to another designated employer should carefully review their updated requirements and respond to IRCC within the 90-day deadline when a procedural fairness letter is issued.
For applicants with pending AIP applications, understanding these employment-change rules can help avoid documentation problems that could affect their pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
