The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) was launched in 2017 to help address regional labour market needs and test innovative approaches to permanent immigration.

This pilot program is in effect until December 31, 2021, and the federal government will continue to process all applications received by that date. The Atlantic Immigration Program is anticipated to become permanent on March 5, 2022.

The Government of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are in the process of finalizing the details of the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program.

The pilot will end on December 31, 2021. The federal government must receive permanent residency applications made under the pilot by March 4, 2022.

Employers will be required to update their designation application under the permanent program, and will have an opportunity to continue availing of immigration as a means of addressing workforce shortages, and of building and growing local businesses.

As Newfoundland and Labrador approaches the end of the pilot period and transitions, through negotiations with the Government of Canada, into a permanent program, we wish to draw your attention to timelines that may affect designated employers and endorsees:

• The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will cease accepting pilot designation applications October 4, 2021, and employers will receive a final decision from the province on this application by November 9, 2021. In early 2022, the Office will start taking applications from employers who wish to become designated under the permanent program. The specific date will be communicated directly to employers soon.
• The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will no longer accept pilot endorsement applications after November 24, 2021. Any completed applications received by this date will receive a final decision from the province no later than December 31, 2021. Any employers who wish to submit applications after November 24, 2021 will be routed to the Provincial Nominee Program.
• As of December 31, 2021, the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will no longer have the authority to issue second or third endorsements for individuals whose first endorsement certificate has expired due to exceptional circumstances. Due to the expiry of the pilot program, no second or third endorsement issuance after December 31, 2021 will be possible.
• As of September 5, 2021, endorsement certificate validity for endorsements approved by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism is effective to March 4, 2022.
• All completed Permanent Residency applications must be received by IRCC no later than March 4, 2022 for processing under the AIPP eligibility criteria.*AIPP designated employers are designated under the pilot and will require an update to their designation application when the Atlantic Immigration Program becomes a permanent program in 2022.

** Second and third endorsements refer to certificates approved by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism for individuals who have received an extension to their endorsement period, through the issuance of a second or third endorsement certificate, due to exceptional circumstances.

If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact our office via email at immigration@gov.nl.ca