Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Ability to become economically established and intent to reside in the endorsing Atlantic province
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
IRCC started accepting permanent residence applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) on March 6, 2022.
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Ability to become economically established
The principal applicant must demonstrate that they have the ability to become economically established.
In addition to the selection criteria stated in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, the applicant must have sufficient funds available for settlement in Canada.
The funds must be
- available and transferable
- unencumbered by debts or other obligations
- sufficient to support the initial establishment in Canada
Sufficient funds are determined according to the applicant’s family size (including both accompanying and non-accompanying dependants), using 12.5% of the current low income cut-off (LICO) for urban areas with populations of 500,000 or more.
If the applicant is unable to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to meet the requirements, officers should refuse the application.
Note: If the applicant has been living and working in Canada under a valid work permit, they are not required to provide evidence of funds.
Intent to reside in the endorsing Atlantic province
IRCC must be satisfied that the applicant intends to reside in the endorsing province before issuing the permanent resident visa.
When seeking permanent resident status, whether at a local IRCC office in Canada, at a port of entry (POE) or through a virtual landing appointment, applicants must establish that they still intend to reside in the province that has endorsed them. For more information, see Examination before granting permanent residence under the AIP.
Processing offices must follow procedural fairness guidelines (PDF, 600 KB) if they are not satisfied that an AIP applicant meets the regulatory criteria to become a member of the AIP. In such cases, the office must inform the applicant of their concerns, and the applicant must have the opportunity to respond and provide additional information in support of the application.