How long does the Atlantic Immigration Program take?

End to end, the Atlantic Immigration Program typically takes 8 to 18 months. Preparing a complete application (4 stages) usually takes around 9 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down AIP applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the AIP?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇨🇦 Canada · AIP

Atlantic Immigration Program: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 8–18 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

8–18 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 4 stages of a AIP application

1
Secure Job Offer from Designated Atlantic Employer
≈ 60 days
Find employment with an employer designated under the AIP by one of the four Atlantic provinces. Employers must apply for designated status with their provincial government before making AIP-supported job offers.
2
Meet with Settlement Service Provider
≈ 14 days
Contact a designated settlement service provider in your Atlantic province. Together, develop an individualized Settlement Plan that outlines the services you will access to help you settle and integrate in Atlantic Canada.
3
Receive Provincial Endorsement
≈ 30 days
Your employer submits the endorsement request to the Atlantic province on your behalf. The province reviews the application and issues a provincial endorsement letter if all requirements are met.
4
Apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence
≈ 180 days
With your provincial endorsement, submit the permanent residence application to IRCC. Complete biometrics and medical exam. IRCC targets a 6-month processing time.

See also: full requirements and what the AIP costs.

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The 4 stages of a AIP application

Secure Job Offer from Designated Atlantic Employer

≈ 60 days

Find employment with an employer designated under the AIP by one of the four Atlantic provinces. Employers must apply for designated status with their provincial government before making AIP-supported job offers.

Meet with Settlement Service Provider

≈ 14 days

Contact a designated settlement service provider in your Atlantic province. Together, develop an individualized Settlement Plan that outlines the services you will access to help you settle and integrate in Atlantic Canada.

Receive Provincial Endorsement

≈ 30 days

Your employer submits the endorsement request to the Atlantic province on your behalf. The province reviews the application and issues a provincial endorsement letter if all requirements are met.

Apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence

≈ 180 days

With your provincial endorsement, submit the permanent residence application to IRCC. Complete biometrics and medical exam. IRCC targets a 6-month processing time.