Increase in Financing Allotted for the Atlantic Immigration Program in Canada
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a pathway for foreign workers to live permanently in one of Canada's Atlantic provinces, has announced updates for 2025. Here's what you need to know:
The AIP, which includes New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, has revised the settlement funds requirements based on family size. For a family of one, the minimum funds required to qualify for AIP increased from CAD 3,672 in 2024 to CAD 3,815 in 2025, representing a 3.89% increase. For a family of two, the minimum funds required is now CAD 4,750, an increase from CAD 4,572 in 2024. The minimum funds required for a family of three is CAD 5,840, an increase from CAD 5,620 in 2024. For a family of four, the minimum funds required is CAD 7,090, an increase from CAD 6,824 in 2024. For a family of five, the minimum funds required in 2025 is CAD 8,042, an increase from CAD 7,740 in 2024. For a family of six, the minimum funds required in 2025 is CAD 9,070, an increase from CAD 8,729 in 2024. For a family of seven or more, the minimum funds required in 2025 is CAD 10,098, an increase from CAD 9,718 in 2024, with an additional CAD 1,028 required for each additional family member over seven.
To immigrate through AIP, candidates must be either a skilled worker (whether their experience is inside or outside Canada) or a recent graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. Candidates must also provide letters from their bank or financial institution, printed on letterhead, detailing their banking and investment accounts, account numbers, dates of opening, current balances, and average balances over the last six months. Candidates may be able to show money from an account under a spouse's name only if they can prove they can access the money. If a candidate's spouse is coming with them, they can show money from a joint account.
It's important to note that candidates must prove they can legally access their funds upon arrival in Canada; they cannot use equity on real estate or borrowed money as proof of settlement funds. Foreign nationals who are already working in Canada on a valid work permit are exempt from the settlement funds requirement for AIP.
The AIP has additional criteria regarding education, language proficiency, and settlement funds. Candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada, and that job offer must be endorsed by the province. Once an eligible candidate has an endorsed job offer, they can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence (PR).
Candidates who have applied to the AIP can also apply for a special work permit that can be issued for up to two years, providing them with work authorization while their PR application is being processed.
As of July 29, 2025, the minimum funds required to immigrate to Canada's Atlantic provinces through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) increased by CAD 140. The AIP is an employer-driven immigration pathway for foreign workers who wish to live permanently in one of Canada's Atlantic provinces.
For more information about the Atlantic Immigration Program and its requirements, visit the official website.
