Labour has been actively promoting and implementing a new, fast-track immigration program available to Newfoundland and Labrador employers: the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

Launched in March 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is an employer-driven immigration program designed to help address laboUr market needs. The pilot involves a two-step process initiated and led by the employer:

1. Employers initially request a designation status from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism. Employers demonstrate this by being in good standing with the Companies and Deeds Online (CADO), the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WorkplaceNL) and the Labour Standards Division of Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour (AESL). Employers are required to operate in the province for a minimum of two years, and must not be in violation of federal immigration legislation and regulations. Employers who may be relocating or expanding to the province may need to undergo an additional step.

2. Once designated, employers must seek the endorsement of candidates for permanent residency. These candidates could be in the province, already working for the employer (foreign workers on work permits), or could be overseas, wanting to come to Canada to work. Pr io r to approval, employers will need to demonstrate that they have made efforts to hire locally, as well as commit to providing settlement supports, such as orientation to the community, language supports, to the workers and family members, as required. Foreign workers who are already in the province generally may not require settlement supports, because they are familiar with the services available in their community.