PNP stands for Provincial Nominee Program and AIPP stands for Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program which is now Atlantic Immigration Program. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) are both Canadian immigration programs that offer qualified workers the opportunity to seek permanent residency in Canada.
What is Canada PNP?
The Canada Provincial Nominee Program is a popular way to immigrate to Canada. Provinces and territories can nominate eligible candidates for Canadian PR. While the PNP program is different from the Express Entry program, applicants who are selected under certain PNPs are eligible for an additional 600 CRS points when they enter the Express Entry pool.
Features of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Canada has almost 80 different PNPs, each with its own set of eligibility conditions. The PNP program enables provinces to meet their specific immigration demands by assisting them in filling in-demand positions and meeting labor shortages in their province.
- Most PNPs require applicants to have a link to the province. They should have either worked or studied in that province previously. For a job visa, individuals need to have a job offer from a company in the province.
- A provincial nomination can help you obtain your PR visa in two ways. It can add 600 CRS points to your Express Entry application and allow you to apply for your PR visa straight to IRCC.
What is AIP?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) provides a road to permanent residence for qualified foreign nationals and international graduates who wish to work and live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
Who Can Meet The AIPP Program’s Requirements?
The AIPP is an employer-drives program which at aims to bring international workers into the region and provide them with job possibilities. In general, you are qualified for this program if you meet the following criteria:
- A worker with extensive experience in technical, management, or professional fields. At the time of application, your work offer must be for at least one year.
- A worker with intermediate skills who needs employment training and/or a high school diploma. Your job offer must be long-term.
- An international graduate from a publicly sponsored institution in an Atlantic province. In this scenario, your job offer must be for at least a year, but no prior work experience is required.
What Is The Difference Between PNP And AIPP?
1. Geographical Range:
PNP: The PNP operates in several Canadian provinces and territories. Each province and territory has its own PNP, with its own qualifying standards and selection processes.
AIPP: The AIPP is a program established specifically for Canada’s Atlantic provinces, which include Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
2. Employer-driven vs. Express Entry:
PNP: The PNP contains both employer-driven and federal Express Entry-accredited streams. Employers in a certain province can nominate skilled individuals to fill a labor market demand in employer-driven streams. Provinces can choose individuals from the federal Express Entry pool who fulfill their specific criteria through Express Entry-aligned streams.
AIPP: The AIPP is essentially a program driven by employers. Candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating Atlantic provinces to be eligible. The employer is involved in the application process.
3. Language and Education Requirements:
PNP: Language and education requirements vary amongst provincial programs. Some jurisdictions may have special language competence criteria, while others may favor individuals with higher education degrees.
AIPP: Depending on the employment requirements, candidates must demonstrate language ability in either English or French. However, schooling requirements in the AIPP are often more flexible than in some PNP programs.
4. Settlement Plan and Assistance:
PNP: Most PNPs need candidates to have a genuine intention to settle in the nominating province and may request a settlement plan detailing how they intend to establish themselves.
AIPP: Candidates must have a job offer and a settlement plan, which includes approval from a designated settlement service provider. This endorsement ensures that candidates and their families will get settlement assistance upon arrival in Atlantic Canada.
It is essential to remember that these programs have distinct qualifying criteria, application processes, and requirements. So, it is suggested that you properly explore and understand the requirements of the specific PNP or AIPP stream you are interested in, and that you check official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
