AIP Stream Pause for Remainder of 2024 - Effective September 18

[7jekyl]

Hi everyone!

I recently read that the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is currently taking a pause for the remainder of 2024 just now. My PGWP is expiring on February 2025 so I can't just wait around till it resumes again next year.

As someone who was about to apply for PR under AIP within the end of this year, will I still be able to send in an application despite this pause? So they can at least have it on file by the time the 2025 AIP intake resumes again?

I was hoping to have my employer apply for it even with the pause, so that by the time it opens either I can receive my AOR by January 2025 and apply for a BOWP before my PGWP expires on February 2025 to maintain eligibility to continue working

OR

Apply for a Closed Work Permit to IRCC by using the AIP application sent during the 2024 pause + a supporting letter of my permanent employment while I wait for the AIP stream to open once again so I can maintain my eligibility to continue working while waiting for my PR application.

Either way, I think applying for AIP despite this temporary pause (hoping it is just temporary) will be beneficial - I just wanted to know if it would be possible to send in my papers in the portal regardless of this pause issue. Otherwise, I just wasted my time writing these lengthy paragraphs lol

Nonetheless if anyone can answer this question of mine, it would be highly appreciated!

Thank you

 

[Naturgrl]

If it is paused then you cannot submit an application. You wait for announcement that is reopened and taking applications. You cannot apply for a closed work permit with just an AIP application, which you cannot submit anyways.

 

[scylla]

Hi everyone!

I recently read that the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is currently taking a pause for the remainder of 2024 just now. My PGWP is expiring on February 2025 so I can't just wait around till it resumes again next year.

As someone who was about to apply for PR under AIP within the end of this year, will I still be able to send in an application despite this pause? So they can at least have it on file by the time the 2025 AIP intake resumes again?

I was hoping to have my employer apply for it even with the pause, so that by the time it opens either I can receive my AOR by January 2025 and apply for a BOWP before my PGWP expires on February 2025 to maintain eligibility to continue working

OR

Apply for a Closed Work Permit to IRCC by using the AIP application sent during the 2024 pause + a supporting letter of my permanent employment while I wait for the AIP stream to open once again so I can maintain my eligibility to continue working while waiting for my PR application.

Either way, I think applying for AIP despite this temporary pause (hoping it is just temporary) will be beneficial - I just wanted to know if it would be possible to send in my papers in the portal regardless of this pause issue. Otherwise, I just wasted my time writing these lengthy paragraphs lol

Nonetheless if anyone can answer this question of mine, it would be highly appreciated!

Thank you

As said above, you won't be able to submit an application. It won't be possible. When programs are paused, new applications are not accepted. The rest of your questions are moot since you can't apply.

Suggest you start looking at Express Entry / CEC as an alternative. How many points do you have under EE?

Is your employer willing to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can move to a closed work permit early next year?

 

[7jekyl]

If it is paused then you cannot submit an application. You wait for announcement that is reopened and taking applications. You cannot apply for a closed work permit with just an AIP application, which you cannot submit anyways.

Thank you for the feedback. Appreciate it!

 

[7jekyl]

As said above, you won't be able to submit an application. It won't be possible. When programs are paused, new applications are not accepted. The rest of your questions are moot since you can't apply.

Suggest you start looking at Express Entry / CEC as an alternative. How many points do you have under EE?

Is your employer willing to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can move to a closed work permit early next year?

I see.

How long do pauses usually take after reaching the immigration quota for the given year? Are there any estimates?

My chances for EE or CEC is low as the minimum requirement is 1 year work experience in NOC 0, A, B or C and by the time I reach this experience my permit would be expired. Unfortunately, AIP was my only hope.

I might try asking my company's recruitment team if they can provide LMIA though.

 

[Naturgrl]

I see.

How long do pauses usually take after reaching the immigration quota for the given year? Are there any estimates?

My chances for EE or CEC is low as the minimum requirement is 1 year work experience in NOC 0, A, B or C and by the time I reach this experience my permit would be expired. Unfortunately, AIP was my only hope.

I might try asking my company's recruitment team if they can provide LMIA though.

They could reopen in January or sometime Winter.

‘There have many changes to the LMIA program so they will need to research if eligible. They will also have to start over the recruitment process for your job. Your job will have to be posted for at least a month and employer will need to show that no Canadians or PR have the skill, education, language to do the job.

 

[scylla]

I see.

How long do pauses usually take after reaching the immigration quota for the given year? Are there any estimates?

My chances for EE or CEC is low as the minimum requirement is 1 year work experience in NOC 0, A, B or C and by the time I reach this experience my permit would be expired. Unfortunately, AIP was my only hope.

I might try asking my company's recruitment team if they can provide LMIA though.

It's very hard to guess on the pause.

It's certainly possible they will re-open very early next year. Could also be later. Sometimes we also see programs pause and then not reopen if the province decides to change how their programs are structured. It's honestly very hard to say anything with any level of certainty.

I would definitely recommend approaching your company on the LMIA if AIP was your only option.

 

[7jekyl]

They could reopen in January or sometime Winter.

‘There have many changes to the LMIA program so they will need to research if eligible. They will also have to start over the recruitment process for your job. Your job will have to be posted for at least a month and employer will need to show that no Canadians or PR have the skill, education, language to do the job.

I'll have to ask the company about it - you never know unless you try

From what I know though as someone working in a nursing home, most of the people who got recruited were internationally trained. I'm kind of hoping this means they can easily provide LMIA but it might be a different case if applying from within Canada. Very uncertain times on immigration right now.

 

[7jekyl]

It's very hard to guess on the pause.

It's certainly possible they will re-open very early next year. Could also be later. Sometimes we also see programs pause and then not reopen if the province decides to change how their programs are structured. It's honestly very hard to say anything with any level of certainty.

I would definitely recommend approaching your company on the LMIA if AIP was your only option.

Thank you so much for your prompt replies!

I do believe I've run out of other options then. It's either waiting for the AIP to reopen or obtaining a LMIA. Which in both cases are very uncertain.

 

[7jekyl]

If it is paused then you cannot submit an application. You wait for announcement that is reopened and taking applications. You cannot apply for a closed work permit with just an AIP application, which you cannot submit anyways.

According to AIP requirements, I was wondering if the employer is the one who needs to apply or can the applicant submit all the required documents and apply for themselves as long as Certificate of Employment is submitted as well?

 

[Naturgrl]

According to AIP requirements, I was wondering if the employer is the one who needs to apply or can the applicant submit all the required documents and apply for themselves as long as Certificate of Employment is submitted as well?

Employer apply for what? Employer Designation?

 

[7jekyl]

If they would need to apply for my PR through AIP? I heard some employers do it for the employees

 

[Naturgrl]

If they would need to apply for my PR through AIP? I heard some employers do it for the employees

So they help you put your application together? They cannot apply for your PR. You can ask them for help but program is still closed for new applications. They have to support your nomination and show that they could not find any Canadian/PR with the skills, education, language abilities to do the job. Doesn’t change the process. Assume you have spoken with your employer and they are supporting your PR application.