IRCC Updates Program Instructions for AIP Applicants Whose Jobs Situation Changes

The update affects people who have already submitted a PR application under the AIP and then experience a change in their job, employer, or the ownership of their employer’s business while that application is still being processed.

Key Takeaways

• If your job changes while your AIP PR application is in progress, you must notify IRCC immediately using the IRCC web form.
• You must now also notify IRCC if your employer’s business changes ownership while your application is pending.
• If you submit required documents late or not at all, your application will be put on hold for 90 days before it can be refused.
• Your work permit is your responsibility. Changes to your AIP application may affect your work authorization, and you must ensure your permit stays valid.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal permanent residence program for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in one of the four provinces in Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.

To qualify for AIP, you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of those provinces and an endorsement from the province where you’ll be working.

Most AIP applicants arrive on, or transition to, a work permit tied to their designated employer. Since it is an employer-driven immigration program, employment changes after submission can have significant consequences for your application.

What to Do If Your Job Situation Changes: Updated AIP Instructions

If your job changes while your AIP permanent residence application is being processed, the instructions around what you need to report, and how soon, are now more specific. There are three distinct scenarios IRCC now addresses, each with its own documentation requirements.

Changes to Your Role with the Same Employer

According to the updated instructions, if your employer changes your wages, occupation, or working conditions, or if your job position changes in a way that results in a different NOC/TEER code, you must obtain an updated provincial endorsement certificate and an updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) form. You will need to submit both to IRCC using the web form. If you have any questions or concerns about how to approach a change in your AIP application, consider speaking with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, who can help you understand your next steps.

If only your job title changes, with no change to your terms of employment or NOC/TEER code, an officer may still request an updated endorsement certificate.

If your new position with the employer falls under a different TEER category, it may change certain program requirements, including language, education, or the required duration of the job offer. This means that a promotion or a lateral move that changes your TEER level could change what you need to qualify under the program. In such a situation, you will need to meet the requirements associated with the new offer of employment.

Changing to a Different Designated Employer

If you change employers, you must immediately obtain an updated provincial endorsement certificate reflecting the changes and an updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) from the new employer. You must submit these to IRCC using the web form.

Previously, applicants also needed a letter from the province confirming that they continue to support the updated provincial endorsement. This is no longer required, as per the revised instructions.

Keep in mind that your new employer must be designated by the province for you to qualify for the AIP.

The instructions make it clear that it is your responsibility to ensure your work permit remains valid. If you were on an employer-specific work permit, you will need a new work permit to work for a different designated employer. However, if you were on an open work permit (such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit), you may be able to switch jobs on the same work permit. You must confirm whether a new work permit is needed and maintain valid work authorization.

When Your Employer’s Business Changes Ownership

These new instructions apply when an employer’s ownership changes after you have already submitted your AIP permanent residence application and are awaiting a final decision.

After a change in ownership, the province will assess both the employer’s continued eligibility for AIP designation and whether your endorsement can still be supported under the new ownership.

Even if the employer is de-designated, the province has the power to continue supporting your endorsement. However, this decision is up to the province. If your employer is sold, merged, or restructured, there is no certainty of outcome.

Overall, there are two possible outcomes. If the province no longer supports you and revokes the endorsement, the application will be refused. If the province continues to support you, the application will continue to be processed.

If the province continues to support you, you must get an updated provincial endorsement certificate and, if the employer continues to be designated, an updated Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) with the revised business and contact information.

What to Do If Your Situation Changes After Applying for AIP

If anything changes with your job while your AIP PR application is in progress, you need to tell IRCC right away using the IRCC web form. That includes situations where:

• Your role changes with the same employer
• You move to a different designated employer
• Your employer’s business is sold, restructured, or changes ownership

Separately, confirm whether you need to take steps to maintain valid work authorization. A new work permit may be required depending on your situation.

Don’t wait until you have all your documents before reaching out. Notify the IRCC as soon as possible. You will then have up to 90 days to submit your supporting documents.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to approach a change in your AIP application, speak with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, who can help you understand your next steps.