As per the recently released Statistics Canada report, high immigration retention rates are responsible for the success of the Atlantic Immigration Program. This report shows that Atlantic Canada is becoming a popular destination for newcomers.
Under the AIP, which was introduced as a trial initiative in 2017, governments, employers, communities, and settlement agencies collaborate on hiring qualified workers. If immigrants enter Canada through a different immigration route, they may not receive the same assistance in settling and integrating as those who work with settlement service providers.
In the study, AIP funded in part by IRCC had better retention rates than Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Over the first three years of the AIP, immigrants’ retention rates significantly increased in the Atlantic provinces. Other provinces, however, have seen a decrease in retention rates.
Among all provinces, Nova Scotia saw the largest increase in retention as a result of the AIP. Under the program, skilled professionals and skilled tradespeople retained 67.6% of their qualifications in 2019. More than three times higher than in 2016, when there was a 21.5% unemployment rate.
New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador also experienced high retention rates under the initiative. A four-year period saw a 22% increase in immigrants staying in those provinces. However, Prince Edward Island saw the most rise in admissions between 2010 and 2015 while having the lowest retention rate in the nation.
AIP – What is its purpose?
It is estimated that the Atlantic Canadian population is the oldest in the nation on average. More than 8% of adults over 85 live in Newfoundland and Labrador (8.6%), Prince Edward Island (8.1%), Nova Scotia (8.7%), and New Brunswick (8.8%). Newfoundland and Labrador have more than 30% baby boomer population.
Because of this, the workforce is shrinking, putting a strain on the economy. Also making it harder for the provinces to provide services like healthcare. Assisting newcomers who faced difficulties settling in Canada is the purpose of AIP. This results in higher retention rates and faster integration.
The success of AIP inspired the development and permanent establishment of further pilot initiatives, among them the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program. Due to this Atlantic Canada is becoming a popular destination for newcomers.
Retention rates in the Prairies are declining
According to the survey, those who moved to Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta between 2010 and 2015 were more likely to stay five years later.
With the exception of Alberta, where they decreased from 88.9% to 84.5%, retention rates have stayed consistent over time. Over the past five years, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have seen more than 10% decreases in retention rates.
The long-term residence of an immigrant has been shown to influence the immigration category under which they enter Canada. The likelihood of a person remaining in a province is lower when they enter through an economic immigration program. A decline of 4.3% was recorded on average among provinces in retaining economic immigrants between 2010 and 2015. Among the provinces, Saskatchewan saw the largest decline, falling from 79.3% to 61.7%.
92.3% of people sponsored by family members retained their status in 2015, while 87.4% of refugees retained their status.
AIP – How it works?
Employers run the AIP to make hiring international employees easier.
This program requires candidates to have a job offer from a specific employer. As well as a unique settlement strategy for them and their families before being eligible for the program.
Employers who are designated are exempt from obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, after a candidate accepts a job offer, the employer is required. To put them in touch with a designated settlement service provider and provide long-term integration support.
AIP – Its eligibility
It is required that applicants for the AIP have accrued 1,560 hours of work experience over the previous five years. You might be required to complete a different educational program based on your National Occupational Codes TEER.
- To be eligible for an employment offer at the NOC TEER category 0 or 1, applicants must possess a one-year postsecondary education certificate or higher.
- Candidates must hold a high school diploma from Canada or an equivalent if the position falls under NOC TEER categories 2, 3, or 4.
Your NOC TEER category determines the language requirements for your employment offer.
In order to be eligible to apply, international students must possess at least two years of schooling in one of the following reputable post-secondary institutions. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. Furthermore, they must have studied in an Atlantic province within the previous two years and have a study permit to enter Canada.
