Hire through the Atlantic Immigration Program: Temporary work permit (optional)

Optional: referral letter for temporary work permit

Candidates who meet the requirements to apply for permanent residence may be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit.

This work permit lets the candidate begin working while their permanent residence application is being processed.

The work permit:

• is only for the Atlantic Immigration Program
• is valid for 1 year
• is employer-specific, meaning the candidate can only work for you

The candidate must send their permanent residence application within 90 days of submitting the temporary work permit application.

In order for the candidate to apply for a work permit, you must request a referral letter from the provincial government when you’re applying for endorsement. The candidate will include the referral letter in their application for a temporary work permit.

Getting a temporary work permit doesn’t guarantee that we’ll approve the candidate’s permanent residence application.

Candidates applying for a temporary work permit will need to show that they meet the requirements for:

• language
• education
• work experience

International students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada are exempt from meeting the work requirements. All other candidates must meet the work experience requirements.

Learn how candidates for the Atlantic Immigration Program can apply for a temporary work permit.