Understanding the process of hiring through the Atlantic Immigration Program can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This program allows you to recruit skilled international employees to fulfill your company's needs and contribute to the development of Atlantic Canada's provinces. Let's break down the process into simpler steps to make it easier for you to navigate.
What Does Designation Mean and Why is it Important?
First and foremost, before you can extend a job offer to a potential international candidate, your company needs to be designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province where the candidate will be working.
Being "designated" permits you to hire employees under the Atlantic Immigration Program. It's the responsibility of the provinces to designate employers, ensuring they meet certain criteria.
Criteria for Designation:
To qualify for designation, your organization should:
- Comply with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Any violation of these can result in disqualification.
- Be in good standing with employment standards and abide by occupational health and safety legislation.
- Avoid recruiting or hiring workers solely to create a candidate pool for future transfer or contracting out to separate businesses for staffing needs.
- Have a record of continuous, active operation under the same management for at least two years in one of the Atlantic provinces. Alternatively, if you've operated actively in another location, you must have confirmation of approval from the province where you're applying for designation.
- Collaborate with a settlement service provider organization. This collaboration aims to support your candidates in obtaining the necessary settlement services.
- Commit to completing the free onboarding training. This helps ensure a smooth integration process for your international hires.
- Be ready to take the free intercultural competency training, unless the province has exempted you. This training aids in creating a harmonious and understanding workplace environment.
The Application Process for Designation:
Every Atlantic province has its own unique process for designation application. Importantly, there's no fee to become a designated employer. Here are the websites of the provinces where you can find the relevant applications:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
The provinces hold the responsibility for the designation of employers. For any queries or concerns regarding the designation process, feel free to directly reach out to the respective provinces.
Important Points to Remember about Designation:
- You only need to apply for designation once per province. A separate application for each candidate is not necessary.
- You can begin the process of applying for designation even before finding a candidate.
- Your designation should be from the province where the candidate will be working. If the candidate will be working in multiple provinces, you need to be designated in all those provinces.
- The Atlantic Immigration Program can't be used to hire a candidate who will not be working in an Atlantic province.
Once your company receives the Confirmation of Designation from the province, you're all set to move forward with hiring talented international employees through the Atlantic Immigration Program. With a dedicated team and a commitment to the process, your company can thrive and contribute to the vibrant economy of Atlantic Canada.
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