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Canada Updates Minimum Funds for Atlantic Immigration Program

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Canada Updates Minimum Funds for Atlantic Immigration Program

In a recent update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced an increase in the minimum settlement funds requirement for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), effective July 29, 2025. This adjustment ensures that newcomers are better financially prepared to establish themselves in Atlantic Canada.

What Are Settlement Funds and Why Do They Matter?

Settlement funds are financial resources immigrants must show to prove they can support themselves and their families upon arriving in Canada. This requirement applies to AIP candidates who are not already working in Canada on a valid work permit.

The increase aligns with Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) changes and aims to reflect the current cost of living in provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Updated Settlement Fund Requirements (2025)

Below is the updated table of settlement funds by family size:

Family Size2025 Required Funds (CAD)2024 Required Funds (CAD)
1$3,815$3,672
2$4,750$4,572
3$5,840$5,620
4$7,090$6,824
5$8,042$7,740
6$9,070$8,729
7$10,098$9,718
Each additional member over 7$1,028$989

Who Needs to Show Proof of Funds?

You must show proof of funds if:

  • You are applying under AIP from outside Canada.
  • You do not currently hold a valid Canadian work permit.

You do not need to show proof of funds if you:

  • Already live in Canada with a valid work permit.
  • Are currently employed full-time in an Atlantic province under an eligible AIP job offer.

What Qualifies as Acceptable Proof of Funds?

To meet AIP financial requirements, applicants must submit official documents from recognized financial institutions that include:

  • Applicant’s name
  • Institution’s contact details
  • Account numbers and current balance
  • Six-month average balance
  • Confirmation of any outstanding debts

Funds must be readily available and unencumbered. Borrowed money, real estate, or assets held in someone else’s name do not qualify.

About AIP

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed for foreign workers who wish to live and work permanently in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.

To be eligible for the AIP, international applicants must:

  • Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces
  • Ensure that the job offer is officially endorsed by the province

In addition, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Skilled workers with relevant work experience (whether gained inside or outside Canada)
  • Recent graduates from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada

Applicants are also required to meet criteria in the following areas:

  • Educational qualifications
  • Language proficiency (English or French)
  • Settlement funds – applicants must provide proof of minimum financial resources as per the latest IRCC guidelines

Once applicants meet the eligibility requirements and receive a valid job offer, they may:

  • Submit an application for permanent residence (PR) directly to the Government of Canada
  • Apply for a special temporary work permit, valid for up to two years, allowing them to work legally while their PR application is being processed

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