Canadian immigration authorities have tightened requirements for processing applications under the Atlantic Immigration Program. Now any changes in employment are subject to special verification with applicants notified of a 90-day deadline to submit documents.
Three scenarios that trigger verification
IRCC introduced instructions requiring an officer to send a letter regarding procedural fairness (PFL) in three cases. Each sets a 90-day deadline for the applicant to submit updated documents.
The prerequisite for all three scenarios is the same: if an applicant receives a PFL letter, they must respond to IRCC requests or face denial of permanent residency. Previously, such rules regarding employment changes did not exist.
Change in employer ownership
If there is a change in ownership of the applicant’s company, the province must reassess the employer and redefine its status as AIP-approved. At the same time, the province decides whether the applicant retains its support.
If the province continues to support the applicant, IRCC will continue processing. The applicant must provide within 90 days either a letter from the province confirming support or an updated job offer letter if the employer’s status has not changed.
Changes in employment conditions
Changes in salary, position, or working conditions require an update. The applicant must first contact the province to reconfirm the approval certificate with the new work parameters.
Afterwards, the applicant uploads three documents to the IRCC online form within 90 days: an updated approval certificate from the province, form Imm0157 with new conditions, and all supporting documents. Missing the deadline may lead to processing issues.
Transition from one approved employer to another
If an applicant in Atlantic provinces transitions from one AIP-approved employer to another, they must receive a new job offer letter from the new employer.
The process is two-stage: first, the province approves the new employer and issues an updated approval certificate, then the applicant submits both documents to IRCC via the online form within 90 days. Failure to meet the deadline may result in denial of permanent residency.
Action plan when employment changes
The first step is to notify the province of the change. The second is to obtain updated documents: the approval certificate and form Imm0157. The third is to upload them to the IRCC online form.
If the applicant cannot meet the 90-day deadline, notify IRCC in advance that the process is still underway. Silence or delay is risky and may lead to denial. Advice: do not wait for a letter from IRCC — if you already know about the change, contact the province and start the process yourself.
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