New AIP Settlement Fund Requirements for 2025 Announced
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Updated Settlement Funds Requirement for 2025
Starting July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an increase in the minimum settlement funds required for newcomers applying through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). If you’re planning to start a new life in one of Canada’s beautiful Atlantic provinces, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect your immigration plans.
Key Highlights
- IRCC has increased the minimum settlement funds for AIP applicants by approximately $140 for single applicants in 2025.
- Family size determines how much money you need — the more dependents you have, the higher the requirement.
- Applicants already working in Canada on a valid work permit are exempt from this settlement funds requirement.
- Funds must be proven through official financial documents and must not include borrowed money or property equity.
- AIP is a job-offer-based immigration stream targeting New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Every year, IRCC reviews and adjusts the settlement funds required for immigration programs to reflect cost-of-living increases. For 2025, the change impacts applicants to the Atlantic Immigration Program. A single applicant now needs $3,815, up from $3,672 in 2024 — a 3.89% increase. Similar increases apply across all family sizes.
Here’s a full breakdown of the updated financial requirements:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required (2025) | Funds Required (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 family member | $1,028 | $989 |
How to Calculate Your Family Size
Settlement fund requirements are based on your family size — and that includes more than just who’s moving with you. You must count:
- Yourself
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Your dependent children
- Your spouse’s or partner’s dependent children
Even if your spouse or children are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or not moving to Canada with you, they still count toward your family size. So make sure you include everyone when calculating how much money you’ll need to show.
What Counts as Proof of Settlement Funds?
To meet AIP’s financial requirements, you’ll need to provide official documentation from a bank or financial institution. These documents must be on official letterhead and include:
- Your legal name
- The institution’s contact info — address, phone, and email
- Details of current accounts and investments (account numbers, opening dates, balances, and average balances over the past 6 months)
- Any outstanding debts like credit cards or loans
It’s important that you can legally access these funds upon arrival in Canada. You can’t use money from property equity or any funds you’ve borrowed. If your spouse is joining you, joint accounts are acceptable. If the money is in your spouse’s name only, you’ll need to prove that you’re authorized to access it.
Who is Exempt from Showing Settlement Funds?
If you’re already in Canada and working with a valid work permit, you’re in luck — you don’t need to show settlement funds when applying through the AIP. This exemption helps reduce barriers for temporary foreign workers who are already contributing to the Canadian economy and want to settle permanently.
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is one of Canada’s employer-driven immigration pathways, designed specifically for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live in Atlantic Canada. The program helps address labour shortages in the provinces of:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
To qualify, you’ll need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. Your job offer must also be officially endorsed by the province.
Who Can Apply?
AIP is open to:
- Skilled workers with relevant experience (whether obtained in Canada or abroad)
- Recent graduates from publicly funded post-secondary schools in one of the Atlantic provinces
In addition to the job offer, candidates must meet specific requirements related to language proficiency, education, and financial readiness. Once your job offer is endorsed, you can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence.
While waiting for your PR to be processed, you can also apply for a temporary work permit that allows you to start working for your employer — a great way to settle in and start building your new life in Canada.
Planning Your Move to Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic provinces are known for their warm communities, coastal charm, and lower cost of living compared to other parts of Canada. If you’re looking for a welcoming place to start fresh, this region could be just what you’re looking for.
The recent changes to financial requirements are relatively modest, but it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
Final Thoughts
With the updated settlement funds requirement in effect as of July 2025, now is the time to review your finances and prepare your application if you’re considering immigrating through the Atlantic Immigration Program. Whether you’re applying solo or with your whole family, being financially ready is a key step toward a successful move.
If you’re exploring other provincial nominee pathways, the Manitoba PNP is another great option worth considering.
Not sure if you qualify? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Take our free assessment to discover your options and find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration today!
