CELPIP for the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent-residence pathway for skilled workers with a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island. CELPIP-General is an accepted English test — and unlike Express Entry, the required level is refreshingly modest: as low as CLB 4. Here is exactly what you need.
The score you need
The minimum depends on the NOC TEER (skill level) of your job offer, and it must be met in all four skills:
| Job offer skill level | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 | CLB 5 in all four skills |
| NOC TEER 4 | CLB 4 in all four skills |
Because CELPIP maps 1:1 to the CLB, “CLB 5” means a CELPIP level of 5 in each skill, and “CLB 4” a CELPIP level of 4 in each skill.
Which test to take
Use the full CELPIP-General (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) — the AIP requires all four skills, so the shorter CELPIP-General LS does not qualify. The other English option the program accepts is IELTS General Training. Whichever you choose, your results must be less than two years old when you submit your application.
How to prepare
CLB 4–5 is an achievable target with steady practice. Work through our skill guides for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, rehearse with full mock exams, and check your level with the CLB calculator. For the other Canadian uses of CELPIP, see CELPIP for Canada.
Source: Government of Canada (IRCC), Atlantic Immigration Program — language testing, at canada.ca. Immigration rules can change; Celpip.me is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with IRCC or Paragon — always confirm the current requirements on canada.ca before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP accepted for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Yes. For the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) you can prove your English with the CELPIP-General test (the other accepted English option is IELTS General Training). Your results must be less than two years old when you apply.
What CELPIP score do I need for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
It depends on the skill level (NOC TEER) of your job offer. For a job at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 you need CLB 5 in all four skills; for a job at NOC TEER 4 you need CLB 4 in all four skills. Because CELPIP maps 1:1 to the CLB, that means a CELPIP level of 5 or 4 respectively in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Which CELPIP test is for the AIP?
The full CELPIP-General. The program requires all four skills, so the Listening-and-Speaking-only CELPIP-General LS cannot be used. CELPIP 5 equals CLB 5, and CELPIP 4 equals CLB 4.
Which provinces are part of the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. You need a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces.
How long are CELPIP results valid for the AIP?
CELPIP results are valid for two years from the date they are issued, and must still be valid on the day you submit your application.
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