Does AIP require NCLC 4 or NCLC 5 with TCF Canada?

It depends on the job offer's TEER. TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 requires NCLC 5 in all four abilities; TEER 4 requires NCLC 4 in all four.

What are the minimum TCF Canada scores for AIP?

For NCLC 5: speaking 6, listening 369, reading 375, and writing 6. For NCLC 4: speaking 4, listening 331, reading 342, and writing 4. Every ability must meet its threshold.

How old can TCF Canada results be for AIP?

The results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. You still need an approved language test even if you studied in Canada.

Is a TCF Canada result enough to apply through AIP?

No. You also need an eligible designated-employer offer, settlement plan, provincial endorsement, education, and any required work-experience and settlement-fund evidence.

How is AIP different from FCIP?

AIP operates in the four Atlantic provinces through a designated employer and provincial endorsement. FCIP operates through participating Francophone communities and a community recommendation. Both are permanent-residence pathways separate from Express Entry.

Using TCF Canada for the Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent residence pathway for skilled foreign workers and qualifying international graduates who want to work and live in Atlantic Canada. A TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job offer requires NCLC 5 in all four French abilities; a TEER 4 job offer requires NCLC 4 in all four French abilities.

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Your job offer's TEER determines the threshold

For a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job offer, AIP requires NCLC 5 in all four French abilities. For a TEER 4 job offer, it requires NCLC 4 in all four French abilities. IRCC assesses speaking, listening, reading, and writing separately, so a stronger result cannot offset a lower ability.

TCF Canada scores for NCLC 5 and NCLC 4

For NCLC 5, the TCF Canada minimums are speaking 6, listening 369, reading 375, and writing 6. For NCLC 4, the minimums are speaking 4, listening 331, reading 342, and writing 4. TCF Canada is accepted, and the results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.

Four Atlantic provinces and a designated employer

AIP covers New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. You need a full-time, non-seasonal offer from a designated Atlantic employer. A TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 offer must last at least 1 year after you become a permanent resident; a TEER 4 offer must be permanent.

Settlement plan and provincial endorsement

After receiving the offer, you get a free needs assessment and settlement plan. Give the settlement plan to the designated employer, which applies to the province for endorsement. You need the provincial endorsement certificate before submitting the permanent residence application to IRCC.

Work experience and the graduate exemption

The general rule is at least 1,560 hours of related work experience over the past 5 years, gained over at least 1 year. The work must be paid, must not be from a self-employed job, and must include the main NOC duties. A qualifying international graduate from a recognized Atlantic institution may be exempt, subject to a program of at least 2 years, full-time study, recent graduation, and at least 16 months living in Atlantic Canada during the required period.

Education and settlement funds

For a TEER 0 or 1 offer, you generally need at least a Canadian one-year post-secondary credential or its foreign equivalent. For a TEER 2, 3, or 4 offer, you generally need at least Canadian high school or secondary school or its equivalent. Foreign education normally needs an educational credential assessment (ECA). Proof of funds is not required if you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit.

AIP, FCIP, and the optional work permit

AIP uses an Atlantic designated employer, settlement plan, and provincial endorsement. FCIP instead uses a designated employer in a participating Francophone community and a community recommendation; neither program is an Express Entry category. An eligible applicant may seek a 2-year employer-specific AIP work permit with a provincial referral letter, but approval does not automatically mean IRCC will approve permanent residence.

Frequently asked questions

Does AIP require NCLC 4 or NCLC 5 with TCF Canada?: It depends on the job offer's TEER. TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 requires NCLC 5 in all four abilities; TEER 4 requires NCLC 4 in all four.
What are the minimum TCF Canada scores for AIP?: For NCLC 5: speaking 6, listening 369, reading 375, and writing 6. For NCLC 4: speaking 4, listening 331, reading 342, and writing 4. Every ability must meet its threshold.
How old can TCF Canada results be for AIP?: The results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. You still need an approved language test even if you studied in Canada.
Is a TCF Canada result enough to apply through AIP?: No. You also need an eligible designated-employer offer, settlement plan, provincial endorsement, education, and any required work-experience and settlement-fund evidence.
How is AIP different from FCIP?: AIP operates in the four Atlantic provinces through a designated employer and provincial endorsement. FCIP operates through participating Francophone communities and a community recommendation. Both are permanent-residence pathways separate from Express Entry.

Official source

2026-08-22.

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This page provides educational information only and is not legal or immigration advice.