Immigration from Colombia to Dartmouth, NS.

[juanphoyos]

Hi there people,

I hope you’re doing well in this new year.

I’m reaching out to learn more about immigration paths and to see whether anyone might be able to assist me with an immigration-related question.

I am currently in a recruitment process for a Project Coordinator position in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. While the role does not align perfectly with a single NOC, it closely fits under NOC 70010 (Construction Managers). I am scheduled to interview with the General Manager in mid-January.

One of the main concerns on their side is the timeline, as they would prefer not to wait up to six months to fill the position. I’ve been reviewing different immigration pathways associated with job offers, but I would appreciate any guidance on which option might be the fastest (ideally under four months), given my situation.

My goal is to clearly understand what options may be available so I can have an informed and transparent discussion with the employer. I am currently based in Colombia.

I would be happy to learn how work permits works and whether this is a case you could assist with.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,
Juan Pablo Hoyos

 

[Naturgrl]

So you have an approved LMIA with your employer? Or is this through FTA but don't think NOC is listed. The employer has to prove no Canadian can do the job, only you with your work experience, education (ECA) and language scores. So if employer doesn't have a LMIA then it can take up to a year. Assume you have an engineering degree or other education that matches the NOC.

Does employer know that you cannot work in Canada?

 

[juanphoyos]

They have never hired an international candidate that is outside Canada. At this point I don't know if there's already a LMIA because the process started the last 2025 workable week and they just went on vacations.
They do know that I'm not currently able to work in Canada.
It all has started in an Atlantic Immigration Program session that took place in Mexico on November 2025 that was promoted by IRCC.

 

[Naturgrl]

They have never hired an international candidate that is outside Canada. At this point I don't know if there's already a LMIA because the process started the last 2025 workable week and they just went on vacations.
They do know that I'm not currently able to work in Canada.
It all has started in an Atlantic Immigration Program session that took place in Mexico on November 2025 that was promoted by IRCC.

So you have to find out from the employer how you are going to be employed. AIP is a PR program so your employer would have to have been approved as a designated employer with the provincial government. If not approved as a designated employer then they need to start the process, then you need to apply for AIP, be nominated and then apply for a work permit. Assume you have read the AIP requirements and have ECA and language tests done.

If they have to apply for LMIA that can take many months as they have to prove no Canadian has your education, work experience and language skills to the job.

Employer would know that it could be a long time for you to begin work, if you have no LMIA, work permit or PR application under way.

 

[juanphoyos]

So you have to find out from the employer how you are going to be employed. AIP is a PR program so your employer would have to have been approved as a designated employer with the provincial government. If not approved as a designated employer then they need to start the process, then you need to apply for AIP, be nominated and then apply for a work permit. Assume you have read the AIP requirements and have ECA and language tests done.

If they have to apply for LMIA that can take many months as they have to prove no Canadian has your education, work experience and language skills to the job.

Employer would know that it could be a long time for you to begin work, if you have no LMIA, work permit or PR application under way.

The employer is currently a designated employer for the AIP. I have read all the AIP requirements and I already have my language test done, and the ECA is going on the background, it would take a month to have it.
But I read that there's required a provincial endorsement too, in NS that endorsement is treated as a EOI, maybe that processing time would be so long? (Even before going through the national government process)

 

[Naturgrl]

The employer is currently a designated employer for the AIP. I have read all the AIP requirements and I already have my language test done, and the ECA is going on the background, it would take a month to have it.
But I read that there's required a provincial endorsement too, in NS that endorsement is treated as a EOI, maybe that processing time would be so long? (Even before going through the national government process)

Through AIP, you may never be invited as based on quotas and NOCs in demand. For AIP, you need to apply and be eligible for PR, get provincial support letter and then apply for work permit. Discuss with your employer since they are designated. There is no fast way through AIP as processing is around 37 months so if they need someone ASAP then will not be possible.

https://liveinnovascotia.com/eoi-process