Exciting developments for international graduates!
Nova Scotia has unveiled plans to broaden the scope of healthcare professions covered under the International Graduates in Demand (IGD) stream within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
This initiative is poised to facilitate the immigration process for international graduates aspiring to pursue careers as paramedics and pharmacy technicians in Nova Scotia, particularly those hailing from India, offering them a promising pathway to establish a successful professional journey in the province.
Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): International Graduates in Demand (IGD) Stream
Each Canadian province and territory, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, administers a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with specific criteria. These PNPs are tailored to nominate candidates for permanent residency who meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian PR and can assist in addressing local labor market shortages.
Pre-Expansion Eligible Occupations:
Before Nova Scotia’s recent expansion, eligible occupations encompassed roles such as:
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102)
Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
However, thanks to the recent expansion, international graduates aspiring to work in Nova Scotia can now pursue careers in the following additional occupations via the IGD stream:
Paramedics (NOC "Paramedical Occupations" 32102)
Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)
Demand for Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians in Nova Scotia:
Nova Scotia is projecting a need for healthcare professionals, particularly paramedics and pharmacy technicians, over the upcoming years to address labor market shortages.
Pharmacy Technicians: Approximately 200 positions
Paramedic roles: 150-200 positions
In addition to these roles, the province is experiencing significant demand for skilled workers across various healthcare occupations.
If you are an international graduate aiming to pursue a career in Nova Scotia’s healthcare sector, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Secure a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia in an eligible occupation.
Age between 21 and 55 years
Completion of high school education.
Completion of a program lasting a minimum of 30 weeks within the last three years (with at least half of the program completed in Nova Scotia).
Possess all necessary certifications for the job.
Demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB level 5.
Have sufficient funds to support permanent residency in Nova Scotia.
How to Apply?
Here’s a breakdown of the steps to apply for Nova Scotia PNP through its International Graduates in Demand stream:
Step 1: Complete the application for Nova Scotia PNP along with all supporting documents via the official government website.
Step 2: Upon approval of your application, you can proceed to apply for Canadian PR from India through the federal government within six months of receiving a provincial nomination certificate.
If you intend to work temporarily in Nova Scotia during the processing of your application, you can request a Letter of Support from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). This letter enables you to remain in the province while your application is being reviewed.
Did you know? Between 2017 and 2022, Canada welcomed over 21,000 healthcare professionals, averaging over 4,000 workers annually!
According to the Canada Immigration Levels Plans for 2024-2026, IRCC aims to further increase this number, aiming to welcome approximately 8,000 workers annually. This presents incredible opportunities for healthcare professionals in India planning to relocate in 2024.
To attract more healthcare workers, Canada introduced category-based draws on May 31, 2023.
Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Healthcare occupations were among the six categories selected for these draws, encompassing a total of 35 occupations.
In 2023, IRCC invited a total of 5,600 newcomers under category-based Express Entry draws. In 2024, there has been one healthcare draw under Express Entry, inviting 3,500 newcomers thus far.
In-Demand Jobs in Canada for Indian Healthcare Workers:
Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses: 155,400 jobs
Personal Support Workers: 34,500 jobs
Healthcare Aides: 191,000 jobs
Licensed Practical Nurses: 27,800 jobs
Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors: 23,100 jobs
Specialist Physicians: 29,800 jobs
Professional occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating: 17,900 jobs
Physiotherapists: 14,300 jobs
Keep an eye out for future Express Entry draws if you aspire to relocate to Canada and contribute to its healthcare sector.
Nova Scotia’s inclusion of new healthcare occupations will attract more international graduates to apply for the International Graduates in Demand stream under NSNP.
All Set?
If you encounter challenges in understanding work permit regulations and the SOWP process, reach out to the leading immigration consultants in Delhi, Universal Adviser. They possess the expertise to accurately evaluate your case and recommend the most suitable course of action to meet your needs.