色狐入口
First , certain foreign nationals will soon be able to immigrate to Nova Scotia through the expansion of one stream within the local (PNP).
This move will make immigration to a possibility for international students who want to become paramedics and pharmacy technicians.
Announced jointly by Nova Scotia鈥檚 Minister of Health, Michelle Thompson, and the province鈥檚 Minister of Advanced Education Brian Wong, this change is taking effect because Nova Scotia is set to expand the 鈥淚nternational Graduates in Demand鈥� (IGD) stream of its PNP.
Nova Scotia鈥檚 PNP: IGD Stream
PNPs 鈥� operated in every Canadian province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut 鈥� allow local governments to nominate specific immigration candidates (for permanent residence (PR) in their region) who they feel will best help them address local labour market gaps.
Prior to this latest expansion, international graduates seeking work in the following occupations could immigrate to Nova Scotia through this PNP stream.
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (: 33102)
Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 2021: 42202)
Paramedics (NOC 2021, 鈥淧aramedical Occupations鈥�: 32102) and Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 2021: 32124) are now eligible thanks to this announcement.
In order to be eligible for immigration through this stream of Nova Scotia鈥檚 PNP, interested candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible occupation
- Be between the ages of 21 and 55
- Have completed at least a high school education
- Have completed a course of study at least 30 weeks long (in the last three years)*
- Possess the appropriate certifications required for the job
- Have official language proficiency that equates to a level 5 on the (CLB)
- Possess enough money to settle permanently in Nova Scotia
*At least half of the qualifying educational program must have been completed in Nova Scotia.
Applying for immigration through the IGD PNP stream
Here are the basic steps to apply for immigration to this province through the IGD stream of its PNP:
- Upload the required documents and submit a completed application on the
- If approved, apply for PR directly with (IRCC) within six months of receiving your provincial nomination certificate
Note: Applicants can request a Letter of Support for a temporary work permit from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), which will allow them to stay in Nova Scotia while their application is being processed.
Paramedics and pharmacy technicians needed in Nova Scotia
The chief executive of Nova Scotia鈥檚 Pharmacy Association 聽that the province will need 鈥渁bout 200 [pharmacy] technicians over the next few years.鈥�
An additional 鈥�150 [to] 200 paramedic positions could be available鈥� for international students as well, according to Charbel Daniel, the director of operations for ambulance services provider Emergency Medical Care Inc.
Beyond the two occupations added to the IGD stream of Nova Scotia鈥檚 PNP, there is significant demand for employable persons looking to work in many healthcare occupations across Canada.
Other healthcare workers are also in demand
According to employment agency and consulting firm Randstad, these are the top three :
- Registered Nurses (NOC 2021: 31301)
- Personal Support Workers (NOC 2021: 44101)
- Healthcare Aides** (NOC 2021: 33102)
**Healthcare Aides are also specifically eligible for immigration to Nova Scotia through the IGD stream, as noted above
According to the Government of Canada, the following represents the expected number of 鈥渏ob openings鈥� for each of the above occupations between 2022 and 2031.
(155,400)
听(34,500)
(191,000)
The above numbers reinforce the need for more healthcare industry workers across Canada, including in Nova Scotia.
Coming to Canada as a healthcare worker
To attract more healthcare workers, IRCC has begun conducting . The first of these draws took place on June 28, 2023.
These draws were implemented specifically to attract Canadian immigration candidates who can help address some of the most significant labour market challenges in this country.
For 2023, IRCC is issuing ITAs through category-based draws to eligible and interested candidates who possess recent work experience in one of five different occupational categories. One of this year鈥檚 categories is designated for foreign nationals with recent work experience in healthcare professions.
Healthcare category-based draw history
So far this year, Canada has conducted two healthcare category-based draws.
The first draw took place on June 28, when 500 candidates were issued an (ITA) for Canadian PR. For this draw, candidates with a (CRS) score of at least 476 were considered.
The second draw for this category took place on July 6. This draw invited 1,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 463.