Nova Scotia to offer more immigration prospects for Overseas healthcare professionals via NSNP

The joint announcement from Nova Scotia's Minister of Health, Michelle Thompson, and Minister of Advanced Education, Brian Wong, heralds the expansion of the "International Graduates in Demand" (IGD) stream within Nova Scotia's PNP.

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP): IGD Stream

The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), active in every Canadian province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut, allow regional authorities to nominate immigration candidates, granting them PR, who are seen as pivotal in addressing local labour market gaps.

Prior to this recent expansion, international graduates in select occupations were eligible to immigrate to Nova Scotia via this PNP stream, which included Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates (NOC 2021: 33102), Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 2021: 42202). 

However, this announcement now extends eligibility to Paramedics (NOC 2021: 32102) and Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 2021: 32124).

To qualify for immigration through this stream of Nova Scotia's PNP, candidates must meet specific criteria:

• Possess a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible occupation.
• Be between 21 and 55 years of age.
• Hold at least a high school education.
• Have completed a program of study lasting a minimum of 30 weeks within the last three years, with at least half of it completed in Nova Scotia.
• Possess the requisite certifications for the job.
• Demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
• Have the financial means to establish permanent residence in Nova Scotia.

Applying for immigration through the IGD PNP stream involves these steps:

1. Upload the necessary documents and complete the application on the government website.
2. Upon approval, apply for permanent residence directly with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months of receiving the provincial nomination certificate.

It is key to note that the candidates can also request a Letter of Support for a temporary work permit from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) to stay in Nova Scotia during the processing of their application.

Nova Scotia's growing need for paramedics and pharmacy technicians

Nova Scotia's growing need for paramedics and pharmacy technicians is evident, with approximately 200 pharmacy technician positions projected in the near future, and an additional 150 to 200 paramedic roles anticipated for international students.

Demand for professionals in various healthcare occupations across Canada

Beyond these additions, there is a substantial demand for professionals in various healthcare occupations across Canada. The top three healthcare careers in demand for 2023, as indicated by Randstad, include Registered Nurses (NOC 2021: 31301), Personal Support Workers (NOC 2021: 44101), and Healthcare Aides (NOC 2021: 33102). Notably, Healthcare Aides are also eligible for immigration to Nova Scotia through the IGD stream.

According to the Government of Canada, the expected number of job openings in the aforementioned occupations between 2022 and 2031 is as follows: 

• Registered Nurses (155,400), 
• Personal Support Workers (34,500), and 
• Healthcare Aides (191,000). ‘

These figures underscore the pressing need for more healthcare professionals not only in Nova Scotia but across Canada.

Category-based Express Entry draws

To attract more healthcare workers, IRCC has introduced category-based Express Entry draws, including a specific category for foreign nationals with recent work experience in healthcare professions. These initiatives are designed to address significant labour market challenges in the country and facilitate the immigration of qualified candidates in 2023. In the current year, Canada has initiated two Express Entry draws specifically targeting the healthcare category.

Also read-

New PEI PNP immigration draw- Prince Edward Island invites 104 candidates

Labour Force Survey- Sep 2023- Employment rose in Canada while unemployment rate remained stable

IRCC issues new guiding principles for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

ACT Invitation Round 12 October- Canberra invites 168 candidates to apply for ACT nomination

To apply for Canada PR this year under the guidance of a trusted Canada Migration Expert, reach out to Visas Avenue  on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can send us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar