Nova Scotia, Canada, is opening its doors wider for international students aspiring to become healthcare professionals.
The recent expansion of the “International Graduates in Demand” (IGD) stream under Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has created exciting opportunities for foreign nationals in healthcare professions.
Let’s explore the key details and steps for aspiring healthcare professionals looking to make Nova Scotia their new home.
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Expanded Eligibility
Nova Scotia has broadened its eligibility criteria to include two new healthcare professions – Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians.
To qualify for this program, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Possess a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible occupation.
- Age between 21 and 55.
- Completion of at least a high school education.
- Completion of a course of study that spans a minimum of 30 weeks within the last three years.
- Possession of the necessary certifications required for the job.
- Official language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- Sufficient financial resources to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.
Note: At least half of the qualifying educational program must have been completed in Nova Scotia.
Simplified Application Process:
Applying for immigration through the IGD stream of Nova Scotia’s PNP is now a straightforward process:
- Candidates can complete and submit their applications online through the government website.
- Upon approval, applicants have the opportunity to directly apply for Permanent Residence (PR) with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months of receiving the provincial nomination certificate.
- For a smoother transition, candidates can request a Letter of Support for a temporary work permit from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), allowing them to stay in Nova Scotia while their application is being processed.
High Demand for Healthcare Professionals:
Nova Scotia is experiencing a growing demand for healthcare professionals:
- Pharmacy Technicians: The province is expected to require around 200 pharmacy technicians in the coming years.
- Paramedics: The director of operations for Emergency Medical Care Inc., Charbel Daniel, indicates that an additional 150 to 200 paramedic positions could become available.
According to employment agency and consulting firm Randstad, these are the top three healthcare careers in demand across Canada for 2023:
- Registered Nurses (155,400)
- Personal Support Workers (34,500)
- Healthcare Aides (191,000)
According to the Government of Canada, there is a substantial number of job openings anticipated for these healthcare occupations between 2022 and 2031.
Express Entry Draws:
Canada is taking specific measures to attract skilled professionals, including healthcare professionals.
Canada conducts Express Entry draws designed to target candidates with recent work experience in healthcare professions.
Click here to view the full list of Healthcare Occupations eligible for Express Entry Draws
On June 28, 2023, the First Express Entry Draw for healthcare occupations sent out 500 invitations to apply for Canadian Permanent residency. For this draw the CRS score was 476.
On July 6, 2023, the second Express Entry Draw for healthcare occupations sent 1,500 invitations to apply for Canadian Permanent residency with a CRS Score of 463.
Stay Informed with +1 News about Latest Express Entry Draws
Conclusion:
Nova Scotia’s expansion of immigration opportunities presents a golden chance for international students pursuing healthcare careers. With a simplified application process and a high demand for healthcare professionals, Nova Scotia warmly welcomes dedicated individuals to contribute to its healthcare sector.
As Canada continues to prioritize healthcare professionals, aspiring candidates have a promising pathway to a bright future in Nova Scotia.
