Nova Scotia’s Expanding Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Nova Scotia is opening new doors for international healthcare professionals, making it easier for them to immigrate and contribute to the province's healthcare system. This initiative was announced in late September, and it paves the way for international students and professionals seeking a career in healthcare to call Nova Scotia their new home.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the IGD Stream

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are an integral part of Canada's immigration system, operating in every province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut. They empower local governments to nominate specific immigration candidates who can best address their region's labor market shortages. Before this expansion, international graduates seeking employment in specific occupations were already eligible to immigrate to Nova Scotia through the IGD stream.

These included:

1. Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 2021: 33102)
2. Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 2021: 42202)

However, the recent exciting change is the inclusion of paramedics (NOC 2021, "Paramedical Occupations": 32102) and pharmacy technicians (NOC 2021: 32124) in this stream.

Eligibility Criteria

For those wishing to seize this opportunity, several eligibility criteria must be met. To qualify for immigration through Nova Scotia's IGD stream, candidates should:

1. Hold a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible occupation.
2. Be aged between 21 and 55.
3. Have completed at least a high school education.
4. Completed a program of study lasting a minimum of 30 weeks within the past three years.
5. Possess the necessary certifications required for their job.
6. Demonstrate official language proficiency at a level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
7. Have the financial means to settle in Nova Scotia permanently, and at least half of the qualifying educational program should have been completed in Nova Scotia.

The Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing your dream of living and working in Nova Scotia through the IGD stream, here are the fundamental steps involved:

1. Upload the requisite documents and submit a completed application on the government website.
2. If your application is approved, you can then apply for permanent residency directly with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months of receiving your provincial nomination certificate.

Applicants can also request a Letter of Support for a temporary work permit from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). This letter allows them to reside in Nova Scotia while their application is being processed.

The Demand for Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians

The inclusion of paramedics and pharmacy technicians in the IGD stream signifies a significant need for skilled professionals in these roles. According to Nova Scotia's Pharmacy Association, the province is projected to require approximately 200 pharmacy technicians over the next few years. Additionally, Charbel Daniel, the director of operations for ambulance services provider Emergency Medical Care Inc., estimates that Nova Scotia may have up to 200 paramedic positions available for international students.

Beyond Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians

While the addition of paramedics and pharmacy technicians is indeed a noteworthy achievement, the demand for healthcare professionals extends beyond these two roles. Randstad, an employment agency and consulting firm, identifies the top three healthcare careers in demand across Canada for 2023:

1. Registered Nurses (NOC 2021: 31301)
2. Personal Support Workers (NOC 2021: 44101)
3. Healthcare Aides (NOC 2021: 33102)

Healthcare Aides, in particular, are also eligible for immigration to Nova Scotia through the IGD stream.

According to the Government of Canada, the expected number of job openings for each of these healthcare occupations between 2022 and 2031 is substantial, emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare professionals across the country, including Nova Scotia:

1. Registered Nurses (155,400)
2. Personal Support Workers (34,500)
3. Healthcare Aides (191,000)

Healthcare Worker Express Entry Draws

To attract more healthcare professionals to Canada, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched category-based Express Entry draws. These draws aim to invite eligible candidates who can help address labor market challenges in the healthcare sector.

In 2023, IRCC is issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through category-based draws for candidates with recent work experience in healthcare professions. To date, two healthcare category-based draws have taken place this year.

The first draw on June 28, 2023, invited 500 candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 476 to apply for Canadian permanent residency. The second draw for this category, held on July 6, invited 1,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 463.

Pelican Migration Consultants: Your Trusted Partner

If you're a healthcare professional looking to embark on a journey to Nova Scotia or anywhere else in Canada, consider partnering with Pelican Migration Consultants. Our team of experts specializes in guiding individuals through the complex immigration process, ensuring a smooth transition to your new career and life in Canada.

Contact us today to explore your immigration options and take the first step toward a brighter future. Your dreams of working in healthcare in Nova Scotia can become a reality with our support.