Good News for International Graduates: Nova Scotia Expands Healthcare Occupations

Nova Scotia, a province in Canada, has recently announced an expansion of healthcare occupations under the International Graduates in Demand (IGD) stream within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). This move is poised to open doors for international graduates, particularly from India, who aspire to work as paramedics and pharmacy technicians in Nova Scotia and build thriving careers in the healthcare sector.

Nova Scotia’s PNP: IGD Stream

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a mechanism through which Canadian provinces and territories, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, nominate candidates for permanent residency who meet the eligibility criteria and can address local labor market gaps. Before the recent expansion, the eligible occupations under Nova Scotia's IGD stream included nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates, and early childhood educators and assistants.

With the recent expansion, international graduates interested in working in Nova Scotia can now move via the IGD stream and work in additional occupations such as paramedics and pharmacy technicians.

Demand for Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia needs healthcare workers, particularly paramedics and pharmacy technicians, to fill labor market gaps in the coming years. The province anticipates a demand for around 200 pharmacy technician positions and 150-200 paramedic positions.

Beyond these roles, there is a broader demand for skilled workers across various healthcare occupations in Nova Scotia.

Eligibility Criteria for International Graduates

International graduates seeking to work in Nova Scotia's healthcare industry must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

• Having a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia in an eligible occupation
• Age between 21 and 55
• Completion of high school education
• Completion of a course, at least 30 weeks long within the last three years, with at least half of the program completed in Nova Scotia
• Possession of all required certifications for the job
• Proof of language proficiency equivalent to CLB level 5
• Sufficient funds to live in Nova Scotia permanently

How to Apply

To apply for Nova Scotia PNP through the IGD stream, applicants should follow these steps:

1. Submit a complete application for Nova Scotia PNP along with supporting documents on the official government website.
2. If the application is approved, apply for Canadian Permanent Residency within six months of receiving a provincial nomination certificate.
3. For temporary work in Nova Scotia, request a Letter of Support from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) to stay in the province during application processing.

Immigrating to Canada as a Healthcare Professional

Canada has been actively welcoming healthcare professionals in recent years, with plans to increase this intake further. Healthcare occupations have been among the categories selected for Express Entry draws, facilitating the immigration process for skilled workers.

In 2023, IRCC invited 5,600 newcomers under category-based Express Entry draws, including healthcare professionals. In 2024, there have been ongoing draws with a focus on healthcare occupations, indicating Canada's continued need for skilled healthcare workers.

In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in Canada for Indian Healthcare Workers

For Indian healthcare workers considering a move to Canada, several in-demand occupations await, including:

• Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses
• Personal Support Workers
• Healthcare Aides
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors
• Specialist Physicians
• Professional occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating
• Physiotherapists

Keeping an eye on future Express Entry draws is advisable for those interested in migrating to Canada and contributing to its healthcare sector.

Conclusion

Nova Scotia's expansion of healthcare occupations under the IGD stream is a significant development that will attract more international graduates to apply for the NSNP. A career in Canada's healthcare sector not only offers job security but also provides opportunities to positively impact the lives of many. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, Canada's healthcare jobs offer ample opportunities for international graduates to work and live in the country, contributing to its diverse and thriving healthcare landscape.