Nova Scotia’s Expanding Horizon: New Immigration Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Nova Scotia is taking a significant leap in expanding immigration opportunities for international graduates looking to forge careers in the healthcare field. The recent expansion of the “International Graduates in Demand” (IGD) stream within the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is making it possible for aspiring paramedics and pharmacy technicians to start their immigration journey in Nova Scotia. This development couldn’t have come at a better time, as it addresses the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in the province. In this article, authored by Sohail Nazir, we will delve into the intricacies of this exciting opportunity and offer insights into how you can make the most of it.

Nova Scotia’s PNP:

The IGD Stream: The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an initiative that empowers local governments in Canadian provinces and territories to nominate specific immigration candidates capable of addressing local labor market gaps. Nova Scotia’s PNP has expanded its IGD stream to include not only paramedics and pharmacy technicians but also previously eligible occupations such as nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates, and early childhood educators.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for immigration through the IGD stream of Nova Scotia’s PNP, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Possess a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible occupation.
2. Fall within the age bracket of 21 to 55.
3. Have successfully completed at least a high school education.
4. Finished a course of study lasting a minimum of 30 weeks in the last three years, with at least half of it undertaken in Nova Scotia.
5. Hold the requisite certifications required for the job.
6. Demonstrate official language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
7. Possess sufficient financial resources to establish permanent residence in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

The application process can be summarized into the following steps:

1. Upload the requisite documents and submit a fully completed application on the government’s official website.
2. Upon approval, apply for permanent residency directly through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months of receiving your provincial nomination certificate.

Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians:

 In High Demand The expansion of the IGD stream is occurring at a critical juncture when Nova Scotia is actively seeking more healthcare professionals. The province foresees a demand for approximately 200 pharmacy technicians over the next few years. Additionally, international students have the opportunity to explore 150 to 200 potential paramedic positions, rendering it an attractive option for those with aspirations in healthcare careers.

Healthcare Opportunities Nationwide:

Beyond the borders of Nova Scotia, healthcare professionals are in high demand throughout Canada. According to Randstad, the top three healthcare careers in demand for 2023 encompass Registered Nurses, Personal Support Workers, and Healthcare Aides. Notably, Nova Scotia’s IGD stream also extends its embrace to Healthcare Aides, ensuring a broader spectrum of opportunities for healthcare workers.

The Future of Healthcare Immigration:

The Government of Canada anticipates significant job openings in healthcare occupations between 2022 and 2031, underscoring the persistent need for healthcare professionals. To address this demand effectively, IRCC has initiated category-based Express Entry draws, including those exclusively targeting foreign nationals with healthcare experience. These draws aim to entice candidates who can contribute substantively to the growth of the healthcare sector in Canada.

Nova Scotia’s expansion of the IGD stream represents a promising pathway for international graduates harboring ambitions of working as paramedics, pharmacy technicians, or healthcare aides in the province. In the context of the ever-increasing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector across Canada, this move symbolizes the abundant opportunities awaiting individuals contemplating immigration. As Canada opens its doors wider to healthcare workers, prospective immigrants can look forward to fulfilling careers in a nation renowned for its world-class healthcare system. If you are an international graduate with an unwavering passion for healthcare, Nova Scotia’s IGD stream may well be your gateway to a radiant future in Canada.