Nova Scotia is expanding its healthcare opportunities for international graduates, offering new pathways to build careers and lives in the province.
The International Graduates in Demand (IGD) stream of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) now includes paramedics and pharmacy technicians. This expansion supports the recruitment of healthcare professionals and addresses the province’s growing demand due to an aging population and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (Nova Scotia Immigration).
The IGD stream allows international graduates from Nova Scotia institutions to apply for work permits and permanent residency even before gaining work experience. Candidates must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible occupation, be between the ages of 21 and 55, and have legal status in their country of residence (Nova Scotia Immigration).
This initiative is part of a broader effort to attract and retain skilled healthcare workers, ensuring that the province can meet its healthcare needs and provide quality care for its residents. The expansion not only enhances career prospects for international graduates but also strengthens Nova Scotia’s healthcare system (Nova Scotia Immigration).
For more details, you can visit the official Nova Scotia immigration website and other resources that discuss these new opportunities (Nova Scotia Immigration).
Key Points:
- Earlier this year, Nova Scotia introduced a tuition rebate of $11,500 for paramedics who commit to working in the province for at least three years.
- Labour, Skills, and Immigration collaborated with Advanced Education, Health and Wellness, the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists, and the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia to expand the program.
- Applicants’ educational programs must be at least 30 weeks long, with at least 50 percent of the program completed in Nova Scotia.
- Graduates from Nova Scotia Community College and private career colleges offering these programs may qualify for this stream.
