New Healthcare Occupations Added to Nova Scotia IGD Stream

Sanjay Yadav
[Published 29 Mar, 2024 | 02:55 PM]
About Author - 6 min read
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Good news for international graduates!

Nova Scotia announced the expansion of healthcare occupations under International Graduates in Demand (IGD), a stream within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).

This move will help international graduates who wish to work as paramedics and pharmacy technicians to immigrate to Canada from India and build a thriving career in Nova Scotia.

Apply for the Nova Scotia PNP Program

Nova Scotia’s PNP: IGD Stream

Every Canadian province and territory, except Quebec and Nunavut, has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with unique requirements. These PNPs are tailored to hire and nominate candidates for permanent residency who meet the Canada PR eligibility and can help them address the local labour market gaps. 

Before Nova Scotia expanded the list, the eligible occupations included:

• Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102)
• Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)

But thanks to the new move, international graduates who wished to work in Nova Scotia could move via the IGD stream and work in the following occupations too:

• Paramedics (NOC, “Paramedical Occupations” 32102)
• Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)

Demand for Paramedics and Pharmacy Technicians in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia needs healthcare workers, especially, paramedics and pharmacy technicians over the next few years to meet the labour market gaps.

• Pharmacy Technicians: Around 200 jobs
• Paramedic jobs: 150-200 jobs

Apart from these, the province has a great demand for skilled workers in numerous healthcare occupations.

Who is eligible?

If you are an international graduate who wishes to work in Nova Scotia’s healthcare industry, meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia, in an eligible occupation
• Your age must be between 21 and 55
• Completion of a high school education
• Completion of a course, a minimum of 30 weeks long in the last three years (at least half of the program must be completed in Nova Scotia)
• Must have all the certifications you require for the job
• Must prove language proficiency, equivalent to CLB level 5
• Have enough funds to live in Nova Scotia permanently

How to Apply?

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for Nova Scotia PNP through its International Graduates in Demand stream:

Step 1: Submit the complete application for Nova Scotia PNP along with supporting documents on the official website of the government.

Step 2: If your application is approved, you can apply for Canada PR from India with the federal government – within six months of gaining a provincial nomination certificate.

If you wish to temporarily work in Nova Scotia, request a Letter of Support from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). By securing this letter, you will be able to stay in the province while your application is under processing.

Immigrate to Canada As A Healthcare Professional

Did you know? Between 2017 and 2022, Canada welcomed more than 21,000 healthcare professionals, over 4,000 workers a year!

As per the Canada Immigration Levels Plans 2024-2026, IRCC is planning to increase this number and welcome around 8,000 workers a year. This is amazing news for healthcare workers in India planning to make the move in 2024.

To attract more and more healthcare workers, Canada introduced category-based draws on May 31, 2023.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Six categories were selected under the category-based draws, and healthcare occupations were among them. A total of 35 occupations have been selected for the Healthcare occupations category.

In 2023, IRCC invited a total of 5,600 newcomers under category-based Express Entry draws. In 2024, so far only one healthcare draw has happened under Express Entry, inviting 3,500 newcomers.

In-demand jobs in Canada for Indian Healthcare workers are:

• Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses: 155,400 jobs
• Personal Support Workers: 34,500 jobs
• Healthcare Aides: 191,000
• Licensed Practical Nurses: 27,800 jobs
• Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors: 23,100 jobs
• Specialist Physicians: 29,800 jobs
• Professional occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating: 17,900 jobs
• Physiotherapists: 14,300 jobs

Keep an eye out for future Express Entry draws if you wish to move to Canada and be a part of its healthcare sector.

Talk to an Expert

Nova Scotia’s addition of new healthcare occupations will attract more and more international graduates to apply for the International Graduates in Demand stream under NSNP. 

A career in Canada will not only help you with job security but also improve your chances of positively impacting so many people’s lives. Whether you are on the front lines or behind the scenes, Canada’s healthcare jobs offer ample opportunities for Indians to work and live in Canada.

Canada PR Visa Approval As Psychologist | Nationwidevisas Reviews

All Set?

If you’re having trouble understanding the work permit rules and SOWP process, connect with the best immigration consultants in Delhi, Nationwide Visas. They are equipped with the proficiency to accurately assess your case and advise the most suitable course of action for best serving your needs.

Good Luck!

Read more: Move to Canada from India as a Healthcare worker