NSNP International Graduates In Demand

The Nova Scotia International Graduates In Demand stream is for individuals who have studied in Nova Scotia and hold a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an occupation in high demand.

This is a full guide to the International Graduate stream of theNova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP).

Successful candidates under this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) receive a provincial nomination from Nova Scotia, allowing the candidate to apply for permanent resident status toImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The candidate’s spouse or common-law partner, as well as any dependent children, may also be included in the application.

International Graduate stream requirements

To be eligible for the NSNP International Graduates In Demand stream, candidates must meet the following requirements:

A job offer in an occupation in high demand

The International Graduates In Demand stream currently covers 4 occupations in high demand (these occupations may change in future) under theNational Occupational Classification (NOC)as follows:

• NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• NOC 42202: Early childhood educators and assistants
• NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians
• NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations

To be eligible for the programme, candidates must hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of these occupations in high demand, and the job offer must correspond to the candidate’s recent field of study.

Candidates must also hold certification for the job issued by a Nova Scotia regulatory body.

Education in Nova Scotia

To be eligible, candidates must have met the requirements to complete a course corresponding to their occupation in high demand. This must have been completed within 3 years of applying, the programme of study must have lasted at least 30 weeks, and at least 50% of the programme must have been completed in Nova Scotia. The programme length required depends on the occupation in high demand:

• NOC 33102: the programme must lead to a certificate, diploma or university degree
• NOC 42202: the programme must lead to a diploma or university degree
• NOC 32102 or 32124: the programme must lead to a diploma

Language ability

Candidates must sit an approved language test demonstrating English or French ability meeting or exceedingCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB)level 5. The test must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.

International Graduate stream application process

To apply to the Nova Scotia International Graduates In Demand stream, candidates must take the following 3 steps:

Step 1: apply online to Nova Scotia

All eligible candidates may apply directly to Nova Scotia. This is done using the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program online application portal athere.

Step 2: receive the provincial nomination

NSNP application processing times vary. If the application is approved, the candidate receives an official provincial nomination from the province of Nova Scotia.

Step 3: submit the federal application for permanent resident status

With the provincial nomination, candidates are eligible to apply to the federal government for permanent resident status. This application includes detailed personal information and supporting documents — similar to the provincial nomination application.

Notably, the NSNP International Graduates In Demand stream is not linked to Canada’s Express Entry system, which means applications are processed more slowly. Candidates should be prepared to wait more than a year for their application to be processed.