News release

Province Introduces New Immigration Stream

Immigration (Jan. 2005 - Feb. 2021)

Nova Scotia employers recruiting and wanting to retain international graduates with sought-after skills have a new option.

The international graduate stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program is employer-driven and focuses on international graduates who have strong ties to Nova Scotia and intend to live, work and establish careers here.

The international graduate must have a guaranteed, full-time permanent job offer in their field of study from a Nova Scotia employer and be working for that employer before submitting an application to the nominee program.

There is no program application fee.

"As we work to build a globally competitive workforce in Nova Scotia, it makes good sense to introduce a stream that targets international graduates who want to live here and are able to help address the market needs of Nova Scotia businesses," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Immigration. "Having studied here, international graduates already have their credentials recognized. They have established themselves in the local community, are familiar with life in Nova Scotia and want to build their careers here."

In 2004-2005 there were 3,594 full-time international students attending Nova Scotia universities and community colleges.

The launch of the international graduate stream is in response to feedback received during immigration strategy consultations. Participants recommended the province add three categories so the nominee program is open to immigrants with a wider range of backgrounds and experiences.

A family business worker stream, introduced in December, enables local entrepreneurs to address labour-market needs by bringing qualified family members to the province. A third category, entrepreneurial, is expected before the end of the year.

Individuals interested in applying to the stream must:

  • have graduated within the last two years from a program of at least one academic year of full-time study in Nova Scotia and have received a certificate, diploma or degree from a recognized Nova Scotia post-secondary institution;

  • have legal status in Canada on a temporary work permit;

  • have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in their field of study and at an acceptable level, and have been working for at least three months in this position;

  • have the appropriate education, training, qualifications, licencing, and accreditation required for the position;

  • can demonstrate an intention and ability to settle permanently in Nova Scotia;

  • have sufficient supports; and

  • meet the minimum criteria for age, education and language ability requirements for this stream.

A complete list of criteria, as well as application guide and forms are available online at www.novascotiaimmigration.com/en-page1100.aspx

The nominee program enables the province to select immigrants who meet labour-market and economic needs. A person who is nominated or recommended by Nova Scotia is eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa at a Canadian visa office under one of the federal economic classes known as the Provincial Nominee Class.

The province's immigration strategy was launched in January 2005.