The International Graduates in Demand stream is a unique opportunity for international students who have recently graduated from a post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia. This program is designed to help individuals who possess skills and education in specific fields to find full-time permanent employment and settle in Nova Scotia. The stream currently focuses on two specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories: NOC 33102, which pertains to nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates, and NOC 42202, which relates to early childhood educators and assistants.
Eligibility Criteria
The International Graduates in Demand stream has a comprehensive set of eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and resources to contribute effectively to Nova Scotia’s economy and society.
The key requirements are as follows:
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the aforementioned NOC job categories. The job offer must be directly related to the applicant's field of study, demonstrating the practical application of their education.
- Age: The program is open to individuals aged between 21 and 55 years. This age bracket targets individuals in their most productive years, ensuring that they can contribute meaningfully to the workforce for a significant period.
- Education: All applicants must hold a minimum of a high school diploma. However, given the stream's current focus on NOC 33102 and NOC 42202 job categories, higher educational qualifications corresponding to these fields are required. For NOC 33102 roles, applicants must have completed a program that confers a certificate, diploma, or degree. For NOC 42202 roles, the program should grant a diploma or a degree.
- Study in Nova Scotia: The completed course of study must have been undertaken within the three years preceding the application, ensuring that the applicant's knowledge and skills are current and relevant. The program must have been at least 30 weeks long, and at least 50% of the program must have been completed in Nova Scotia. This requirement underlines the stream's objective of retaining international graduates who have a connection with the province and are likely to succeed in the local labor market.
- Certifications: Depending on the job category, specific certifications issued by Nova Scotia regulatory bodies may be required. This ensures that the applicants meet the professional standards needed to work in their chosen field.
- Language Skills: Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in either English or French. This requirement ensures that candidates have the language skills necessary to communicate effectively in their job and integrate into Nova Scotia's society.
- Financial Resources: Applicants need to show that they have sufficient financial resources to settle successfully in Nova Scotia. This requirement ensures that the candidate can support themselves as they establish their new life in the province.
How to Apply
Once candidates have assessed their eligibility, the application process for the International Graduates in Demand stream is quite straightforward.
Candidates must complete an online application form, providing all requested information. Along with the form, applicants are required to include all necessary attachments, such as educational transcripts, proof of age, proof of job offer, proof of language proficiency, and financial documents, among others.
The International Graduates in Demand stream presents an exciting opportunity for international graduates to contribute their skills and expertise to Nova Scotia's labor market, while also offering them the chance to make a life in this dynamic province. By bridging the gap between international education and local employment, this stream enriches both the individual's career prospects and Nova Scotia's socio-economic landscape.
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