1) Nova Scotia International Graduates in Demand Program
This program is aimed at international students who have recently graduated and whose skills and educational backgrounds match specific occupational needs in Nova Scotia. Currently, the program designates demand occupations in two categories:
- NOC 33102 (Skill Level C): Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
- NOC 42202 (Skill Level B): Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
The program's requirements for applicants include:
- Age between 21 and 55 years old.
- A full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a field related to their studies.
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) from Canada and the necessary certification for their occupation.
- Completion of a relevant program of at least 30 weeks in the past three years, with at least 50% of the program completed in Nova Scotia.
- A language proficiency level of CLB 5 or higher in English or French (IELTS: Listening - 5, Speaking - 5, Reading - 4).
- Sufficient funds or expected income to support settlement in the province.
Qualifications for employers in this program include:
- Registered and operating in Nova Scotia.
- Operating normally for a minimum of two years.
The typical processing time for this program is approximately 17 to 22 months.
2) Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Program
This program is specifically designed for international students and aims to attract talented international graduates to start businesses and settle in Nova Scotia.
The program's main requirements for applicants include:
- Age of 21 or older.
- Completion of at least two years of study at a Nova Scotia university or college and obtaining a relevant credential.
- Meeting language requirements: CLB 7 or higher in English or French (IELTS: Listening - 6, Reading - 6, Writing - 6, Speaking - 6).
- Holding a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Operating a business in Nova Scotia for at least one year before submitting an intention to apply for immigration. The applicant must own at least one-third of the business and be actively involved in its daily operations, and the business must be in good financial standing.
Depending on the nature of the business, there are additional requirements:
- For startups: Hiring at least one Canadian citizen or PR holder (non-relative) as a full-time employee.
- For purchased businesses: Existing employees must continue to receive the same terms of employment as before.
The typical processing time for this program is approximately three years, including a one-year entrepreneurship period and a two-year immigration application review period.
