The expansion of the International Graduates in Demand stream now includes paramedics and pharmacy technicians, further strengthening the province’s healthcare workforce.
The expansion of the International Graduates in Demand stream now includes paramedics and pharmacy technicians, further strengthening the province’s healthcare workforce.
Nova Scotia is expanding its Provincial Nominee Program to accommodate international students pursuing careers in health care. This expansion includes paramedics and pharmacy technicians, further strengthening the province’s healthcare workforce.
The International Graduates in Demand stream, which now includes paramedics and pharmacy technicians, aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Nova Scotia.
“Paramedics and pharmacy technicians play crucial roles in our healthcare system, and we need more of them,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson in a news release. “Access to this immigration stream helps people who have grown to love our province while completing their training stay here and provide care for Nova Scotians who need it.”
The International Graduates in Demand stream aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Nova Scotia. Under the program, international students who have graduated from either public or private post-secondary institutions within Nova Scotia can apply for a work permit and permanent residency in Canada before acquiring work experience.
Previously, this pathway was exclusively available to professions such as nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates, continuing care assistants and early childhood educators.
Jill Balser, minister of labour, skills and immigration, emphasized the contribution of international students to local communities and workplaces and the province’s commitment to helping graduates establish their lives and careers in Nova Scotia. The expansion of the International Graduates in Demand pathway is seen as vital to addressing critical labor shortages and offering promising career opportunities to graduates in healthcare roles.
Role of post-secondary institutions
Brian Wong, minister of advanced education, highlighted the important role played by post-secondary institutions in attracting and retaining international students who are essential to the province’s current and future requirements. This expansion aims to encourage more international students to choose Nova Scotia as their study destination, recognizing their significance and contribution to the province’s growth, proponents said.
According to the NS International Student Program, Nova Scotia currently hosts a thriving international student community, with more than 12,000 students enrolled in its universities, colleges, secondary schools and language schools.
