Nova Scotia approves higher level of immigration

The province of Nova Scotia has approved a higher level of immigration in 2020 as against the initial provincial allocation for the province. Thereby, Nova Scotia has set the stage for economic recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As per an official Press Release by the government of Nova Scotia, “The province approved a record number of applications for newcomers in 2020, setting the stage for population growth and economic recovery for the coming years.”

Nova Scotia is one of the 9 provinces that are a part of the Provincial Nominee Program [PNP] of Canada.

The PNP allows provinces to nominate prospective immigrants – that they find to possess the most potential of thriving within their specific province – to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] for Canadian permanent residence.

Nova Scotia is also a part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot [AIP] that includes the 4 Atlantic provinces in Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program [NSNP] – 2020
Initial allocation	3,292
Newcomers approved	3,517 AIP – 1,617 PNP – 1,900

While the province approved more newcomers in 2020 than the allocation, the focus of the NS NP in 2020 was on “skilled newcomers in essential services, such as health care and transportation, and those already living in Canada”. 

Those approved are expected to arrive in Nova Scotia with their families over the coming years following the federal processing of their cases and the easing of travel restrictions.

Despite 2020 being a challenging year with the mobility of immigrants impacted, federal as well as provincial draws were held by Canada throughout 2020.

According to Nova Scotia’s Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, “Immigration will play an important role in our economy as we recover from this pandemic. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to identify labour needs in key essential service sectors and employers who need specialized skills and talent to create economic growth.”

As on October 31, 2020, as many as 3,010 permanent residents had arrived in Nova Scotia in 2020. Of these, 69% came to Nova Scotia under the provincial programs, including 1,430 from the PNP and 635 from the AIP. The retention of international students after graduation remains a priority for Nova Scotia. In 2020, around 1,018 international graduates chose to live in Nova Scotia after the approval of their studies.

Since 2015, nurses and continuing care assistants are the 2 most-approved foreign certified professionals by the NS NP. In 2020, Nova Scotia approved 555 nurses and 624 continuing care assistants.

Additionally, around 316 foreign-trained registered nurses were invited by the NS NP in 2020 through the Labour Market Priorities stream.

Number of Nomination Certificates issued by the NS NP in previous years
Year	Nomination Certificates issued
2019	1,610
2018	1,399
2017	1,451
2016	1,383
2015	1,350

Source: Nomination Certificates Issued Dataset, government of Nova Scotia.

Nomination certificates are issued by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration [NSOI] to prospective immigrants with the potential of fulfilling a labour market need and making a contribution to Nova Scotia’s economy. Nominees then apply to IRCC for a Canadian permanent resident visa.

The maximum number of certificates that a provincial government might issue annually through the PNP is determined by the federal government.

National Occupational Classification [NOC] codes that got the most number of Nomination Certificates in 2019
NOC Code	Nomination Certificates Issued
7511 – Transport truck drivers	48
6322 – Cooks	128
6311 – Food service supervisors	92
4214 – Early childhood educators and assistants	161
3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses	169
1311— Accounting technicians and bookkeepers	44
1241 – Administrative assistants	52
1111 – Financial auditors and accountants	142

Source: Labour Market Classification of Nominees Dataset, government of Nova Scotia.

As per the NS NP, “A nomination certificate may represent one or more people. Each nomination certificate issued includes the principal applicant and any family members [spouse and dependents] expected to accompany them to Canada.”

If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.

If you found this blog engaging, you may also like …

Top 10 most-accepting countries for migrants