International Graduate

(Version française)

The International Graduate stream helps employers hire and retain recent international graduates whose skills may be in limited supply in the province. This stream targets international graduates who have established strong ties to Nova Scotia and intend to live, work, and establish their careers in this province.

This stream is employer-driven. The International Graduate must have a guaranteed, full-time, permanent job offer in his/her field of study from a Nova Scotia employer before submitting an application to the NSNP. The NSNP does not have a specific occupation or skill shortage list. However, the NSNP will only consider certain types of jobs and occupations to approve for nomination.

Applications are assessed on a case by case basis. Provincial priorities may change as skill shortages are identified or met by permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Priority will be given to International Graduates whose employers can demonstrate that they will provide additional supports to assist newcomers with their settlement needs.

To be eligible to apply to this stream, the International Graduate 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 an employer in Nova Scotia in his/her field of study and at an acceptable level and have been working for at least three months in this position. The job offer must:
  

• be for a position which meets NSNP requirements with respect to type of job, and have relatively high education and skill levels
• have compensation in the form of salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates
• have compensation which is sufficient to retain the worker in Nova Scotia
• not contravene existing bargaining unit agreements or any employment disputes

• have the qualifications, training or skills, and accreditation required for the job or a suitable plan to obtain the necessary
• can demonstrate intention and ability to settle permanently in Nova Scotia
• have sufficient settlement supports
• meet the minimum criteria for age, education, work experience, and language ability requirements for this stream.

International Graduate Application Guide and Forms

Please carefully review and follow the instructions outlined in the NSNP International Graduate Application Guide and Forms. The applications will be assessed based on the criteria outlined in the Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
International Graduate Stream
(revised June 2007)
NSNP International Graduate Application Guide (pdf)
(revised August 2007)
NSNP 100 Nominee Program Application Form (pdf)
(revised March 2007)
NSNP 400 International Graduate Employer Form (pdf)
(revised June 2007)


If applicable:
NSNP 50 Use of a Representative form (December 2006)
NSNP 60 Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (December 2006)