International Graduate

The International Graduate stream helps Nova Scotia employers hire and retain recent international graduates. This stream targets international graduates who are living and working in the province and intend to establish their careers in Nova Scotia.

This stream is employer-driven. The International Graduate must have a guaranteed, fulltime, permanent job offer in his/her field of study from a Nova Scotia employer and be working for that employer for at least three consecutive months before submitting an application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program will only consider certain types of jobs and occupations. 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.

To be eligible to apply to the International Graduate 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 Canada and have received a certificate, diploma, or degree from a provincially-recognized post-secondary institution in Canada
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 full-time in that position for at least three months. The job offer must:
- be for a position which meets Nova Scotia Nominee Program requirements with respect to type and skill level;
- have compensation in the form of salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates. Priority will be awarded to positions with minimum salary in excess of $10.00/hour or a minimum annual wage in excess of $20,000 Canadian dollars;
- have compensation which is sufficient to retain the worker in Nova Scotia;
- not contravene existing bargaining unit agreements;
- have the qualifications, training, skills, and accreditation required for the job or a suitable plan to obtain the necessary training and skills;
- can demonstrate intention and ability to settle permanently in Nova Scotia;
- have sufficient settlement supports;
- meet the minimum criteria for age, education and language ability for this stream (as specified in the application guide).

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.

International Graduate Stream Application Guide (updated April 2010)

International Graduate Stream Frequently Asked Questions (updated April 2010)

NSNP 100 Nominee Program Application Form (pdf)
(revised March 2007)

NSNP 400 International Graduate Employer Form (pdf)
(revised June 2007)

NSNP 50 Use of a Representative form

NSNP 60 Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Forms
provide COPIES with your Nominee Application forms

IMM EP7000 Guide for Provincial Nominees

IMM 0008 Generic - Application for Permanent Residence

IMM 0008 Schedule 1 - Background/Declaration

IMM 0008 Schedule 4 - Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees

IMM 5406 - Additional Family Information