The province will select candidates from the Express Entry pool, give them a nomination and an additional 600 points.
Nova Scotia needs more medical workers. So now general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3112), as well as specialist physicians (NOC 3111) who have an Express Entry profile, can immigrate through the Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Stream within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
Applicants must have a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Center (IWK) in Halifax and commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for a minimum of two years. There are also additional requirements.
There are currently 124 job openings at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. These positions vary by profession and provincial regions.
According to statistics, more than 50,000 residents of Nova Scotia do not have a family physician. Last year, provincial authorities invested nearly $40 million in increasing medical workers’ salaries and introducing the technology needed to improve access to primary care.
How the New Stream Works
To qualify for a provincial nomination under the new stream for physicians, candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile, which is the main source of skilled foreign workers in Canada.
The Express Entry system is based on three federal programs. Provinces regularly hold draws to select a certain number of candidates with the highest score and invite them to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Eligible physicians selected by Nova Scotia will receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) through the Express Entry system and must apply for a nomination from Nova Scotia within 30 days of receiving the LOI. Applicants approved by the province get an additional 600 points to their score in the Express Entry system and, in fact, receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program also includes the Physician Stream that works separately from the Express Entry system.