After You Graduate

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Are you an international student and interested in staying in Nova Scotia? We want you to stay, too.

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The province selects and nominates people that will contribute to our labour market and economy. An international graduate of a recognized institution in Nova Scotia may be eligible for a permanent residency pathway.

If you're interested in working in Nova Scotia, you have options. Here are some helpful resources for possible permanent residency pathways:

I have a job offer from a Nova Scotian employer

You may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker stream. To apply, you must be between 21-55 years of age and have 1 year of work experience related to the job. 

I have high skilled work experience in Nova Scotia

You may be eligible to apply for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream. This program selects highly skilled individuals who wish to permanently live in Nova Scotia. To apply, you must be between 21-55 years of age and have 1 year of work experience in an occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification.

I want to open or purchase a business in Nova Scotia

You may be interested in the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream. This invitation-only stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia University or the Nova Scotia Community College. You must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least 1 year.

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Take a Closer Look at Immigration Streams

There are several provincial immigration pathways available, depending on your background, education and experience. Explore our Nova Scotia Nominee Program and Atlantic Immigration Program pages for more information.

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A comprehensive Application Guide for each stream is available on our Immigration page.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us!

For information on federal post-graduation work permits, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.