The Nova Scotia Physician Stream under the Express Entry Program of Nova Scotia is an easier immigration pathway for physicians looking to make their career in Nova Scotia, Canada. This stream allows physicians worldwide to establish their expertise in a province that values healthcare professionals and apply for PR.
This page explains the eligibility criteria, the application process of the Physician Stream Nova Scotia, and reasons why choose Nova Scotia as a prime destination for physicians who want to expand their career in Canada.
What is the Nova Scotia Physician Stream?
The Nova Scotia Physician Stream is a provincial nominee program which is designed to attract physicians into the province to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. This program is aligned with the immigration selection system used by the Canadian Government, the Express Entry system which is point-based. The Canadian Government uses this system to manage the applications made for permanent residence.
Physicians can apply for permanent residency in Canada if they are nominated through the Nova Scotia Physician Stream. This provides an excellent opportunity for healthcare workers to live and work in a vibrant and welcoming province.
Benefits of the Nova Scotia Physician Stream
Physicians who want to settle in Nova Scotia can widely benefit from this stream as it offers a direct pathway for Permanent Residency. Many other benefits of the NS physician stream are listed below.
- If the physicians are nominated through the Express Entry system, they can apply for permanent residency. This will give them and their families the security to live and work in Canada.
- The nominated healthcare professionals get provincial support from the government of Nova Scotia. The province supports and facilitates the integration of physicians and helps them have a successful transition of life in the province.
- Nova Scotia has a rapidly growing population and an aging demographic which increases the demand for skilled physicians. This program helps meet the high demand for physicians and makes it an ideal destination for medical professionals.
- Nova Scotia has a growing demand for healthcare professionals providing professional growth for physicians. This makes advances in their careers in a progressive and collaborative healthcare environment.
- Apart from all these professional advantages, Nova Scotia offers a beautiful and peaceful lifestyle. It offers a high standard of living, features beautiful coastlines and a vibrant cultural scene.
Eligibility Criteria for the Nova Scotia Physician Stream
The applicant has to meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for the Nova Scotia Physician Stream.
Medical Qualifications
To qualify for the Physician stream in Nova Scotia, the applicant should be a fully licensed physician with a Doctor of Medicine degree from a recognized medical college. A certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia stating that the applicant is eligible to practice medicine in Nova Scotia should be obtained.
Work Experience
The applicant should have at least two years of work experience in the medical profession. The applicant should be currently employed or should have a job offer to practice medicine in Nova Scotia.
Job Offer
To apply under the Nova Scotia Physician Stream, the applicant should have a valid and full-time job offer. The job offer will be valid only if it is a job that has been listed under the National Occupational Classification(NOC)from a registered employer in Nova Scotia
Language Proficiency
Applicants should demonstrate their proficiency in English or French as these are the two official languages of Canada. The applicant has to meet the language requirements in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Intention to Settle in Nova Scotia
The applicant should intend to permanently live and work in Nova Scotia. This will be assessed during the application process to make sure that the applicants are genuinely interested in contributing to the province.
Express Entry Profile
The applicant should have an active profile in the Express Entry pool to be eligible for the Nova Scotia physician stream. Express Entry is the primary immigration system for skilled workers and applicants who should meet the criteria for any of the Express Entry programs.
The Application Process
The steps involved in the application process for the Nova Scotia Physician stream are as follows:
Create an Express Entry Profile
The first step of the application process for the NS physician stream will be to create an Express Entry Profile on the official Canadian government website. Once the profile is created, the system will check whether you meet the criteria for any of the three federal immigration programs. If the applicant is qualified, the
Apply for the Nova Scotia Physician Stream
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Nova Scotia Physician Stream, you can apply directly through the Nova Scotia Immigration website. You will need to provide supporting documents such as proof of your medical qualifications, a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, proof of language proficiency, and your Express Entry profile details.
Receive a Nomination from Nova Scotia
If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination from the Nova Scotia government. This nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
Apply for Permanent Residency
With the nomination in hand, you can submit your application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The processing time for permanent residency applications under the Express Entry system is typically six months or less. Once your application is approved, you and your family can move to Nova Scotia and begin your new life in Canada.
Important Considerations
Medical Licensure: As mentioned, physicians must be licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia to practice in the province. This process involves credential verification, examinations, and sometimes additional training.
Healthcare in Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia has a publicly funded healthcare system that is accessible to all residents. The province is committed to improving healthcare services, making it an ideal location for physicians who are passionate about providing quality care to the community.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Limits: The Nova Scotia Physician Stream is part of the broader Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), which has specific quotas and limits for applications. It’s important to stay informed about the program’s annual cap to ensure your application is submitted within the timeline.
Permanent Residency and Family Sponsorship: If you receive permanent residency through the Nova Scotia Physician Stream, you may also be able to sponsor your family members for immigration to Canada. This includes your spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, and other eligible family members.
Why Choose Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia offers a unique combination of professional opportunities and a high quality of life. With its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities, it’s no surprise that physicians from around the world are eager to settle in the province. Moreover, the Nova Scotia Physician Stream provides a streamlined, supportive immigration process that helps medical professionals begin their careers in the province with ease.
By choosing to settle in Nova Scotia, you are not only advancing your medical career but also becoming part of a community dedicated to providing excellent healthcare and contributing to the well-being of its residents. This is a place where your skills as a physician are valued, and your contributions to healthcare are recognized.