On June 16, 2021, Nova Scotia announced the addition of two new construction NOC codes to their Occupations in Demand stream. In response to labour market demands, the province has included following two NOC codes to the nominee stream:
- NOC 7521 (Heavy equipment operators (except crane))
- NOC 7611 (Construction trades helpers and labourers)
How can I be eligible to apply under this stream?
Nova Scotia’s Occupations in Demand stream requires for applicants to have a full-time and permanent job offer with a Nova Scotia employer in one of the province’s in-demand occupations. Those looking to apply must also meet the following criteria:
- have at least one year of work experience related to the job offered
- be between 21-55 years old
- have obtained a high school diploma and any other appropriate training or accreditation required for the role offered
- have taken a French or English language exam and scored a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark 4 on each area
- demonstrate sufficient funds for your and your family’s settlement in Nova Scotia
What are other Nova Scotia occupations in demand?
Nova Scotia has also indicated NOC 3413 (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) and NOC 7511 (Transport truck drivers) as in-demand occupations. In other words, Nova Scotia has identified these as occupations that fill the province’s labour market gaps. However, as the labour market shifts, these occupations are subject to change.
This announcement is good news for Nova Scotia companies unable to fill roles with Canadian permanent residents or citizens.
The construction sector is one of our province’s most critically important sectors, and I am pleased to work with the Office of Immigration and Population Growth on an ongoing basis to ensure government understands the sector’s needs and can develop new solutions to help fill labour shortages. This new immigration stream is an important option to help the construction sector fill labour shortages. I encourage all companies in the sector to consider immigration to help ensure they have the workers they need – not only will they source highly skilled tradespeople, they will be helping to make our province and economy stronger by growing our population and increasing diversity on job sites and in our communities. I am hoping this new immigration pathway will be used across the sector.
Wadih Fares, president, WM Fares Group
More provinces are looking to nominee programs to fill their labour market gaps and rebuild the economy post-COVID-19. Meanwhile, as pressure to reopen the border mounts, it will be easier for skilled workers to come to Canada.