Employer Immigration Supports & Pathways

Hiring internationally doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Hiring internationally can feel complicated, especially when you’re trying to figure out which immigration pathway is right for your business.

Western REN has created two practical resources to help Western Nova Scotia employers navigate the process, understand their options and make informed decisions about hiring international workers.

WHERE SHOULD I START?

– Our Immigration Pathway Decision Tree

Not sure which immigration program may be the best fit for your business?

Our Immigration Pathway Decision Tree walks you through a series of questions about your business, the position you’re hiring for and the worker you’re looking to hire.

It can help you identify immigration pathways that may be worth exploring based on your hiring situation, and direct you to the appropriate resources in the Employer Toolkit.

* This decision tree tool was created with the help of Claude AI. Be sure to verify the information with
government websites for any updates and official information.

– Our Employer Toolkit

Looking for a more complete guide to international recruitment and hiring?

The Employer Toolkit: Navigating the Immigration Recruitment and Hiring Processes in Nova Scotia provides practical information to help employers understand immigration pathways, recruitment considerations, costs, timelines and the steps involved in hiring internationally.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS

What you’ll find in the Employer Toolkit

The Employer Toolkit brings together practical information and resources to help employers navigate the international recruitment and hiring process.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Permanent Residency pathways – An overview of PR pathways available to employers, including the Atlantic Immigration Program and Nova Scotia Nominee Program.
• Temporary Foreign Worker pathway – An overview of the TFW streams
• Fraud awareness and due diligence — Practical guidance for vetting recruiters and immigration representatives.
• Hiring Tips – Help with onboarding and retaining Newcomer talent
• Local and government resources — A directory connecting employers with local support organizations and government contacts.
• HR resources and templates — Downloadable resources to help with the recruitment and hiring process.
• Acronyms Glossary – There are many acronyms. A glossary of those used throughout this toolkit.
• Immigration Glossary – Immigration glossary terms along with helpful website resources for further exploration.

These resources were created to help close that gap. Employers get practical information, tools and connections to help navigate the process with greater confidence.

Need More Support?

Immigration and international recruitment can involve a number of different organizations, programs and requirements.

If you have questions about the resources on this page or need help finding the right place to start, Western REN can help connect you with the appropriate resources and organizations.

Other Employer Supports

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): This is an employer-led pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates. To participate, employers must first become provincially designated. Once designated, they can hire eligible candidates and provide AIP endorsement, enabling candidates to apply for a work permit (if needed) and permanent residence in Canada.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is an applicant-driven pathway to permanent residence, meaning employers do not submit applications on behalf of candidates. The program offers several streams, many of which require a full-time, permanent job offer. Others are based on Nova Scotia work experience or entrepreneurial plans. Employers and candidates can explore available streams through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. Under NSNP, there are two key streams:

• Employment Streams: The Nova Scotia Nominee Program offers several pathways for full-time, permanent employment. Those include the Skilled Worker, Occupations in Demand, and International Graduates in Demand streams. Through these streams, employers can support eligible employees in pursuing a work permit (if required) and permanent residence.
• Entrepreneur Streams: The NSNP also offers pathways for entrepreneurs, including streams for experienced business owners and recent Nova Scotia graduates who own and operate a business. Entrepreneurs actively involved in day-to-day operations may be eligible for permanent residence if they meet program requirements. Additional information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Global Skills Strategy: If you are looking to fill unique, high-skilled talent, you may be eligible for the Global Skills Strategy. This strategy allows for priority processing and access to a Dedicated Service Channel with IRCC. Employers will be assigned an account manager who can answer questions and provide guidance from within IRCC’s system.

Temporary Foreign Workers

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):This program enables employers to fill temporary labour shortages when qualified Canadian workers are unavailable. Employers must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), after which eligible foreign workers can apply for a work permit. The program includes streams for high- and low-wage positions, as well as specialized pathways for agriculture, caregiving, and other in-demand occupations.

More information is found at Employment and Social Development Canada’s website: Hire a temporary foreign worker with a Labour Market Impact Assessment

More Information Coming Soon

• LSI *New* Employer Critical Vacancy Form
• Western REN Global Talent Pilot for Skilled Trades: Reach out to Alex on our team to learn more

Other Resources for Employers:

• SkillsMatch from Immigrant Services Association of NS (ISANS): matches employers with skilled immigrant talent.
• ISANS Intercultural Workplace Program (IWP)
• Intercultural Workplace Program (IWP) – Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
• Western REN Connector Program:  Connect mentors with newcomers and recent post secondary graduates to build networks and find matches for potential employment 
• Intercultural Competency Training from YMCA through AIP program
• Employment NS
• NS Works Digby
• SW Employment
• CDÉNÉ: For Francophone employers