Nova Scotia has appealed to Canada’s federal government for help bringing in international physicians amid restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The province’s health authority says 13 doctors from the U.S., U.K. and South Africa with start dates between March and June have been affected by Canada’s travel restrictions.
Officials are hopeful the doctors – a mix of specialists and family physicians – will still be able to come, with special permission sought from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to bring them in.
Although the candidates were recruited before the COVID-19 crisis took a grip in Canada, medical professionals are in demand all over world following the outbreak.
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Physicians are normally able to make site visits during the recruitment process, allowing them to come to Nova Scotia and see the province and working conditions.
These visits are also on hold due to the pandemic.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program operates two streams that aim to make up a shortfall of doctors in the province.
They are the Physician Stream and Labour Market Priorities For Physicians, which aims to recruit through the Express Entry system.
1) Nova Scotia Physician Stream
The Nova Scotia Physician Stream assists the province’s public health system to hire general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians. It is designed to help recruit and retain doctors for positions the province has been unable to fill with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Requirements
Legal Status in Country of Residence
If you are living in Canada, you must provide proof of your legal status as a temporary worker or visitor.
If you apply from outside Canada, you must provide proof that you have legal status in your country of residence.
If you have lost your status, you are not eligible to apply until your status has been restored.
Job Offer
Written approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre as a:
- General practitioner and family physician (NOC 3112) OR
- Specialist physician (NOC 3111)
The approved opportunity must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead and must:
- Be signed and dated by a person authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK
- Be signed and dated by the applicant who is accepting the opportunity
- Indicate eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NS
- Indicate that the applicant is eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA and the IWK
Education and Training
A copy of an Education Credential Assessment or proof of education and medical training required for licensure in Nova Scotia.
Language Ability
The ability to perform the job in one of Canada’s official languages as evidenced by an employment offer from the NSHA or the IWK.
2) Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities For Physicians: Express Entry
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities For Physicians stream allows the province to select candidates who are qualified doctors from the federal Express Entry pool.
The stream specifically targets two National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
- NOC 3112: Family Physicians
- NOC 3111: Specialist Physicians
Requirements: Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Have an approved job offer from Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre as either a Family Physician (NOC 3112) or a Specialist Physician (NOC 3111).
- Commit to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum period of two years.
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP through Express Entry.
- Submit your application within 30 calendar days of the issue date of the Letter of Interest.
- Meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry-linked program for which you have qualified.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia.
- Have legal status in your current country of residence.
