Province Introduces New Immigration Option

NOTE TO EDITORS: Immigration Minister Ramona Jennex will be available for media interviews today, Aug. 25, at 12:30 p.m. at the Office of Immigration, 1741 Brunswick St., Suite 101A, Halifax.

A new immigration option for Nova Scotia is designed to attract young newcomers who will benefit the province's economy.

The new stream is for non-dependent children of immigrants already living in the province under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

"The primary goal is to help meet the labour market needs of the province," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Immigration. "Nova Scotia is facing an aging and declining population and increased immigration is one way to help ensure our economy grows and our communities thrive."

Most potential candidates of the new stream would be in their 20s and 30s, which is a demographic that Nova Scotia needs to attract.

"This is great news for families like ours," said Azhar Swing, a businessman from Dubai who runs a successful children's hair salon in Bedford. "My daughter manages the business and is here on a temporary work permit. She could apply for permanent residency under this new program."

To be successful, a candidate of the new stream would need the ability to become economically established on their own with the intention of staying in the province. Other criteria include minimum levels of English or French, education and training.

Potential immigrants can apply for permanent residency through four other streams within the Provincial Nominee Program: skilled worker, community identified, family business worker and international graduate. Details and application forms for all of the immigration streams can be found at www.novascotiaimmigration.com .