A permanent resident is an immigrant that already lives in Canada and has a Permanent Resident (PR) card. They have the same working rights as Canadian citizens and there is no special process or paperwork needed to hire permanent residents.
According to Statistics Canada, 5% of Nova Scotia’s population is made up of foreign-born persons. This marks the largest percentage of immigrants in Atlantic Canada and represents a significant part of the talent pool.
Be strategic during the recruiting process. How you define the position will greatly impact the applications you receive and ensure you are attracting qualified candidates.
Clearly outline the following in your job description:
- What the job entails;
- What skills are necessary/essential;
- Any specific licenses or certification required for employment (if the job is regulated);
- Relevant work experience (taking international work experience into consideration); and
- The level of language proficiency required.
It is also important to make sure candidates are evaluated in an adequate and fair manner.
Tips to consider:
- Address any perceived barriers for internationally-trained workers;
- Verify international credentials;
- Assess and verify competencies;
- Determine language standards; and
- Evaluate yourself first – ensure that your own organization’s practices are not systemically keeping immigrants from your organization.