Resources

If you’re new to Nova Scotia, we can help connect you to some important resources. Here you’ll find everything you need to build a life in Nova Scotia.

Get to know the common terms used during the immigration process. Go to Common Terms.

Labour, Skills and Immigration has a number of policies. The following policies are common to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Current policies include:

Language Standards and Mandatory Testing Information
IRCC Federal Application Checklists
Nova Scotia Start

Get Connected

Digital Nova Scotia
The industry association representing the tech sector in Nova Scotia.

Volta
Network Membership offers our community of innovators, tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs a safe place to work, learn, and connect. Learn more.

Onside
Focused on working collaboratively with stakeholders and partners to inspire a prosperous Nova Scotia. Learn more.

Invest Nova Scotia
You’re inventive, organized, and ready to step up your game. Invest Nova Scotia is here to help and invest in Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurs. Learn more.

Ignite
Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large industries all benefit from the structure, mentorship, and opportunities. Learn more.

Fusion HFX
Fusion Halifax is a volunteer run, non-profit organization that believes young leaders are an incredibly valuable part of any community. Learn more.

Screen Nova Scotia
A film commission and industry association dedicated to building a strong and sustainable future for the province’s production sector. Learn more.

Black Business Initiative
We are the longest-serving Black business development initiative in Canada and are dedicated to supporting companies to start, grow, and compete in the mainstream business community. Learn more.

Centre for Women in Business
The Centre for Women in Business is dedicated to helping women across the province succeed as entrepreneurs through exposure, connection, and learning. Learn more.

Association of Industry Sector Councils
The Association of Industry Sector Councils represents the interests of 32,000 small-and medium-sized businesses and 370,000 workers and their families, all over the province. Learn more.

National Working Group on Small Centre Strategies Toolbox
Settlement Services

211 Community and Social Services

211 is a service offered in Nova Scotia to help residents find community and social services. By dialing 211 on your phone or visiting the 211 website, users will easily and quickly be connected to the community and social services they need, wherever they are in the province. 211 offers interpretation services for over 100 languages. Learn more.

Useful Tools and Guides

HR Tool Kit
Employer’s Road Map
Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia Services for Employers
Halifax Partnership’s Resources for Hiring an Immigrant

Seeking Out Candidates

Nova Scotia Healthy Authority
Nova Scotia Continuing Care Assistants
Halifax Career Fair
Halifax Partnership Connector Program
Job Bank
Careers Nova Scotia
Career Beacon
Nova Scotia Works
Nova Scotia Government Jobs

Hiring a Temporary Foreign Worker

IRCC Application
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Service Canada Offices in Nova Scotia
Countries and territories that require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada

Hiring an International Student or Graduate

Student work permit
Post-graduation work permit program

Universities’ Programs

Acadia University Wong International Centre
Acadia University Career Services
Dalhousie University Information for employers
Mount Saint Vincent University Information for employers
Nova Scotia Agriculture College (Dalhousie) Career Support
St. Francis Xavier University Student Career Centre
Saint Mary's University Student Employment Center
Cape Breton University Student Services Centre
Nova Scotia College of Art & Design Student Services
Universite St. Anne Student Jobs

The Government of Nova Scotia is working with the YMCA to support Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Nova Scotia. We’re also streamlining the immigration process for Ukrainians who want to move here.

Support for Ukrainian Newcomers

The YMCA of Halifax has information for Ukrainians settling in Nova Scotia, including information about finding housing and jobs, accessing healthcare, taking language classes and enrolling children in school.

Immigration Programs

There are several immigration programs available to help you settle in Nova Scotia. Contact one of our community navigators to learn more about available programs.

Immigration Information Sessions

We hosted an online information sessions about how Ukrainians can immigrate to Nova Scotia. The sessions included information from the Government of Canada about temporary federal measures for Ukrainians coming to Canada.

We’ll post information about the sessions on our website, on Facebook and on Twitter. See all our contact information.

To receive information about our information sessions, check out our Events page.

Federal Government Programs and Services

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has information about immigration measures for people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

How Nova Scotians Can Help

The YMCA has information for Nova Scotians who want to help Ukrainian newcomers by making a donation, offering housing or offering a job.

Tools and Programs

Necessary Documents

Banking Programs for Newcomers

Housing

Language Training

Health Care

Mental Health Resources

Child Care

Education

Legal Services

Rights

Taxes