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Skilled newcomers are becoming increasingly important to ensure the growth of a strong and diversified economy. Whether you are coming to work temporarily, looking to immigrate permanently, or relocating from another area of the country, our economy and innovative approach to business make it an ideal place to work.

However, finding a job may take time and hard work. Preparing for interviews, having your documents in order, improving your English and\or French-language skills may all help you to find a job.

This section of the website contains information on how to research job opportunities as well as important details about workplace rights and responsibilities, and even starting your own business.

Employment Rights

In Nova Scotia, the Labour Standards Legislation set out a minimum standard for employment and workplace safety that employers and employees must follow.  It also sets out rules specific to the recruitment of workers and the hiring of foreign workers. Employees, employers, and recruiters have rights and responsibilities under these rules.  A few of the standards include:

• the hours you can work
• wages
• overtime
• breaks
• holiday time
• and more

For more information, go to https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/

Visas & Credentials

If you are coming from outside of Canada, you will need two things to work in Canada. You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a Work Permit. In some cases, you can work without a permit. To find out you’re eligibility or requirements, click here.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• To work in Canada, you must have a social insurance number. A SIN is a nine-digit number that allows you to work and receive Canadian government services. A SIN number is personal and should be kept confidential. To learn more about how to get a SIN number, head to Service Canada.

Work Permit

You must be authorized to work in Canada if you’re not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. In most situations, you will need a work permit. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/need-permit.html

International Students and Graduates:

• Students who have completed their program of study are allowed to work while they are waiting for a decision on their post-graduation work-permit application, provided they meet all the following criteria:

• • • • Are or were holders of a valid study permit at the time of post-graduation work permit application
      • Were a full-time student enrolled at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program
      • Were authorized to work off-campus without a work permit
      • Did not exceed the allowable hours of work
    • To learn about your permit validity, eligibility and application click here

New* From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students who are in Canada and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will be able to work more than the 20 hours per week off campus that was previously in effect. To find out if you are eligible click here

Work Permits for Accompanying Spouses

• • • You may be eligible for an open work permit if you’re:
      • A spouse of a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification skill type O, A, or B
      • A spouse of an international student at a public post-secondary school (College or University)
    • If your spouse has an open work permit, you must attach a copy of your spouse’s work permit to your application along with the following:
      • A letter from your spouse’s current employer confirming they work in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation, or a copy of your spouse’s employment offer or contract
      • A copy of your spouse’s most recent pay slips

Credentials

If you are moving to Nova Scotia from outside of the province, it’s a good idea to ensure that the province of Nova Scotia will recognize your training and credentials.

Employers may not understand how your international credentials compare to credentials here in Nova Scotia. To show what your experience and education is equal to here in Nova Scotia you may need to have your credentials evaluated by a reputable organization.

The Province of Nova Scotia works provincially and nationally to support the recognition of the experience and education of those trained outside of Canada. To find out or to navigate your credential evaluation, click here.

Business Support

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or looking to move your business here with you or have a business idea that you think might be successful here, there are many regional organizations that exist to support your business at any stage that you’re at.

• The Western Regional Enterprise Network offers business owners many different supports including the:
  • Business Now– They can help you navigate through the multitude of programs available by providing information and introductions to the right resource to help with items such as access to capital, business expansion supports and local networking.
  • Continuous Improvement Program helping your business operate more efficiently to improve productivity and your bottom line. This project is led by one of their subsidized pre-vetted consultants
  • Succession Program helps business owners at all stages of business development to prepare their transition to a new buyer to ensure a smooth transition.

• Joining a chamber of commerce or board of trade provides businesses with access to resources, discounts, and relationships that enable them to save money, market their products, and streamline their processes.  The opportunity to network among local business owners, operators, and industry movers is one of the most appealing aspects of joining a chapter chamber of commerce. Below are links to our local organizations.
  • Digby and Area Board of Trade
  • Clare Chamber of Commerce
  • Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Barrington and Area Chamber of Commerce

• Nova Scotia Works is here to help employers in our community hire people who are the best fit for their organization. Their office has an Employer Engagement Specialist on staff to meet the needs of employers and provide the following complimentary services.
• • Free job advertising on their internal job book, Facebook page, and website
  • Help develop competency-based job descriptions
  • Recruitment, referrals, and selection of potential candidates
  • Employment maintenance support and retention
  • Information on wage subsidy programs
  • Annual job fair
• Invest NS- From starting up and raising capital, to incubation and acceleration, export development and investment attraction, Invest Nova Scotia helps businesses seize opportunities especially those looking to export.
• Ignite Atlantic- a rural co-working space innovation hub located in downtown Yarmouth that gives entrepreneurs access to technology and education to develop new ideas and solutions.
• Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) offers entrepreneurs business planning, training, consulting, and access to capital. Reach out to the office nearest to you
  • Digby-Clare CBDC | CBDC Yarmouth | CBDC Shelburne