More immigrant coming to Nova Scotia than at any time in the last 10 years.

Yes you heard it right. According to a statement released by Provincial Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, last year the number of immigrants that settled in Nova Scotia reached a 10-year high of 2,661.

It was never a steady incline.

In 2004, the number of immigrants that arrived in Nova Scotia was 1,771. The number kept on climbing and then in 2008 it peaked at 2,651 before dropping off to 2,138 in 2011 . Since then it started going up …. slow but steady.

According to official statement, last year 717 people came through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program — again the highest number yet for the program. This year, a total of 1,050 individuals are expected to gain permanent residency through the program, the government says.

Between 2003 and 2007 the retention rate for the immigrants arriving in Nova Scotia was 69 per cent. According to Statistics Canada (2010-2011) the percentage of people who choose to stay in Province after arriving has increased by 2% i.e., 71%.

You can tell that the province is serious about Immigration System and want to take full advantage of the opportunities and benefits that can be achieved from it. They are taking many steps to create better opportunities for immigrants obviously and getting more skilled people in Nova Scotia System.

Last year, a major economic development report cam out as a wake up call. It said the province is facing a prolonged economic decline unless population and economic trends are reversed and suspicious attitudes about business are changed.

Among other things, the report co-authored by Acadia University president Ray Ivany said Nova Scotia’s population was expected to decline over the next 20 years as young people continue to leave the province to search for work. By 2036, the province expects to have 100,000 fewer working-age people than it did in 2010, the report said. Ivany recorded in the report the number of people admitted annually to the province should be tripled.

Government of Nova Scotia took number of steps. According to Diab; We have further refined the application process for skilled and educated immigrants, strengthened ties between government and settlement service providers and changed the nominee program to allow international students to stay in Nova Scotia. Also the province appointed a premier’s task force on immigration last August.

Things you might be interested in:

• About Nova Scotia
• Application forms to apply for Nova Scotia immigration
• Requirement for Skilled Worker Program