Employment Programs & Services

About the Program

The Employment and Business programs and services at ISANS provide tailored support to help immigrants successfully navigate the Canadian workforce and business environment.

Whether preparing for employment before arriving in Canada or adapting to the job market post-arrival, our programs are designed to support newcomers at every stage of their journey. We assist individuals in identifying career pathways, developing job search skills and understanding Canadian workplace culture. For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, we offer guidance on launching and growing a business in Nova Scotia.

We also work with employers across sectors to connect them with skilled immigrant talent, fostering inclusive workplaces that value diversity and expertise. Through individualized support, practical tools and strategic connections, we help build meaningful employment outcomes and strong economic integration for newcomers in Nova Scotia.

For Immigrants

Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival

ISANS provides a wide range of employment and business services to support immigrants before and after arriving in Nova Scotia. These services include:

Career readiness programs to support employment goals
Job search assistance, coaching and employment counselling
Support with résumé building, interview preparation and networking
Guidance on foreign credential recognition
Bridging programs for internationally educated professionals, including: healthcare, financial services, early childhood education, trades and construction, youth employability, Visible Minority Women program, Immigrant Women Entrepreneur Network
Support programs for targeted population, including income assistance recipients and Government-Assisted Refugees
Access to the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF) to support the credential recognition process
Entrepreneurial training and small business support

For Employers

ISANS works with employers to attract, hire and retain immigrant talent by promoting inclusive practices through customized tools and support. Employer services include:

Tailored recruitment and onboarding support
Inclusive workplace training and cultural competency workshops
Access to wage subsidies and incentive programs
Employer roundtables, webinars and community engagement opportunities
Support for integrating skilled immigrants into the workforce
Identify job-ready and relevant talent
One-on-one consultation to develop long-term diversity and inclusion strategies
Access to the SkillsMatch eRecruitment tool to post jobs and connect with qualified immigrant talent

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive job market where newcomer talent and opportunity meet.

Contact Information

of all employed clients gained employment in their field or a related one

ISANS clients gained employment

clients completed the Trades Practical Assessment 2-year project

Explore What We Offer

Tell us about your journey:

An immigrant dental professional holding xray of patient.

Internationally Educated Dental Professional (IEDP) Bridging Program

Prepare for dental licensure in Canada and explore career pathways through structured study groups and professional support.

A teacher smiling with children who are reading books

Internationally Educated Early Childhood Educators (IEECE) Bridging the Gap

Learn about ECE competencies, build communication skills and gain work experience.

two internationally educated engineers or architects in a construction site

Internationally Educated Engineers and Architects (IEE/A) Bridging Program

Gain Canadian experience, demonstrate your competencies and prepare for licensure.

An internationally educated female healthcare professional working in a laboratory looking through a microscope

Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHP) Support Program

Receive personalized guidance and resources to navigate licensure and employment in Nova Scotia’s healthcare sector.

An internationally trained nurse smiling and writing a report

Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Orientation Program

Prepare for licensure and employment in nursing through specialized training, mentorship and Canadian healthcare system orientation.

A female newcomer smiling and wearing business attire while shaking hands with an employer

Job Readiness Training

Learn how to find a job and succeed in Canadian workplaces.

Job Search Resource Centre

Get support with résumés, applications, and online job search tools.

A female care aide taking care of an old man on a wheel chair

Long-term Care Aide (LTCA) & Disability Support Worker (DSW) Program

Prepare for a meaningful career in long-term and residential care by training as a Long-Term Care Aide or Disability Support Worker.

Two female employers smiling at a candidate during a job interview

Practice Interview Program

Build confidence and sharpen interview skills through guided mock interviews with local professionals.

A skilled immigrant woman talking to a professional mentor

Professional Mentorship Program

Building connections between skilled immigrants and local industry professionals.

A skilled immigrant smiling in the office holding a laptop

Professional Practice Program

Short-term work placements connecting employers with skilled immigrant professionals.

A newcomer female doctor talking to a patient

Visible Minority Newcomer Women at Work (VMNW)

Build confidence, develop job skills and prepare for meaningful employment in Canada.

Support Services

Note: Not all clients are eligible to access all support services, please confirm with the program coordinator.

Care for Newcomer Children– Long Term Care Program

Interpretation/Translation

Disability Support

Care for Newcomer Children– Short Term Care Program

Digital Navigation

Tech Lending Library

Impact Stories

David Asare’s success as automotive service technician in Canning

“The WTPA program helped me start my career as a mechanic in Nova Scotia, where I could apply the skills and experience I earned back home. ISANS supported me every step of the way, from connecting me with an employer to providing safety shoes, tools, and everything I needed to begin working.”