One-time payment of $1,000 to $2,500
Newfoundland and Labrador has launched an incentive program to help retain international graduates. The new initiative under the government’s Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy will encourage international students who have graduated from recognized post-secondary institutions to stay in the province.
"International graduates are an ideal source of skilled labour," said Joan Burke, acting minister of human resources, labour and employment. "They are already integrated into our communities and because of their education here, they experience none of the barriers related to foreign credential recognition."
Under the International Graduate Retention Incentive Program, international students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution can apply to receive a one-time payment ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the length of time spent studying in the province. In addition to completing their education in the province, applicants must have been nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program, must have become permanent residents of Canada and must be living and working in the province at least one year from the date of receiving permanent residency.
"By retaining the skills of international student graduates, Newfoundland and Labrador will be strengthened and our economy will continue to prosper," said Darin King, minister of education.
Further information on the International Graduate Retention Incentive Program can be found at www.nlimmigration.ca.
