Time + Space says AIP Makes Hiring Immigrants “So Easy”
Posted: August 10, 2021Did you know: THERE IS A NEW PERMANENT ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM! Click here to learn more.
Jessica Zhai came to Nova Scotia from China in 2014 to study English and attend Dalhousie University. When she arrived, she was just 18 and straight out of high school.
Nova Scotia was a long way from her home in Jining, a “small” city not far from Beijing with a population of 1.5 million.
“It was the winter of 2014 and there was so much snow,” she said. “We get a tiny bit of snow in Jining, but not like that.”
When Jessica completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2018, she decided she wanted to stay in Halifax. So, she reached out to Halifax-based marketing agency Time + Space Media to apply for a Financial Coordinator role.
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Time + Space is one of Canada's most respected media agencies providing research, strategy, and performance marketing & advertising services.
Thanks to the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Program, Time + Space was able to hire Jessica, who was the perfect fit for the role. That was 2019, and since then Jessica has decided to make Halifax her permanent home.
“I love the people here. They have been so friendly and helpful. I want to stay and live here as a permanent resident.”
Donna Alteen, President and CEO at Time + Space, says she’s excited by the possibilities of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot - both for her business and the province.
Human Resources Specialist at Time + Space, Della d’Entremont, worked with Halifax Partnership to achieve the company’s AIP designation, the first step in hiring international talent through the program which streamlines the process and makes it faster and easier.
“It was so easy for us,” says d’Entremont. “The [Partnership] walked us through the process, and we received designation.”
Jessica also worked with Halifax Partnership and Time+ Space to receive her endorsement from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Population Growth for the AIP which came through in February, allowing her to fast-track the immigration process.
Overall, it’s been a very positive experience for both Time + Space and for Jessica who looks forward to achieving her permanent residency and continuing to live in the city she’s come to love.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is supported by the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
This story is part of a five-part series highlighting how the AIP program has helped businesses and talent succeed in Halifax.
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