The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was established in 2003 with the aim of addressing the economic and labor market needs of the province through immigration. Since its inception, the program has played a significant role in the remarkable growth of immigration to Nova Scotia. Over the past two decades, immigration to the province has tripled, largely attributed to the development of the NSNP and the introduction of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) in 2017.

Nova Scotia Immigration Streams

Nova Scotia has enhanced streams and base streams. The following streams are enhanced:

1. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

2. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

3. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry is a program under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) that specifically targets individuals who have gained work experience in Nova Scotia. It is designed for candidates who have already created roots in the province by working there and wish to transition to permanent residency.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Express Entry Profile: Ensure you have a valid Express Entry profile to be eligible for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program.
2. Age Range: Applicants must be between 21 and 55 years old, providing a diverse range of experience and skills.
3. Work Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of one year of full-time paid work experience in Nova Scotia within the past three years, showcasing your contributions to the province’s economy.
4. Authorized Stay: Ensure proper authorization, such as a work permit, during your time in Nova Scotia.
5. Education Level: Possess a high school diploma/credential or higher, reflecting your commitment to personal and professional growth.
6. Language Proficiency: Showcase language skills necessary for job performance, with CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A, and CLB 5 for NOC B occupations.
7. Permanent Residency Intent: Express your intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia, demonstrating your commitment to becoming an integral part of the community.

Application Process:

To embark on your immigration journey through the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program, first, ensure your eligibility and have an active Express Entry profile.

When you are ready, access the online application form available on the designated Nova Scotia webpage. Complete all sections meticulously, providing all the required information and uploading the necessary documents.

After submitting your application, a provincial nomination certificate will be sent to you via email upon a successful assessment. Your nomination will also be confirmed within the Express Entry system. Within 30 days, accept the nomination through the Express Entry system, which will reward you with an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This substantial boost ensures an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the upcoming Express Entry draw, securing your pathway to a new life in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities is a stream under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) that allows the province to target specific occupations or skill sets that are in high demand in the local labor market. This stream enables the province to select eligible candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who meet the identified labor market needs of Nova Scotia.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Valid Express Entry Profile: Ensure your Express Entry profile is active and meets the requirements for the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream.
2. Letter of Interest: Receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) expressing their interest in your profile.
3. Work Experience: Meet the work experience requirements for the relevant Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class) to demonstrate your skills and expertise.
4. Supporting Documents: Gather the necessary supporting documents to substantiate your work experience.
5. Settlement Funds: Have sufficient financial resources to settle permanently in Nova Scotia, ensuring a smooth transition and integration into the community.
6. Draw-Specific Eligibility: Meet any additional requirements specified in the draw to be eligible for selection.

Application Procedure:

1. Confirm your eligibility and have an active Express Entry profile.
2. Receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI).
3. Submit your application within 60 days of receiving the LOI.
4. Visit the Nova Scotia Nominee Program website for the specific supporting documents required for your application.
5. Ensure all required documents are uploaded accurately and comprehensively.
6. Upon a successful assessment, receive a nomination certificate via email.
7. Your nomination will be confirmed within the Express Entry system.
8. Accept the nomination on the Express Entry system within 30 days.
9. Gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points upon accepting the nomination.
10. Increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
11. Upon receiving the invitation to apply, proceed with your permanent residency application through the Express Entry system.
12. Start a new chapter of your life in Nova Scotia as a permanent resident.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians is a specialized stream under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) that aims to address the specific healthcare needs of the province by attracting and retaining qualified physicians.

This stream allows Nova Scotia to select eligible physicians from the federal Express Entry pool who meet the identified healthcare labor market priorities of the province. It provides an opportunity for physicians to establish their medical careers in Nova Scotia and contribute to the province’s healthcare system.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Valid Express Entry Profile: Ensure you have a valid Express Entry profile, indicating your interest in immigrating to Canada.
2. Letter of Interest: Receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) specifically for physicians, expressing their interest in your profile.
3. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre as a general practitioner, family physician, or specialist physician (NOC 3111 or NOC 3112).
4. Work Experience: Meet the work experience requirements for your respective Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class) to demonstrate your expertise.
5. Supporting Documents: Gather the necessary supporting documents to substantiate your work experience.
6. Return for Service Agreement: Commit to staying in the province for a minimum of two years by signing a Return for Service Agreement and submitting it to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
7. Settlement Funds: Have sufficient financial resources to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.

Application Procedure:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians stream, including having an active Express Entry profile.
2. Share Express Entry Profile: Provide your Express Entry profile number to the NSOI once you are ready to proceed.
3. Receive Letter of Interest: If you qualify, you will receive a Letter of Interest in your Express Entry account, indicating your eligibility for the stream.
4. Application Submission: Within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Interest, submit your application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and include all required documents.
5. Nomination Certificate: Upon a successful assessment, you may receive a nomination certificate from NSNP. Your nomination will also be added to your Express Entry profile.
6. Accept the Nomination: Within 30 days, accept the nomination within the Express Entry system.
7. Additional CRS Points: Receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points upon accepting the nomination, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
8. Invitation to Apply: When you receive the invitation to apply, proceed with your permanent residency application through the Express Entry system.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream is a component of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offered by the province of Nova Scotia. It is designed to attract and nominate skilled foreign workers who possess the qualifications and experience that align with the province’s labor market needs.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Job Offer: You must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
2. Age: You must be between 21 and 55 years old.
3. Education: You must have at least a high school education.
4. Qualifications: You must possess the necessary education, training, licensing, or certification required to perform the duties of the job.
5. Work Experience: You must have a minimum of 12 months of relevant work experience in the last five years.
6. Language Proficiency: Meet the language requirements based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories. NOC 0, A, or B requires CLB 5 in English or French, while NOC C or D requires CLB 4 in English or French.
7. Intention to Settle: You must have the intention to settle in Nova Scotia.
8. Settlement Funds: You should have sufficient funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for the Skilled Worker Stream.
2. Application Preparation: Visit the designated webpage to prepare your application. Gather all the required documents and upload them accordingly.
3. Application Submission: Submit your complete application online.
4. Nomination Certificate: If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination certificate via email or through your representative. The certificate will also be sent directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
5. Permanent Residence Application: Within six months, proceed to apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.
6. Temporary Work Permit Support (Optional): You may request a Letter of Support from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) to apply for a temporary work permit. This allows you to stay in Nova Scotia while waiting for the processing of your permanent residence application by IRCC.

Occupation In-Demand Stream

The Occupation In-Demand Stream is a category within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) that allows individuals with specific skills and work experience to apply for permanent residency in Nova Scotia. This stream is designed for individuals who have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an occupation that is in demand in the province.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Designated Occupations:

1. Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413)
2. Food and beverage servers (NOC 6513)
3. Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations (NOC 6711)
4. Light duty cleaners (NOC 6731)
5. Transport truck drivers (NOC 7511)
6. Heavy equipment operators, except crane (NOC 7521)
7. Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 7611)

Minimum Requirements:

1. Age: Between 21 and 55 years old
2. Job Offer: Full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the designated occupations listed above
3. Work Experience: Minimum one year of relevant work experience
4. Education: At least a high school education
5. Training/Education: Possess the necessary training or education required for the job
6. Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 4
7. Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia

Application Process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for this immigration stream.
2. Prepare and Submit Application: Gather the required documents and submit your application through the designated webpage.
3. Nomination Certificate: If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination certificate via email from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). The nomination will also be forwarded to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Apply for Permanent Residence: Apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC within six months of receiving the nomination certificate.
5. Letter of Support (Optional): You may request a Letter of Support from NSOI to obtain a temporary work permit, allowing you to stay in Nova Scotia while your permanent residence application is being processed by IRCC.

International Graduates In-Demand Stream

The International Graduates In-Demand Stream is a category within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) that is designed to attract and retain international graduates who have completed their studies in Nova Scotia and have a job offer in an eligible occupation. This stream provides a pathway for international graduates to transition from studying in Nova Scotia to becoming permanent residents, contributing their skills and knowledge to the province’s workforce and community.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Job Offer: Must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the eligible occupations specified by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI).
2. Age: Must be between 21 and 55 years old.
3. Education: Must have at least a high school education.
4. Program Completion: Must have completed a program of study that lasted for a minimum of 30 weeks within the past three years. At least half of the program must have been completed in Nova Scotia.
5. Certifications: Must possess the necessary certifications or qualifications required for the job.
6. Language Proficiency: Must meet the language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5.
7. Settlement Funds: Must have sufficient funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.
8. Intent to Live in Nova Scotia: Must demonstrate the intention to reside and establish a career in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the International Graduates In-Demand Stream, including having a job offer in an eligible occupation.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents to support your application, such as job offer letter, educational credentials, language test results, and proof of funds.
3. Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the designated online portal or webpage provided by the NSOI.
4. Application Assessment: The NSOI will assess your application and supporting documents to determine your eligibility for the stream.
5. Nomination Certificate: If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination certificate via email from the NSOI. The nomination will also be forwarded to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
6. Apply for Permanent Residence: Apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC within six months of receiving the nomination certificate.
7. Letter of Support (Optional): You may request a Letter of Support from the NSOI to obtain a temporary work permit, allowing you to stay in Nova Scotia while your permanent residence application is being processed by IRCC.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is a pathway for experienced business owners or senior business managers who wish to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia. Through this stream, individuals with entrepreneurial skills and experience can apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
2. Net Worth: Must have a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000 in business and personal assets obtained legally.
3. Business Ownership/Management Experience: Must have a minimum of three years of business ownership experience (at least 33.33% ownership) or more than five years in a senior business manager role in the last 10 years.
4. Investment: Must agree to make a minimum capital investment of CAD $150,000 in Nova Scotia to establish or purchase a business.
5. Language Proficiency: Must meet the language requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French.
6. Education: Must have at least a high school education.
7. Business Establishment Plan: Must provide a Business Establishment Plan.
8. Residency: Must agree to live in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Nova Scotia, which will be scored based on your answers. Highest-ranking candidates may receive an invitation to apply.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply from Nova Scotia.
3. Application Submission: Prepare and submit your application to Nova Scotia, including the required forms, documents, and the Business Establishment Plan.
4. Net Worth Verification Report: Choose a Net Worth Verifier and submit the Net Worth Verification Report within 180 days of receiving the ITA.
5. In-person Interview: If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to attend an in-person interview.
6. Business Performance Agreement (BPA): Review and sign the Business Performance Agreement (BPA) sent by Nova Scotia.
7. Work Permit Application: After submitting the BPA, apply for a work permit to live in Nova Scotia while setting up your business within two months of receiving the Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
8. Arrival and Meeting: Arrive in Nova Scotia within 12 months and meet with NSOI staff within 60 days of arrival.
9. Fulfillment of BPA Terms: Fulfill the terms outlined in the BPA, including transferring the required funds to Canada.
10. Nomination Request: Request a Nova Scotia nomination by completing a Nomination Request Form and providing business details and financial reports.
11. Nomination Confirmation: If successful, receive a confirmation letter for the nomination, which will be sent directly to IRCC and is valid for 6 months.
12. Permanent Residence Application: Apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is designed to provide a pathway for individuals who have graduated from a recognized university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College after at least two years of full-time study; have started or acquired a business in Nova Scotia, including operating it for at least one year, and who intend to settle in Nova Scotia permanently. The IGE Stream of the NSNP is mainly designed to attract emerging entrepreneurial talent to the province.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements, including having a full-time Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree, residing in Nova Scotia during your studies, and intending to live in Nova Scotia permanently.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI to Nova Scotia and receive a point score based on your responses.
3. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you will receive an ITA to proceed with the application process.
4. Prepare and submit application: Complete the application form, gather supporting documents, and obtain a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report.
5. Financial Statement Review Service: Choose a designated service provider to assess your financial statements and provide necessary reports.
6. In-person interview: If invited, attend an interview to further assess your application.
7. Nomination and Permanent Residence: If approved, you will receive a nomination and confirmation letter, which will be sent to IRCC.
8. Application for Permanent Residence: Apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC within 6 months of receiving the nomination.

Physician Stream

The Physician Stream is part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), operated by the province of Nova Scotia. The stream is designed to assist Nova Scotia health organizations to recruit highly skilled foreign doctors to fill labour shortages in the province’s health sector. This stream of the NSNP enables internationally trained doctors to immigrate permanently to the province of Nova Scotia.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

None

Processing Time:

At least 3 months

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a general practitioner, family physician, or specialist physician (NOC 3111 or 3112)
• Must have a signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre
• Must have the education or training required for licensure in Nova Scotia

Application Procedure:

1. Check eligibility for the Physician Stream and gather the required documents.
2. Create an account on Nova Scotia’s website and submit the application online.
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter from the NSOI stating that a nomination has been issued.
4. The proof of nomination will be sent directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
5. Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC, and you may be invited for an interview.
6. Request a letter of support from Nova Scotia to apply for a temporary work permit. This letter of support replaces the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) when applying for a work permit.
7. With the work permit, you can work in Nova Scotia while waiting for your permanent residence application.