Overview of the Nova Scotia Immigration Program
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was launched in 2003 to address the province’s labor and economic needs through immigration.
This program gained so much popularity that immigration has tripled over the last 20 years because of the introduction of the new Atlantic pilot program in 2017 and the continuous development of NSNP.
Over 7000 immigrants are taking advantage of this program and making Nova Scotia their homeland.
The retention rate of the province is over 70 percent which is improving because the government is trying to match the number of newcomers though Nova Scotia PNP and AIP with the job opportunities. Both these programs are helping international graduates and workers to become permanent residents.
Nova Scotia PNP Program Streams
Choose a stream to find out how to get nominated:
Nova Scotia Immigration Streams:
Nova Scotia has enhanced streams and base streams. The following streams are enhanced
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
Enhanced indicates that the sub-category is compatible with the Express Entry system. The federal government utilizes the Express Entry system to manage permanent residence applications submitted through Canada’s main economic class immigration programs.
Candidates in the Express Entry system are assigned a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Canada organizes Express Entry lotteries on a regular basis, inviting the top prospects to apply for permanent residency.
If you receive a nomination from an enhanced provincial program, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, almost assuring you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You will also receive your nomination through your Express Entry profile.
The majority of Nova Scotia’s immigration streams are base streams. This means they are not compatible with the Express Entry system. Candidates who get a provincial nomination must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Many NSNP streams demand that you meet the minimum language criteria. This will be done in accordance with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). This is a scale of 1 to 12 that assesses your linguistic aptitude.
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
Needs job offer? No
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: At least 3 months
Minimum Requirements:
- Your Age must be between 21 and 55 years
- You must have at least one year of full time work experience in Nova Scotia in the last three years.
- You must be authorized to work in Canada or Nova Scotia though Valid work Permit.
- You must have an education qualification such as high school diploma /credentials.
- You must have the language skills proofs to carry out the job.
- NOC 0 and A – CLB 7
- NOC B – CLB 5
- You must intend to live in Nova Scotia permanently.
How it works:
If you want to apply to immigrate to Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program, you must first ensure that you are eligible and that you have a valid Express Entry profile.
When you are ready, apply online at this Nova Scotia website. You must include all needed information and include all required documents with your application.
If your application is approved, you will receive an email with a provincial nomination certificate. Your nomination will also be confirmed in the Express Entry system. You must accept the nomination using the Express Entry mechanism within 30 days. You will then receive 600 more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
When you receive your invitation to apply, you may apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
Needs job offer? No
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: At least 3 months
Minimum Requirements:
- A valid Express Entry profile is required.
- On your Express Entry profile, you must acquire a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI).
- You must have the required work experience for your Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class).
- You must have the necessary supporting documents to indicate work experience; you must have enough money to live in Nova Scotia permanently.
- You must meet the eligibility requirements for the draw. Each draw may have its own set of requirements.
How it works:
The first step is to ensure that you are eligible for this stream. You must also have a valid Express Entry profile.
To apply, you must first get a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). If you have received this letter, you are ready to apply. You will have 60 days to do so.
Learn about the draw-specific supporting papers you must post on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program website.
If your application is approved, you will receive your nomination certificate through email. via addition, your nomination will be confirmed via the Express Entry system. On the Express Entry system, you will have 30 days to accept your nomination.
You will then earn an additional 600 CRS points and an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry competition.
You may apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system once you have received your invitation to apply.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
Needs job offer? Yes
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: At least 3 months
Minimum Requirements:
- You must have a valid Express Entry profile;
- On your Express Entry profile, you must acquire a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI).
- You must have a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre as a general practitioner, family doctor, or specialized doctor (NOC 3111 or NOC 3112).
- You must have the required work experience for your Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class).
- You must have the necessary supporting documentation to establish work experience.
- You must commit to staying in the province for two years by sending a completed Return for Service Agreement to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
- you must have enough money to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.
How it works:
To be eligible under this stream make sure you have a valid Express Entry Profile. Once it is ready you can send your Profile number to NSOI.
If your profile is considered you may get a letter of Interest on your Express Entry Profile. After that, you have 30 days to apply to the NSNP and submit all the required documents.
You will be given 600 extra points and you will receive an invitation to apply in the next express entry draw.
Skilled Worker Stream
Needs job offer? Yes
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: At least 3 months
Minimum Requirements:
- Your age must be between 21 and 55 years.
- You must have a permanent, full time job offer from a Nova Scotia Employer.
- You must have a minimum qualification at least in high school.
- You must have the right education, qualification, training, licenses and certifications to carry out the job.
- You must have a minimum of 12 months of work experience in the last 5 years of Employment.
- You must meet language requirements:
- NOC 0, A or B – CLB 5 in English or French;
- NOC C or D – CLB 4 in English or French
- You must intend to live in Nova Scotia.
- You must have the required funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia
- Employers must meet the employment requirements.
How it works:
Check your eligibility and then prepare your application by visiting the Nova Scotia Online Service Website. Gather and upload the necessary documents before submitting your application.
If you are successful, you will receive your nomination certificate through email, either from yourself or your representative. Your application will also be forwarded directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The next step is to apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence within six months.
You can also ask the NSOI for a Letter of Support for a temporary work visa. This would allow you to remain in Nova Scotia while IRCC processes your permanent residency application.