Nova Scotia, located on Canada’s eastern coast, actively promotes immigration through programs like the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, attracting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to contribute to its diverse economy.
With a focus on fostering community integration, Nova Scotia’s strategy aims to not only address workforce needs but also provide newcomers with a high quality of life in this beautiful province.
Nova Scotia PNP has about 6000 invitation quota and they invite many people every year through their nomination program.
With a retention rate exceeding 70 percent, Nova Scotia has experienced an improvement attributed to the efforts of the Nova Scotia Immigration and AIP, which actively connect newcomers with job opportunities. Both programs facilitate a smoother transition to permanent residence for international graduates and temporary workers.
Nova scotia PNP has round 10 streams to immigrate to nova scotia through Nova Scotia PNP.
Stream Name | Job Offer/Work Experience Requirement | Language and Education Requirement | Additional Requirements | Processing Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities | Expression of Interest from NSNP via Express Entry system, Minimum work experience for Express Entry stream | Legal status in current country, Valid Express Entry number, Meet IRCC criteria for Express Entry pool | Adequate funds for establishment, immigration costs, and travel expenses, Comply with eligibility criteria | 3 Months |
2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry | 1 year work experience in Nova Scotia, Canadian high school credential or equivalent | Age between 21 and 55, Language proficiency (CLB 7 for NOC 0 and 1) | Registered profile in Express Entry system | 3 Months |
3. Occupations in Demand | Full-time permanent job offer in specified NOC categories, 1 year relevant work experience | Age between 21 and 55, High school diploma | Language proficiency (CLB Level 4), Sufficient financial resources | 3-6 Months |
4. Critical Construction Worker Pilot | Full-time permanent job offer in specified NOCs, 1 year relevant work experience | Age between 21 and 55, High school diploma or construction-specific training | Language proficiency (CLB Level 5 or 4), Sufficient financial resources | 2-4 Weeks |
5. Labour Market Priorities for Physicians | Approval from NSHA or IWK as a physician, Signed Return for Service Agreement, Minimum work experience for Express Entry stream | Legal status in current country, Adequate funds for establishment and immigration costs | – | 3 Months |
6. Physician | Signed approved opportunity with NSHA or IWK, Confirmation of eligibility for licensure and credentials | – | – | 18 – 24 Months |
7. Entrepreneur | Net worth of at least $600,000 CAD, Commitment to invest $150,000 CAD, Business management experience | Age 21 or older, CLB Level 5, Complete online Expression of Interest | Await Invitation to Apply | 12 – 18 Months |
8. International Graduate Entrepreneur | Permanent settlement in Nova Scotia, 1 year experience managing Nova Scotia business, Degree/diploma from NS institution | CLB Level 7, Valid post-graduation work permit | Complete online Expression of Interest, Await Invitation to Apply | 3 Months |
9. International Graduates in Demand | Full-time permanent job offer in listed job category, Completion of study requirements, Certifications from NS regulatory bodies | Age between 21 and 55, High school diploma | Language proficiency (CLB Level 5), Sufficient financial resources | 3 Months |
10. Skilled Worker | Full-time permanent job offer, 1 year relevant work experience | Age between 21 and 55, High school diploma | Language proficiency (CLB Level 5 or 4), Adequate financial resources | 3-6 Months |
1. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream in Nova Scotia PNP selects candidates within the federal Express Entry system who align with the province’s workforce requirements, enabling them to seek nomination.
Those who have received a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Immigration are the only ones who will be eligible for this stream.
Requirements
- Obtain a Expression of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program via the Express Entry system.
- Submit your application within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of your expression of interest.
- Must have minimum work experience requirements for the qualified Express Entry stream.
- Demonstrate adequate funds for a successful establishment in Nova Scotia, covering family needs, immigration costs, and travel expenses.
- Possess legal status in your current country of residence.
- Comply with eligibility criteria at the time of receiving a Letter of Interest.
- Hold a valid Express Entry number and meet all criteria set by IRCC for the Express Entry pool.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility and have a valid Express Entry profile.
- Receive a Letter of Interest from NSOI to become eligible for application; you have 60 days to apply.
- Check the required supporting documents on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program website.
- If successful, receive the nomination certificate via email and confirm it in the Express Entry system within 30 days.
- Gain an extra 600 CRS points upon acceptance, ensuring an invitation for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
Processing Time: 3 Months
Check out NSNP Draws and check your eligibility through Nova scotia Points Calculator
2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream chooses highly skilled individuals who have a minimum of one year of work experience in Nova Scotia within occupations categorized as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupational Classification.
Requirements
- Have a minimum of 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old for Nova Scotia Immigration.
- Have a Canadian high school credential or its equivalent.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), with CLB 7 required for skilled work in NOC categories 0 and 1, and CLB 5 for positions in NOC categories 2 and 3.
- Have a registered profile in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility for Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry immigration.
- Ensure possession of a valid Express Entry profile.
- Apply online through the Nova Scotia webpage when prepared.
- Include all necessary information in the application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Upon successful submission:
- Receive a provincial nomination certificate via email.
- Confirm the nomination in the Express Entry system.
- Accept the nomination within 30 days to acquire an additional 600 CRS points.
- The extra points secure an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
Processing Time: 3 months
3. Occupations in Demand
The Occupations in Demand stream in Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) focuses on specific TEER category 3, 4, or 5 occupations in the National Occupational Classification that are highly needed in the Nova Scotia labor market. The identification of these occupations is determined by Labour, Skills, and Immigration using current labor market information, and eligible occupations may vary over time.
Requirements
- Secure a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in specified NOC categories:
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- 33102 (Nurse Aides)
- 65200 (Food and beverage servers)
- 65201 (Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations)
- 65310 (Light duty cleaners)
- 73300 (Transport truck drivers)
- 73400 (Heavy equipment operators)
- 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers).
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- Possess 1 year of relevant work experience.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Possess the required training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4, even if your first language is English or French.
- Exhibit sufficient financial resources for successful settlement in Nova Scotia.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility for the Nova Scotia Immigration.
- Gather and upload required documents, then submit your application via the designated webpage.
- If successful, receive a nomination certificate via email, sent directly to IRCC.
- Apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC within six months.
- Optionally, request a Letter of Support from NSOI for a temporary work permit to stay in Nova Scotia during the permanent residence application processing by IRCC.
Processing Time: 3-6 Months
4. Critical Construction Worker Pilot
The Critical Construction Worker Pilot – Job Offer Pathway of Nova Scotia PNP is exclusively for individuals with a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, which must be within the approved list of NOCs provided below.
Requirements
- Secure a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer within the specified NOCs:
- 70010 – Construction managers
- 70011 – Home building and renovation managers
- 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
- 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 – Industrial electricians
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 72320 – Bricklayers
- 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- 72500 – Crane operators
- 73100 – Concrete finishers
- 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
- 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
- 75101 – Material handlers
- 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
- 75119 – Other trades helpers and labourers
- Have at least 1 year of work experience relevant to the job.
- Possess a high school diploma or provide evidence of completion of a construction-specific industry training program.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old for Nova Scotia Immigration.
- Demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) or CLB Level 4 (NOC TEER 4 and 5), even if English or French is your first language.
- Show sufficient financial resources for successful settlement in Nova Scotia.
Processing Time: 2-4 Weeks
5. Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for physicians who can be invited to seek nomination within the federal Express Entry system. Eligible candidates are those with an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre, who have received a Letter of Interest from Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI).
General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) will be receiving Letter of Interest upon LSI being informed of the candidate’s Express Entry profile number and possession of a signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
Requirements
- Obtain approval from NSHA or IWK as a general practitioner/family physician (NOC 31102) or a specialist physician (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101).
- Submit a signed Return for Service Agreement committing to live and work in Nova Scotia for at least two years.
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program via the Express Entry system.
- Apply within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of your Letter of Interest.
- Meet the minimum work experience requirements for your qualified Express Entry stream.
- Demonstrate adequate funds for a successful establishment and cover immigration costs and travel expenses.
- Maintain legal status in your current country of residence.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility and possess an Express Entry profile.
- Send your Express Entry profile number to NSOI when ready.
- Upon qualification, receive a Letter of Interest in your Express Entry account and apply to the NSNP within 30 days, including all necessary documents.
- If successful, receive a nomination certificate, and confirm it in your Express Entry profile within 30 days.
- Gain an additional 600 CRS points upon accepting the nomination.
Processing Time: 3 Months
6. Physician
The Physician Stream facilitates the hiring of general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians by Nova Scotia’s public health authorities, namely the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK).
Requirements
The Physician Stream exclusively welcomes applications from general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) holding signed approved opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
- Be the signature and date of an individual authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK.
- Include the signature and date of the applicant accepting the opportunity.
- Specify eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NS.
- Confirm the applicant’s eligibility to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA and the IWK.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility for the Physician stream and gather required documents.
- Create an account on Nova Scotia’s website and submit your application online.
- Upon approval, receive a confirmation letter from NSOI regarding the nomination issued, sent directly to IRCC.
- Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC, possibly receiving an invitation for an interview.
- Optionally, request a letter of support from Nova Scotia for a temporary work permit application, replacing the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Processing Time: 18 – 24 months
7. Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneur Stream is designed for seasoned business owners or senior business managers aspiring to reside in Nova Scotia. Applicants are required to either launch a new business or acquire an existing one and actively engage in its day-to-day management. Following a year of business operation, successful entrepreneurs may receive a nomination for permanent resident status.
Requirements
- Be 21 years old or older for Nova Scotia Immigration.
- Show intend to live in Nova Scotia while actively managing a business.
- Possess a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD.
- Commit to investing a minimum of $150,000 CAD of personal funds to establish a business in Nova Scotia.
- Demonstrate at least 3 years of hands-on experience managing and owning a business (with a minimum 1/3 ownership) or over 5 years in a senior business management role.
- Attain a minimum score of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
- Complete an online Expression of Interest.
- Await an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
Processing Time: 12 – 18 Months
8. International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream in Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is for recent graduates of Nova Scotia institutions who have run a Nova Scotia business for at least a year. A nomination for permanent resident status is possible if they plan to settle in Nova Scotia.
Requirements
- Must show permanent settlement in Nova Scotia while actively managing a business.
- Possess a minimum one-year experience managing and owning a current Nova Scotia business (with at least 33.33% ownership).
- Hold a degree or diploma from a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College after at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study.
- Have a valid post-graduation work permit.
- Attain a minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
- Complete an online Expression of Interest.
- Await an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Nova Scotia through the designated webpage.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if selected as a high-ranking candidate.
- Prepare and apply to Nova Scotia, including an Application Form, supporting documents, and a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report, using the specified webpage.
- Choose a designated Financial Statement Review Service Provider within 20 days of receiving the ITA.
- Within 90 days of the ITA, submit the application form, required documents, and the Review Engagement and Special Purpose.
- If requirements are met, attend an in-person interview, and upon officer satisfaction, receive a nomination for permanent residence.
- Upon success, receive a confirmation letter of the issued Nomination, sent directly to IRCC.
- Apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC within 6 months.
Processing Time: 3 Months
9. International Graduates in Demand stream
The International Graduates in Demand stream of Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is designed for recent international graduates whose skills align with specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories. Currently, this stream is accessible to individuals working in the following NOC job categories:
- NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations
- NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians
- NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- NOC 42202: Early childhood educators and assistants
Requirements
- Have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a listed job category related to your recent field of study.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Meet the study completion requirements within three years of your application, with at least 50% of the program completed in Nova Scotia and lasting a minimum of 30 weeks.
- Depending on your NOC category:
- NOC 32102 or 32124 requires a program granting a diploma.
- NOC 33102 requires a program granting a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- NOC 42202 requires a program granting a diploma or a degree.
- Possess certifications from NS regulatory bodies required for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5, even if English or French is your first language.
- Provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility for the immigration stream.
- Upload required documents and submit your application through the designated webpage.
- If approved, receive a nomination certificate via email, and it will be sent directly to IRCC.
- Apply for permanent residence with IRCC within six months.
- Optionally, request a Letter of Support from NSOI for a temporary work permit, enabling you to stay in Nova Scotia during the permanent residence application processing by IRCC.
Processing Time: 3 Months
10. Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker stream assists employers in hiring foreign workers and recent international graduates with skills required in Nova Scotia. Employers can only invite foreign workers for positions that remain unfilled by permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
Requirements
- Hold a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
- Possess 1 year of relevant work experience in a related occupation (TEER category 4 or 5 workers require six months’ experience with the employer).
- Be aged 21 to 55.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Have the necessary training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 for NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (English or French is sufficient if it’s your first language). TEER category 4 or 5 workers must provide CLB 4 test results, even if English or French is their first language.
- Show adequate financial resources for successful settlement in Nova Scotia.
How to Apply?
- Confirm eligibility for the Entrepreneur stream.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Nova Scotia webpage, earning a point score.
- If selected, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Nova Scotia.
- Prepare and submit the application, including required documents, within 90 days of the ITA.
- Choose a Net Worth Verifier within 20 days of receiving the ITA.
- Submit the Net Worth Verification Report within 180 days of the ITA.
- Attend an in-person interview, sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA), and receive an Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
- Apply for a work permit within two months of receiving the Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
- Arrive in Nova Scotia within 12 months of receiving the work permit and meet with NSOI staff within 60 days.
- Fulfill BPA terms, transfer required funds to Canada, and request a Nova Scotia nomination.
- If successful, receive a confirmation letter of the issued Nomination, sent directly to IRCC (expires after 6 months).
Processing Time: 3-6 Months
Which one is best stream to immigrate?
The best stream for you for Nova Scotia PNP depends on your qualifications and goals. If you have work experience in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream might be suitable. If you have a job offer, consider the Skilled Worker or Occupation In-Demand streams. For physicians, the Physician Stream is designed specifically for them. Assess your eligibility and align it with the stream that matches your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the requirements for Nova Scotia PNP?
Nova Scotia Immigration requirements vary depending on the stream. For the Express Entry stream, candidates need to be in the federal Express Entry pool with relevant work experience, while the Entrepreneur Stream requires a minimum net worth and a viable business plan.
Is PNP easy in Nova Scotia?
The ease of obtaining permanent residency through the Nova Scotia PNP depends on individual qualifications and meeting specific criteria. While some find the process straightforward, it requires careful adherence to eligibility requirements, such as skills, work experience, and connections to the province.
What score I need for Nova Scotia PNP?
The specific score needed for Nova Scotia PNP varies, as it depends on factors such as the stream and competition.
What is the processing time for Nova Scotia PNP?
Processing Time for Nova Scotia PNP varies depending upon the different program you choose, it can vary from 3 months to 6 months.
What is the Application fees for Nova Scotia PNP?
Application fees for Nova Scotia PNP is None for all the PNP streams under Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).