Nova Scotia is a small province in Canada’s Maritimes region, comprising the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island, and more than 3,000 smaller islands. The capital, Halifax, is a vibrant hub for culture and the arts, offering a high quality of life. Known for its coastal beauty and exceptional cuisine, Nova Scotia has a deep connection to the sea.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) allows prospective immigrants with the skills and experience needed by the province to receive a provincial nomination, helping them apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) Overview
Launched in 2003, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was designed to address the province’s economic and labor market needs through immigration. Over the last two decades, immigration to Nova Scotia has tripled, with over 7,000 new immigrants arriving annually. This growth is attributed to the NSNP and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) introduced in 2017, which has helped improve the province’s retention rate to over 70%. Both programs focus on matching newcomers with job opportunities and facilitating the transition of international graduates and temporary workers to permanent residence.
Immigration Streams in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers both enhanced and base streams. Enhanced streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing nominated candidates to earn an extra 600 CRS points, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Enhanced Streams:
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry – Targets individuals with at least one year of full-time work experience in Nova Scotia within the last three years.
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities – Invites candidates who meet specific job market needs in Nova Scotia.
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians – Specifically for physicians who have a job offer from designated healthcare institutions.
Base Streams:
Base streams are not aligned with Express Entry, and candidates must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
Key Streams Overview:
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Requirements: One year of work experience in Nova Scotia, CLB 7 (NOC 0, A) or CLB 5 (NOC B).
- Processing: Typically takes at least 3 months.
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Requirements: Letter of Interest from NSOI and eligibility in Express Entry.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Job Offer: Required.
- Requirements: Job offer from a Nova Scotia health authority, commitment to stay for two years.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Job Offer: Required.
- Requirements: Full-time permanent job offer, CLB 4 or 5, depending on the occupation.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- Occupation In-Demand Stream
- Job Offer: Required.
- Requirements: Job offer in specific occupations like nurse aides, food servers, truck drivers, etc.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- International Graduates In-Demand Stream
- Job Offer: Required.
- Requirements: Job offer in a specified occupation, CLB 5, and a recent Nova Scotia education.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Requirements: Minimum net worth of CAD $600,000, business ownership experience, investment in Nova Scotia.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Requirements: At least one year of operating a business in Nova Scotia, CLB 7.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
- Physician Stream
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Requirements: Approved opportunity with Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.
- Processing: Typically at least 3 months.
For all streams, applicants must meet language and other criteria as specified by the program. Successful candidates receive a nomination certificate, which is then used to apply for permanent residency via IRCC or through the Express Entry system.
