Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program: A Gateway to Canadian Immigration

Nova Scotia, a charming Canadian province nestled in the Maritimes region, beckons with its scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, and abundant opportunities. Boasting the bustling city of Halifax as its capital, Nova Scotia has earned a reputation for its rich cultural tapestry, thriving arts scene, and enviable quality of life. Its coastal allure, coupled with a culinary landscape bursting with flavors, adds to the province’s irresistible charm.

Overview of Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), inaugurated in 2003, stands as a beacon for individuals seeking to make Nova Scotia their home through immigration. With a mission to address economic and labor market needs, the NSNP has witnessed exponential growth over the last two decades. Collaborating seamlessly with the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) introduced in 2017, Nova Scotia now warmly welcomes over 7,000 immigrants annually, boasting a remarkable retention rate exceeding 70%.

Immigration Streams of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia presents a plethora of immigration streams, each tailored to cater to diverse profiles and skill sets. From skilled workers to entrepreneurs and international graduates, the province extends a warm invitation to individuals willing to contribute to its growth story.

Nova Scotia Experience Express Entry Stream 

The Nova Scotia Experience Express Entry stream offers a streamlined pathway for individuals with prior work experience in Nova Scotia. Aligned with the federal Express Entry system, this stream holds the promise of an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The program does not require a job offer. There is no application fee and the processing time is at least three months. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Must have an Express Entry profile
• Must be between 21 and 55 years old
• Must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience in Nova Scotia within the last three years.  
• Must have had proper authorization, such as a work permit.
• Must have a high school diploma or higher  
• Must have necessary language skills for the job – CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A, and CLB 5 for NOC B. 
• Must intend to live in Nova Scotia permanently.

If the applicants meet this eligibility criteria, they can apply for the Nova Scotia Experience Express Entry program through the Nova Scotia webpage.

How To Apply

The application process is online and applicants must provide all required information and documents. After successful submission of application, applicants receive a provincial nomination certificate by email. 

This will also be confirmed in the Express Entry system. Applicants need to accept the nomination on the system in 30 days for additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. 

This will essentially guarantee an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw. Once Applicants receive this invitation, Applicants can then apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

The stream targets the individuals having specific high demand skills, the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream provides a platform for candidates to receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) and subsequently apply for provincial nomination. With a focus on occupations vital to the province’s economic growth, this stream opens doors to permanent residency.

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream does not require a job offer. There is no application fee, however, it may take a minimum of 3 months to process. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

•  Must have a valid Express Entry profile
• Must receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI)
• Must meet the work experience requirements for Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class). 
• Applicants must also have supporting documents to demonstrate the  work experience
• Must have enough funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia
• Meet any additional eligibility requirements for the specific draw.

How To Apply

The application process begins by ensuring that Applicants meet the requirements for this stream and have a valid Express Entry profile. If Applicants have received a Letter of Interest from the NSOI,they  are eligible to apply within 60 days. 

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program website will provide information on the specific supporting documents needed for the draw.

 If the application is successful, Applicants will receive a nomination certificate via email, and it will be confirmed in the Express Entry system. 

Applicants will then have 30 days to accept their nomination and receive an additional 600 CRS points, which will increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw. 

When Applicants receive an invitation to apply, they can submit their permanent residence application through the Express Entry system.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

Recognizing the critical role of healthcare professionals, Nova Scotia extends a specialized stream for physicians.The Labour Market Priorities for Physicians in Nova Scotia requires a job offer and has no application fee. The processing time is at least 3 months. 

Eligibility Criteria

There are several minimum eligibility requirements such as: 

• Must have a valid Express Entry profile
• Receiving a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI)
• Must have a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre as a general practitioner, family physician or specialist physician.
• Must meet the work experience requirements for Express Entry program
• Must have the necessary supporting documents, commit to staying in the province for two years
• Must have enough funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.

How To Apply

The application process begins by ensuring that Applicants meet the requirements for this stream and have a valid Express Entry profile. If Applicants have received a Letter of Interest from the NSOI,they  are eligible to apply within 60 days. 

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program website will provide information on the specific supporting documents needed for the draw.

 If the application is successful, Applicants will receive a nomination certificate via email, and it will be confirmed in the Express Entry system. 

Applicants will then have 30 days to accept their nomination and receive an additional 600 CRS points, which will increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw. 

When Applicants receive an invitation to apply, they can submit their permanent residence application through the Express Entry system.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream offers a pathway to permanent residency to individuals with a confirmed job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. With a focus on skills, education, and work experience, this stream caters to professionals keen on contributing to Nova Scotia’s workforce.The stream requires a job offer, but has no application fee and takes at least three months to process.

Eligibility Criteria

There are several minimum eligibility requirements such as:

• The applicant must be  between 21 and 55 years old
• Must have at least a high school education
• Must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, and the necessary education, training, licensing, or certification.
• applicants must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the last five years and meet language requirements depending on their National Occupational Classification level. 
• Must have enough funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.

How To Apply

To apply, eligible individuals must visit the NSOI webpage, gather and submit required documents, and receive a nomination certificate either via email or through their representative, which will also be sent to IRCC. 

Within six months, nominees must apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC. Additionally, those who are awaiting permanent residence can request a Letter of Support from NSOI for a temporary work permit to continue to stay in Nova Scotia.

Occupation In-Demand Stream

Addressing the province’s specific labor market needs, the Occupation In-Demand Stream targets occupations crucial to various sectors. Applicants with relevant work experience and a job offer in designated occupations can seize this opportunity to secure permanent residency. 

Stream offers a path to permanent residency for individuals in a variety of occupations such as Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 3413), Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 6513), Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Occupations (NOC 6711), Light Duty Cleaners (NOC 6731), Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 7511), Heavy Equipment Operators, except crane (NOC 7521), and Construction Trades Helpers and Laborers (NOC 7611). 

A job offer from a Nova Scotia employer is required, and there are no application fees. The processing time is at least 3 months.

Eligibility Criteria

There are several minimum eligibility requirements such as:

• The applicant must be  between 21 and 55 years old
• Must have at least a high school education
• Must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, and the necessary education, training, licensing, or certification.
• applicants must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the last five years and meet language requirements of CLB 4 depending on their National Occupational Classification level. 
• Must have enough funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.

How To Apply

To apply, first confirm eligibility and then submit the required documents through the designated webpage. If approved, a nomination certificate will be issued via email and sent to IRCC.

Within six months, applicants can then apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC. They may also request a Letter of Support from NSOI for a temporary work permit, allowing them to stay in Nova Scotia while their permanent residence application is being processed.

International Graduates In-Demand Stream

Recognizing the important impact of international graduates on Nova Scotia’s economy, the In-Demand Stream for International Graduates offers a route for recent graduates to obtain permanent residency. This popular stream requires applicants to have a job offer. While there is no fee to apply for this stream, applicants should expect a processing time of at least three months.

The occupations eligible for this stream are Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 3413) and Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214). 

Eligibility Criteria

There are several minimum eligibility requirements such as:

• The applicant must be  between 21 and 55 years old
• Must have at least a high school education
• Must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, and the necessary education, training, licensing, or certification.
• applicants must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the last five years and meet language requirements of CLB 4 depending on their National Occupational Classification level. 
• Must have enough funds to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.

How To Apply

To apply, first confirm eligibility and then submit the required documents through the designated webpage. If approved, a nomination certificate will be issued via email and sent to IRCC.

Within six months, applicants can then apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC. They may also request a Letter of Support from NSOI for a temporary work permit, allowing them to stay in Nova Scotia while their permanent residence application is being processed.

Entrepreneur Stream

Entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Nova Scotia can thrive thanks to the supportive atmosphere of the Entrepreneur Stream, where they can start or acquire businesses with a solid business plan and minimum investment. This contributes to the province’s economic growth and success. The Entrepreneur Stream does not require a job offer and is free of charge with an average processing time of three months.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet certain requirements. This includes:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old
• Must have a minimum of CAD $600,000 in Net Business and Personal Assets earned legitimately, 
• Must have at least three years of experience in business ownership or five years in a senior business management position within the past 10 years.
• Applicants must also be willing to invest at least CAD $150,000 in Nova Scotia
• Must demonstrate language proficiency (CLB 5 in English or French)
• Must have a high school education
• Must present a detailed Business Establishment Plan, and commit to residing in Nova Scotia.

How To Apply

To begin the application process, interested individuals must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Nova Scotia website. Based on their responses, applicants will be assigned a point score. Those with the highest scores may receive an invitation to apply. If selected, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Nova Scotia within 20 days.

Upon receiving the ITA, applicants have 20 days to choose and inform their selected Net Worth Verifier. Within 90 days, they must submit an Application Form, Business Establishment Plan, and Net Worth Verification Report. If all requirements are met, applicants will then be invited to attend an in-person interview. 

After this, they will be provided with a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) to review and sign. Once the BPA is submitted, Nova Scotia will issue an Entrepreneur Approval Letter and provide instructions for the next steps.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream in Nova Scotia presents an exclusive chance for international graduates who have entrepreneurial ambitions. By utilizing their education acquired in Nova Scotia, these graduates can begin a remarkable venture towards owning a business and obtaining permanent residency. This stream does not require an application fee and typically takes a minimum of three months to process.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet certain requirements. This includes:

• Applicants must have a full-time diploma or degree from a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution
• Must reside in the province full-time during their studies
• Must have a strong desire to permanently live in Nova Scotia
• Must have at least one year of experience owning and operating a business in the province.
• must meet the language requirement of CLB 7
• Must be at least 21 years old 
• Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit in order to be eligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.

How To Apply

To apply, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Nova Scotia webpage. Based on their responses, they will receive a point score and the highest-scoring candidates may receive an invitation to apply (ITA).

If selected, candidates must choose a designated Financial Statement Review Service Provider within 20 days, who will then assess their financial statements and provide the necessary reports.

Once a service provider is chosen, candidates have 90 days to submit their application form, supporting documents, and Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report. If their application meets the requirements, they will be invited to attend an in-person interview. 

A decision will then be made on their application. This stream offers a great opportunity for recent graduates interested in starting a business in Nova Scotia. If all requirements are met, applicants should not hesitate to apply for this stream.

Physician Stream

Are you a doctor in search of a job opportunity? No need to worry! The Physician Stream in Nova Scotia does not require an application fee and has a processing time of at least 3 months. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible applicants must meet certain minimum requirements such as:

• They must fall under the NOC codes 3111 or 3112 for general practitioners, family physicians, or specialist physicians. 
• they must have been offered an approved opportunity from either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre. 
• They must possess the necessary education or training required for licensure in Nova Scotia.

How To Apply

The application process is simple. First, make sure you are eligible for the Physician Stream. Then, gather and prepare all the necessary documents and submit your application online through the Nova Scotia website after creating an account. 

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) stating that you have been nominated. This proof of nomination will be sent directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

After receiving your nomination, you can submit your permanent residence application to IRCC. There is a possibility that you may be invited for an interview. 

Additionally, you can request a letter of support from Nova Scotia to apply for a temporary work permit, which will replace the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This will allow you to work in Nova Scotia while waiting for your permanent residence application to be processed.

Conclusion

Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program stands as a testament to the province’s progressive outlook and commitment to diversity and inclusivity. By providing tailored immigration streams catering to various skill sets and aspirations, Nova Scotia opens its doors wide, inviting individuals from across the globe to call this maritime gem their home.

FAQs