Dubbed the gem of Canada’s coastal region, Nova Scotia not only boasts picturesque landscapes but also a friendly and warm community. If you love this land and want to explore opportunities to settle in Canada, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) is a suitable option. Join Phan Immigration to dive into the details of the various streams of the NSNP in the following article.
Overview of the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)
The Nova Scotia immigration program, or Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), is designed by the provincial government with the primary goal of attracting immigrants with skills and experience who can contribute to the economic and social development of Nova Scotia while addressing labor shortages in in-demand occupations. Upon successful nomination through the NSNP, applicants have the opportunity to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
Launched in 2003, the NSNP has achieved significant success and continues to grow. Combined with the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (introduced in 2017), the number of immigrants arriving in Nova Scotia has tripled over the past 20 years. Today, Nova Scotia welcomes over 7,000 new immigrants annually, offering excellent opportunities for newcomers to access a wonderful living environment, career development prospects, and a friendly community.
Entrepreneur Stream in Nova Scotia (Entrepreneur Stream)
The Entrepreneur Stream is a pathway under the Nova Scotia immigration program, specifically designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia and settle there permanently. This program not only serves as a route to Canadian permanent residency but also offers a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow their business careers in a dynamic and promising economic environment in Nova Scotia.
Program Conditions
- Be at least 21 years old
- Desire to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a business there.
- Have a net worth of at least CAD 600,000 (or CAD 400,000 if your business is outside the Halifax Regional Municipality – HRM).
- Be able to invest a minimum of CAD 150,000 of your own capital to establish a business in Nova Scotia (or CAD 100,000 if the business is outside HRM).
- Have at least 3 years of active business management and ownership experience (with at least 1/3 ownership) or more than 5 years of experience in a senior management position within a business.
- Achieve a minimum CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English or French.
- Complete an online Expression of Interest.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
Processing Time
- Provincial nomination: From 15 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations
- Applicants must operate a business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year before applying for the NSNP.
- Applicants need to prove sufficient financial resources for settlement.
- Applicants must have experience in managing and operating a business.
Nova Scotia Immigration Program for Workers
The Atlantic Immigration Program in Nova Scotia is a federal program closely coordinated with the four Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia. To participate in this program, applicants must have a job offer from an employer designated by the province of Nova Scotia.
Program Conditions
- Receive a job offer from a designated employer in Nova Scotia.
- Have a settlement plan.
- Obtain a provincial nomination certificate from Nova Scotia.
- Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Nova Scotia.
- Meet minimum requirements for education, language, work experience, or graduation depending on the immigration stream.
Processing Time
- Provincial nomination: From 3 to 6 months.
- PR approval: From 10 months.
Limitations: Applicants must have a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer and be nominated by the province.
Skilled Worker Stream in Nova Scotia (Skilled Worker Stream)
The Skilled Worker Stream under Nova Scotia’s immigration policy is designed to attract foreign skilled workers and recent international graduates with the necessary skills to work in occupations that meet the labor market needs of Nova Scotia. This program opens opportunities for international workers to obtain Canadian permanent residency and build a life in Nova Scotia.
Program Conditions
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Have a full-time, ongoing job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.
- Have 1 year of work experience related to the job offered. Workers in TEER 4 or 5 must have 6 months of experience with the employer.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Possess training, skills, and credentials suitable for the job.
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, and CLB 4 for TEER 4, 5.
- Demonstrate language ability equivalent to CLB 5 for jobs in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. If your native language is English or French, this requirement is waived.
- Workers in NOC TEER 4 or 5 must provide language test results to prove they meet CLB 4, even if their native language is English or French.
- Prove sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: From 3 to 6 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations
- Applicants must demonstrate appropriate language proficiency.
- Applicants need relevant work experience for the job.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
The Labour Market Priorities Stream of the NSNP is a stream based on the federal Express Entry system, designed to allow Nova Scotia to proactively seek and nominate potential candidates from the Express Entry pool, particularly those with work experience in high-demand and urgent occupations in the province.
Program Conditions
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program within the Express Entry system.
- Submit your application within 30 calendar days from the date your Letter of Interest is issued.
- Meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you are eligible.
- Prove you have sufficient funds to successfully settle yourself and your family in Nova Scotia, including covering immigration and travel costs.
- Have legal status in your current country of residence.
- Meet the eligibility criteria in effect at the time your Letter of Interest is issued.
- Have a valid Express Entry profile number and meet all IRCC criteria for the Express Entry pool.
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: From 3 to 6 months.
- PR approval: From 7 months.
Limitations
- Highly competitive.
- Applicants must meet minimum work experience requirements.
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Nova Scotia
The Labour Market Priorities for Physicians stream in Nova Scotia is a program specifically for international physicians wishing to settle in the province. This program actively recruits physicians from the Express Entry pool who have approved job opportunities from NSHA/IWK and a commitment to serve public healthcare locally. It is a prioritized and efficient pathway for highly skilled physicians to settle permanently in Nova Scotia and contribute to the province’s healthcare services.
Program Conditions
- Have an approved job opportunity from NSHA (Nova Scotia Health Authority) or IWK (IWK Health Centre) as a general practitioner or family physician (NOC 31102) or a specialist physician (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101).
- Provide a signed copy of a Service Commitment Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, demonstrating a commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum of 2 years.
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP within the Express Entry system.
- Submit your NSNP application within 30 days from the date your Letter of Interest is issued.
- Meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you are eligible.
- Prove you have sufficient funds to successfully settle yourself and your family in Nova Scotia, including immigration and travel costs.
- Have legal status in your current country of residence.
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: 6 months.
- PR approval: From 7 months.
Limitations
- Highly competitive.
- Applicable only to specific NOC occupations.
- Requires a signed commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for at least 2 years.
Physician Nova Scotia Stream
The Physician Nova Scotia Stream under the NSNP is an immigration pathway exclusively for international physicians who wish to practice medicine and settle in Nova Scotia. This stream facilitates general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians with approved job offers from NSHA/IWK and a Service Commitment Agreement with the province. The program aims to attract and retain talented medical professionals to ensure high-quality healthcare for the community.
Program Conditions
- The Physician Stream is only for general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) with approved job opportunities signed with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.
- The approved job opportunity must be presented on official NSHA or IWK letterhead and must:
- Be signed and dated by an authorized person responsible for hiring physicians at NSHA or IWK.
- Be signed and dated by the applicant accepting the job opportunity.
- Indicate eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
- Indicate that the applicant is eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA and IWK.
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: From 18 to 24 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations - Processing times are longer compared to other programs.
- Only available to physician applicants.
Occupations in Demand Stream in Nova Scotia
The Occupations in Demand Stream in Nova Scotia is designed for highly skilled workers with experience in occupations facing shortages in the province. This stream offers opportunities for international workers with long-term job offers from Nova Scotia employers in designated occupations. The program aims to attract skilled individuals to settle and work in Nova Scotia, helping meet the province’s labor demands.
Program Conditions
- Have a full-time, long-term job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the following NOC occupations:
- NOC 33102 (Nurse Aides)
- NOC 65310 (Light Duty Cleaners)
- NOC 73300 (Transport Truck Drivers)
- NOC 73400 (Heavy Equipment Operators)
- NOC 75110 (Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers)
- Have 1 year of work experience related to the job specified in the offer.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Possess training, skills, and/or certification suitable for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB 4, even if your native language is English or French.
- Prove sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: From 3 to 6 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations
- Applicants must meet language proficiency requirements.
- Applicants must meet work experience requirements.
Critical Construction Worker Pilot in Nova Scotia
The Critical Construction Worker Pilot is a stream within the Nova Scotia immigration program, designed to address labor shortages in the province’s construction industry. This program targets highly skilled construction workers with specific NOCs critical to Nova Scotia. Through this pilot, international construction workers with long-term job offers can settle in Canada and build a solid career in the province’s thriving construction sector.
Program Conditions
- Have a full-time, long-term job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) for one of the following NOC occupations:
- 70010 – Construction Managers
- 70011 – Home Building and Renovation Managers
- 72011 – Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical Trades and Telecommunications
- 72014 – Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers
- 72020 – Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
- 72102 – Sheet Metal Workers
- 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 1 year of work experience related to the job specified in the offer.
- Hold a high school diploma or proof of completion of a specific vocational training
Program in construction
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB 5 (for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) or CLB 4 (for NOC TEER 4 and 5), even if your native language is English or French.
- Prove sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: From 3 to 6 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations
- Applicants must meet language proficiency requirements.
- Applicants must meet work experience requirements.
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is a fast-track option for highly skilled workers who have worked in Nova Scotia and are in the Express Entry pool. This stream allows the province to nominate eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool if they have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
Program Conditions
- Have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Hold a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French according to Canadian Language Benchmarks. You need CLB 7 for skilled jobs in NOC TEER 0 and 1, and CLB 5 for positions in NOC TEER 2 and 3.
- Have a registered profile in the Express Entry system of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Processing Time
- NSNP application processing: From 3 to 6 months.
- PR approval: From 7 months.
Limitations
- Applicants must meet high language proficiency requirements.
- Applicants must have work experience in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Immigration Program for International Students
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream in Nova Scotia is a pathway for international students who have graduated in Nova Scotia and wish to start a business and settle there. The program supports you in establishing and operating a business in the province while leveraging your education and experience in Canada to turn your entrepreneurial ideas into reality.
Program Conditions
- Desire to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing your business there.
- Have at least 1 year of continuous experience managing and owning your current business in Nova Scotia (with at least 1/3 ownership).
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree or diploma from a full-time program of at least 2 years, in-person at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College.
- Hold a valid post-graduation work permit.
- Achieve a minimum CLB 7 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English or French.
- Complete an online Expression of Interest.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
Processing Time
- Provincial nomination: From 15 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations
- Only applies to applicants studying and working in Nova Scotia.
- Applicants must have graduated from a university or college in Nova Scotia.
- Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience operating a business in Nova Scotia.
International Graduates in Demand Stream
The International Graduates in Demand Stream in Nova Scotia is a special pathway for international students who have graduated in Nova Scotia and possess skills and training in occupations prioritized by the province. This stream is tailored to help international graduates use their Canadian credentials to quickly settle and meet the province’s urgent labor needs.
Program Conditions
- Have a full-time, long-term job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the listed occupations below, corresponding to your recent field of study.
- Be between 19 and 55 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Meet the requirements to complete a program at a valid designated educational institution in Nova Scotia within 3 years of your application date. The program must be at least 30 weeks long, or 24 weeks for NOC 33102 (Nurse Aides and Continuing Care Assistants). You must have completed at least 50% of the program in Nova Scotia.
- For NOC 32102 or 32124, your program must grant a diploma.
- For NOC 33102, your program must grant a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree.
- For NOC 42202, your program must grant a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
- Hold a professional certification issued by Nova Scotia regulatory bodies as required for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB 5.
- Prove sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Processing Time
- Provincial nomination: From 15 months.
- PR approval: From 21 months.
Limitations: Only applies to students who have studied or are studying in Nova Scotia in the listed occupations.
Benefits of Settling in Nova Scotia, Canada
When participating in the Nova Scotia PNP, applicants can enjoy the following benefits:
Access to a high-quality life at a low cost
- Residents in Nova Scotia are very friendly, often greeting neighbors and willing to help if you’re in need.
- The cost of living in Nova Scotia is significantly lower than the Canadian average, making it easier for newcomers to afford housing, food, and other essentials.
- Housing in Nova Scotia is more affordable compared to other Canadian provinces.
Convenient transportation
- Halifax, the capital, has an international airport, facilitating travel between provinces and abroad.
- Nova Scotia’s public transportation system is excellent, with easy access to buses. However, having a personal car makes travel even more convenient.
- New immigrants can use their home country’s driver’s license for 90 days while applying for an international driver’s permit or a Nova Scotia driver’s license.
Access to an advanced, high-quality healthcare system
- After 3 months of residency, new immigrants receive a health card and free medical insurance, saving on healthcare and treatment costs.
- Nova Scotia’s healthcare system is highly rated for service quality and treatment outcomes, ensuring newcomers have access to top-tier care.
- New immigrants can easily find family doctors and healthcare services within their communities.
Educational support from the government
- Public school students from kindergarten to high school enjoy free tuition.
- Separate English and French education programs are available.
- Nova Scotia’s education system is built on the Essential Graduation Competencies Framework, focusing on 6 key areas: citizenship, communication, personal career development, critical thinking, creativity/innovation, and technological proficiency.
- The Nova Scotia government offers childcare subsidies for low-income families.
- Public schools provide English Language Learning (ELL) programs to help students whose native language isn’t English integrate more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about the NSNP
Is a job offer required to participate in the NSNP?
A job offer is not mandatory for all streams of the Nova Scotia PNP. Some streams do not require applicants to have a job offer, including:
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- International Graduates in Demand Stream
- Physician Nova Scotia Stream
Does the NSNP require a minimum CRS score?
The NSNP does not specify a minimum CRS score for most of its streams. However, some NSNP streams are linked to Express Entry. While these streams do not publish a minimum CRS score for provincial nomination eligibility, applicants must still qualify for the Express Entry pool before being considered for the NSNP. That said, a higher CRS score makes your profile more competitive and increases your chances of receiving an invitation from the NSNP.
Can I move to another province after being nominated by the NSNP?
You are free to move to another province after being nominated by the NSNP and receiving permanent residency, as a PR card allows you to live and work anywhere in Canada. However, since the NSNP is designed to serve Nova Scotia’s needs, moving elsewhere too soon may be seen as not honoring your initial commitment to the province.
Therefore, it’s advisable to settle in Nova Scotia for a period (about 1-2 years) before relocating for a legitimate reason, as this is more likely to be accepted and avoids raising doubts about your intentions for joining the NSNP.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program is a solid bridge to realizing your dream of settling in Canada. With its diverse streams, the NSNP allows skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students to access a high-quality life and a bright future in this beautiful province. If you have any further questions about the program, contact Phan Immigration for detailed advice today!
