Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP): Immigrate to NS, Canada

Nova Scotia is situated at the east of Canada and is one of the 4 Atlantic provinces of Canada along with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. It is home to more than 100 cultural ethnicities

and is also the second smallest province in Canada. Every province or territory has their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Nova Scotia offers its own unique immigration streams and a few are aligned with the federal Express Entry system to facilitate the immigration of skilled foreign workers and international graduates who will contribute to the benefit of the province’s economy.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) nominates applicants for permanent residency who will help to fill the labor market gaps in the province. Nova Scotia welcomed 6,239 immigrants who arrived in 2020.

What are the Different Immigration Streams Offered Under the NSNP?

Nova Scotia’s Demand and Experience: Express Entry: The Nova Scotia’s Demand and Experience: Express Entry are 2 Express Entry aligned streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). 

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry is for highly skilled foreign workers with a valid job offer from a designated employer in the province. There are 2 categories:

Category A: Applicants must have a valid job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia that has a positive LMIA completed.

Category B is similar, however, you would require 1 year of continuous full-time work or an equivalent amount of part-time experience in the last 6 years in a demand occupation.

Category A will be permanently closed on January 4, 2021. 

Category B has been permanently closed.

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry is for skilled foreign workers with relevant work experience with a designated employer in the province. Applicants must have enough financial resources to meet the settlement funds requirements.

Since it is an Express Entry aligned stream, you will require eligibility for 1 of the federal economic immigration programs: 

1. the Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. the Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. the Canadian Experience Class

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities (NSNP): The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities (NSNP) offers immigration pathways for highly skilled foreign workers with relevant work experience and proficiency in the French language. 

You must be eligible for 1 of the 3 federal economic immigration programs. If you are nominated through this stream, then you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians (NSNP): The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians (NSNP) is an Express Entry aligned stream specially designed for general practitioners, family physicians and specialist physicians. 

This stream aims to reduce the labor market shortages in this Atlantic province. Applicants must qualify for 1 of the 3 federal economic immigration programs and be approved by the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Centre in Halifax. Applicants must also express an intention to live and work in the province for at least 2 years. 

Skilled Worker Stream (NSNP): The Skilled Worker Stream (NSNP) is for highly skilled foreign workers with relevant work experience and a valid job offer from a designated employer in the province. 

Applicants must also have a valid work permit at the time of application. Applicants must also meet the settlement fund requirements to qualify. 

If you are nominated through this stream, then you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence and a letter of support for a temporary work permit until your application is being processed. 

Occupation in Demand Stream (NSNP): The Occupation In Demand Stream (NSNP) accepts prospective immigrants working in occupations classified as NOC 3413 (nurses aides, orderlies and patient service associates) and NOC 7511 (transport truck drivers). 

Applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in the province and 1 year of relevant experience in their occupation. Successful applicants will receive the provincial nomination for permanent residency.

Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP): The Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP) is for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in the province of Nova Scotia. 

International entrepreneurs must have relevant business experience and a personal net worth of at least $600,000. They will also be required to invest at least $150,000 to establish the business. 

The business must be in operation for at least 1 year before the applicants can qualify for permanent residence.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP): The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP) is for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in the province of Nova Scotia. 

International entrepreneurs must have relevant business experience and a personal net worth of at least $600,000. They will also be required to invest at least $150,000 to establish the business. 

The business must be in operation for at least 1 year before the applicants can qualify for permanent residence.

Physician Stream (NSNP): The Physician Stream (NSNP) is for internationally skilled physicians and specialists with a valid job offer from 1 of the 2 Nova Scotia’s health bodies and obtain approval from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or from the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Centre. 

This stream aims to fill the healthcare positions in the province by encouraging international physicians to immigrate to the province. 

Like all other Province Nominee Programs (PNP), the Nova Scotia PNP offers a 2 step immigration process. You will be required to receive a nomination under the NSNP. 

If you are nominated, you will receive the Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate. Once nominated, you can then apply for permanent residency to the federal government.

• NOC 3412: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
• NOC 4214: Early childhood educators and assistants

Does Nova Scotia Participate In Any Other Immigration Programs?

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) was launched to promote foreign immigrants to settle in the Atlantic Provinces and help fill the labor market gaps. 

The AIPP encourages high-skilled, semi-skilled workers and international students to become permanent residents in Nova Scotia. The AIPP nominates foreign workers who will significantly benefit the economic development of Nova Scotia.