The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a Government of Nova Scotia initiative designed to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and address regional labor market needs. Through the NSNP, qualified individuals can receive a Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate, which strengthens their application for Canadian permanent residence.

This program offers a unique opportunity for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to build their careers and lives in Nova Scotia. The beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and strong economy make Nova Scotia an attractive destination for those seeking a fulfilling future in Canada.

Overview of (NSNP)

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was established in 2003 as a tool for the province to address its economic and labor market needs through targeted immigration. The program nominates skilled individuals who can contribute to its growth and fulfill specific workforce requirements.

Since its launch, the NSNP, alongside the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) introduced in 2017, has significantly impacted Nova Scotia’s immigration landscape. The province now welcomes over 7,000 new immigrants annually, many of whom stay, boasting a retention rate exceeding 70%. This success can be attributed to the strategic focus of the NSNP and AIP on connecting newcomers with suitable job opportunities and facilitating the transition to permanent residence for international graduates and temporary workers.

Nova Scotia Immigration Streams

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers two types of immigration streams: enhanced and base.

Enhanced Streams:

  • Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: This stream aligns with the federal Express Entry system for skilled worker immigration. Receiving a nomination through this stream adds 600 points to your Express Entry score, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
  • Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities: This stream identifies occupations in high demand by the Nova Scotia economy. Meeting the program’s requirements and receiving a nomination can strengthen your application for permanent residence, though it does not directly link to the Express Entry system.
  • Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians: This stream caters specifically to physicians seeking to immigrate to Nova Scotia and address healthcare needs in the province. It follows the same principles as the general Labour Market Priorities stream.

Base Streams:

The remaining NSNP streams are designated as base streams, meaning they are not directly linked to the Express Entry system. If you receive a nomination through a base stream, you will need to submit your application for permanent residence directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Language Requirements:

Most NSNP streams require applicants to meet certain minimum language proficiency levels in English or French, as determined by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale ranging from 1 to 12.

Nova Scotia Express Entry

Key Features:

  • Job Offer Not Required: Unlike some provincial nominee programs, this stream does not require you to have a job offer secured in Nova Scotia before applying.
  • Application Fee: There is no application fee for this stream.
  • Processing Time: You can expect the processing time to be at least three months, potentially longer.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Express Entry Profile: You must have a valid profile registered in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Age: You must be between 21 and 55 years old at the time of application.
  • Nova Scotia Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience in Nova Scotia within the past three years.
  • Work Authorization: During your work experience in Nova Scotia, you must have had the proper work authorization, such as a valid work permit.
  • Education: You must have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent credential.
  • Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate language skills adequate for your intended job, following the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:
    • National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0 and A: CLB 7
    • NOC Skill Level B: CLB 5
  • Intention to Reside: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to live in Nova Scotia permanently following your nomination.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities:

Key Features:

  • Job Offer Not Required: Unlike some provincial nominee programs, this stream does not require you to have a job offer secured in Nova Scotia before applying.
  • Application Fee: There is no application fee for this stream.
  • Processing Time: You can expect the processing time to be at least three months, potentially longer.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Express Entry Profile: You must have a valid profile registered in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Invitation to Apply: You must receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) through your Express Entry profile. This indicates you meet the program’s initial criteria.
  • Work Experience: You must meet the work experience requirements for your Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class).
  • Supporting Documents: You must provide documentation to verify your work experience claims.
  • Financial Stability: You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to settle and support yourself in Nova Scotia upon arrival.
  • Draw-Specific Requirements: Each Express Entry draw may have additional eligibility requirements. Ensure you meet the specific requirements of the draw you intend to apply through.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
Key features:

  • Job Offer Required: Applicants must secure a pre-arranged job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre as a general practitioner, family physician, or specialist physician (NOC 3111 or NOC 3112).
  • Application Fee: There is no application fee for this stream.
  • Processing Time: You can expect the processing time to be at least three months, potentially longer.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Express Entry Profile: You must have a valid profile registered in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Invitation to Apply: You must receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) through your Express Entry profile. This indicates you meet the program’s initial criteria.
  • Work Experience: You must meet the work experience requirements for your Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class).
  • Supporting Documents: You must provide documentation to verify your work experience claims.
  • Return for Service Agreement: You must sign and submit a Return for Service Agreement to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, committing to reside in the province for a minimum of two years.
  • Financial Stability: You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to settle and support yourself in Nova Scotia upon arrival.

Skilled Worker Stream:

Key Features:

  • Job Offer Required: Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
  • Application Fee: There is no application fee for this stream.
  • Processing Time: You can expect the processing time to be at least three months, potentially longer.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Legal Status:
    • Canadians: Proof of legal status in Canada.
    • International Applicants: Proof of legal status in current country of residence.
  • Age: Be between 21 and 55 years old at the time of application.
  • Education: Possess a high school diploma (12 years of study) or equivalent.
  • Work Experience:
    • Have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the past five years.
    • Meet specific requirements based on National Occupational Classification (NOC) level:
      • NOC 0, A, or B: minimum 12 months of relevant experience.
      • NOC C or D: minimum 12 months of relevant experience and test results showing CLB 4 English or French proficiency.
  • Language: Meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements based on NOC level:
    • NOC 0, A, or B: CLB 5 in English or French (test results or first language verification).
    • NOC C or D: CLB 4 in English or French (test results required).
  • Settlement Intention: Demonstrate genuine intent and ability to settle in Nova Scotia.
  • Financial Resources: Possess sufficient funds to cover immigration costs, travel expenses, and initial settlement needs.

Employer Requirements:

  • Established in Nova Scotia: Permanently established and operating for at least two years.
  • Job Offer: Offer a full-time, permanent position meeting the following criteria:
    • Located in Nova Scotia.
    • Salary and benefits meet provincial standards and prevailing wage rates.
    • Fills a demonstrated shortage of qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
    • Complies with all relevant agreements and regulations.
    • Meets LMIA requirements for NOC C or D positions.
  • Recruitment Efforts: Demonstrate attempts to fill the position with Canadians or permanent residents before offering to an international applicant.

International Graduates In-Demand Stream: Leverage Your Education and Build a Career in Nova Scotia

This stream offers eligible international graduates who completed their studies in Nova Scotia a streamlined path to permanent residency through targeted occupations experiencing labor shortages.

Key Features:

  • Fast-track pathway: Secure a full-time, permanent job offer in an in-demand field and potentially gain permanent residency faster.
  • Financial freedom: No application fee for this stream.
  • Streamlined processing: Expect a decision within at least three months.

Eligible Occupations:

  • Healthcare: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 3413)
  • Early Childhood Education: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214)

Meet the Requirements:

  • Job Offer: Secure a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the designated occupations.
  • Age: Be between 21 and 55 years old.
  • Education: Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Nova Scotia Study: Have completed a course of study at least 30 weeks long in the past three years, with at least half completed in Nova Scotia.
  • Certifications: Possess any required certifications for the chosen occupation.
  • Language: Demonstrate English or French proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5.
  • Financial Stability: Show sufficient funds to settle and support yourself in Nova Scotia.

Entrepreneur Stream: Build Your Business and Future in Nova Scotia

This stream welcomes experienced entrepreneurs with vision and capital to establish or acquire businesses in Nova Scotia, potentially leading to permanent residency.

Key Features:

  • No job offer required: Focus on building your dream business in Nova Scotia.
  • No application fee: Invest directly in your entrepreneurial journey.
  • Streamlined processing: Expect a decision within at least three months.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Age: Be at least 21 years old.
  • Financial Resources: Possess a minimum of CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets, acquired through legal means.
  • Business Experience: Demonstrate at least three years of ownership experience (minimum one-third ownership) or over five years in a senior business management role within the past ten years.
  • Investment Commitment: Agree to invest at least CAD $150,000 in establishing or purchasing your business in Nova Scotia.
  • Language Proficiency: Meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 requirement in English or French.
  • Education: Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Business Plan: Present a comprehensive Business Establishment Plan outlining your venture.
  • Residence Commitment: Agree to reside in Nova Scotia.

This stream fosters economic growth and creates new jobs while enriching Nova Scotia’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. With your vision and commitment, you can build a thriving business and a fulfilling future in this welcoming province.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

  • Focus: Build your business and secure permanent residency in Nova Scotia after completing a two-year Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree.
  • Key features:
    • No job offer required.
    • No application fee.
    • Minimum processing time: 3 months.
  • Eligibility:
    • Possess a full-time Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree (minimum 2 years).
    • Lived in Nova Scotia full-time during your academic program.
    • Intend to reside permanently in Nova Scotia.
    • Owned and operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least one year before applying.
    • Meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 requirement.
    • Be at least 21 years old.
    • Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
    • Own at least one-third equity in the eligible business.
    • Demonstrated involvement in daily business management.
    • Receive compensation from the business (salary).

Physician Stream

  • Focus: Secure permanent residency as a general practitioner, family physician, or specialist physician (NOC 3111 or 3112) in Nova Scotia.
  • Key features:
    • No job offer required.
    • No application fee.
    • Minimum processing time: 3 months.
  • Eligibility:
    • Be a general practitioner, family physician, or specialist physician (NOC 3111 or 3112).
    • Have a signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
    • Possess the education and training required for licensure in Nova Scotia.
Where can I get more information?

For more information about the NSNP, please visit the Nova Scotia government website: https://novascotiaimmigration.com/

How do I apply for the NSNP?

The application process for the NSNP varies depending on the stream you are applying for. However, some general steps include:

  • Create an Express Entry profile: If you are applying through the Express Entry stream, you will need to create a profile on the Express Entry system.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen stream: Make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements for the stream you are applying for.
  • Submit an application: Once you have met all of the eligibility requirements, you can submit an application to the NSNP.
What are the benefits of the NSNP?

There are many benefits to applying for the NSNP, including:

  • Faster processing times: The NSNP typically has faster processing times than other immigration programs.
  • Increased chances of success: If you are nominated by the NSNP, you have a much higher chance of being approved for permanent residency.
  • Access to Nova Scotia’s job market: Once you are a permanent resident, you will have access to all of the job opportunities in Nova Scotia.
Who is eligible for the NSNP?

There are several different streams of the NSNP, each with its own eligibility requirements. Some of the most common streams include:

  • Express Entry: If you have a high score on the Express Entry system, you may be eligible for the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream.
  • Skilled Worker: This stream is for skilled workers who have a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an occupation that is in demand.
  • International Graduate: This stream is for international graduates who have completed a degree or diploma program in Nova Scotia and have a job offer in the province.
  • Entrepreneur: This stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
What is the NSNP?

The NSNP is a provincial nominee program run by the Nova Scotia government. It allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada who meet their specific labour market needs.