Overview of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Nova Scotia is one of ten Canadian provinces located on the country's east coast. Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia are the Canadian Maritime Provinces majorly tied to shipping, fishing, and shipbuilding. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was first introduced in 2003 to support the province's labor market and economic needs. The program has developed over time, facilitating thrice immigration in the last 15 years. The addition of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program also contributed to the immigration rates. The NSNP is one of the many provincial nominee programs designed to bring in newcomers to the country and retain them to fill the workforce and labor shortages while promoting the local communities. Entrepreneurs, skilled foreign workers, and graduates can benefit from the NSNP. The province welcomes more than 7,000 immigrants yearly, with a retention rate above 70%.

 

Benefits of the NSNP for immigrants

The NSNP provides an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada. Some of the reasons why you should consider the Nova Scotia Nominee Program are as follows:

 

• Provides a permanent residency pathway
• The province is known for its welcoming and embracing community
• High quality of life with a rich cultural heritage
• Offers a wide range of immigration streams and programs for entrepreneurs, graduates, and skilled workers
• Plenty of economic opportunities for skilled immigrants
• Maintains an affordable and sustainable cost of living

 

Nova Scotia Immigration Streams

The NSNP aims to attract immigrants with the required experience and skills to promote the province's economy. The program has different streams that are categorized into enhanced and base streams. Enhanced streams are Express Entry-aligned streams, where the Canadian federal government utilizes the Express Entry system to manage and overlook the PR applications that come in through Canada's primary economic class immigration programs.  Most NSNP streams are base streams, which are not aligned with Express Entry. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination from the province can apply for PR and immigrate to Canada. Fulfilling the minimum language requirements is necessary for candidates who wish to apply for the NSNP.

 

Below is the list of the major NSNP streams:

• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Skilled Worker
• Nova Scotia Physicians
• Nova Scotia Entrepreneur
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
• Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• Nova Scotia Occupations In Demand

 

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream is for highly skilled foreign nationals who can immigrate to the province and contribute to the economy's growth. To qualify for the stream, candidates are required to either have an employment offer from an employer in Nova Scotia or show proof of work experience in any of the province's in-demand occupations. This program is aligned with the Express Entry program, allowing expedited processing of successful applications.

Note: The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream is permanently closed.

 

How to Apply for the Nova Scotia Immigration Program?

The application process for the Nova Scotia Immigration Program varies depending on the stream type. The processing time for qualifying applications can take around six months or more. Applicants with the nominee certificate must apply for a Canada PR visa within six months of receiving it. The primary applicant, spouse, or any accompanying dependents must clear the medical, criminal, and security checks to immigrate to the country.

 

Step-by-step guide to the Nova Scotia application process

The application process may vary based on the type of immigration stream. However, candidates who are looking to apply for the NSNP can follow the general steps given below:

 

Step 1: Check if you are eligible

The first step in the application process is to check if you can apply. The NSNP has different streams with different eligibility criteria. You must choose the stream that best suits your requirements and check your eligibility for it.

 

Step 2: Create an online profile

To register for the immigration program, you must create a profile online and submit information related to educational transcripts, work experience, language proficiency, and other personal information.

 

Step 3: Submit your application to the LSI (Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration)

Some of the NSNP streams ask for the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) that can be submitted to the Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI)

 

Step 4: Receive a nomination from the LSI

If your selection is confirmed, the LSI will send you a nomination letter, after which the application fee and the submission of documents must be completed.

 

Step 5: Fly to Nova Scotia, Canada

The processing time for applications may vary depending on the intake and the type of program. Once you decide on your application, you can fly to Nova Scotia, Canada.

 

Tips for a successful application

Here are some of the tips to have a successful application:

• Creating an Express Entry profile can increase your chances of acquiring a provincial nomination.
• Ensuring that your profile is strong shows your intent to immigrate to Canada, increasing your chances of getting selected  
• Your chances of receiving an ITA through an Express Entry PNP increase if your profile has the correct information.
• Studying or working in Canada can increase your chances of getting a nomination.
• Check if you are eligible for the PNP before applying for the program is advisable.
• Consult with a professional immigration company to offer you the proper assistance for your immigration process.

 

Common mistakes to avoid

Some of the most common mistakes to avoid while filing for an application are:

• Not meeting the PNP requirements
• Submitting incomplete Application
• Giving false information
• Being unresponsive to official requests
• Proof of criminal inadmissibility
• Providing illegal information
• Failing to provide evidence of sufficient funds

 

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is for highly skilled individuals who want to settle in Nova Scotia permanently. The minimum requirement for the applicant is 12 months of professional work experience in Nova Scotia in any of the NOC occupations. The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry is an Express Entry-aligned stream, which allows expedited processing of selected applicants. 

 

Eligibility Requirements for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program, one must:

• Have at least 12 months of professional work experience in Nova Scotia.
• Be within the age range of 21-55
• Have educational qualifications equal to the Canadian high school credentials
• Proof of language proficiency in English or French; the minimum requirement for NOC categories 0 and 1 is CLB 7, and for NOC categories 2 and 3, it is CLB 5.
• Have a registered profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system.

 

Documents required for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the program are as follows:

• A valid passport
• Proof of work experience:

Type of work	Duration
12 months of full-time experience	30 hours per week
24 months of part-time experience	15 hours per week

 

• The professional experience gained must be with a Nova Scotia-based employer who meets the given criteria
• The professional work experience must be acquired in the last 3 years prior to your application date
• The work experience was gained by working in a job that is listed in the NOC categories (0, 1, 2 &3) wherein you fulfilled at least 51% of the major job duties
• The work experience must not be dependent or related to Federal post-graduation work permits.
• Proof of eligibility for the stream:
• As proof of your eligibility for the stream, you must submit:
• Letters of reference or reference letters
• Job contracts
• Pay slips
• A valid work permit
• Proof of educational qualifications:
• For proof of your educational qualifications, you must submit:
• For education in Canada:
• Copy of your diploma
• Copy of diploma from post-secondary institutions
• Copy of educational transcripts from post-secondary institutions
• Copy of valid license or certificates that are required to be employed in Nova Scotia
• For education outside Canada:
• ECA
• Educational transcripts
• Proof of Language ability:
• The stream accepts scores from Language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada. The language test scores must be valid for at least two years before applying for the program.

 

For NOC Categories 0 & 1:

• CLB Level 7 or more
• NCLC Level 7 or more

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6	6	6	6
CELPIP	7	7	7	7
PTE	60	60	69	68
TEF	249	207	310	310
TCF	458	453	10	10

 

For NOC Categories 2 & 3:

The language test scores must be equal to CLB Level 5 or NCLC Level 5

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	5	4	5	5
CELPIP	5	5	5	5
PTE	39	42	51	51
TEF	181	151	226	226
TCF	369	375	6	6

 

• Proof of documents related to family (spouse or children):
• Proof of marriage certificate
• Certificate of birth (Dependent children)
• Adoption papers (For adoption cases)
• Proof of custody or permission for children who are below 19 years of age
• Proof of documents related to your immigration status:

 

For proof of immigration status, you must submit the following documents listed below:

 

If you currently residing in Canada:

• A valid proof of legal status in the country

 

If you currently residing in a country that you are not a citizen of:

• A valid proof of legal status in that particular country

 

If you have a past history of having applied to immigrate to Canada:

• Proof of all the letters received from the government of Canada, or territory or province

 

How to apply for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program:

Step 1: Build an Express Entry profile

The first step is to create your Express Entry profile, after which you will enter the Express Entry pool. The IRCC will send you a job seeker validation code and an Express Entry profile number, which is required to apply for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream.

 

Step 2: Apply for the NSNP & the Experience: Express Entry stream

You must then apply for the program via the official website

 

Step 3: Receive a nomination

You will receive a nomination after a thorough evaluation. You must submit it via the Express Entry system within 30 days of receiving it.

 

Step 4: Apply for the Canada PR

The IRCC will then send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The supporting documents and the application must be submitted within 60 days of receiving the ITA.

 

Step 5: Migrate to Nova Scotia, Canada

You can fly to Nova Scotia with the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which the IRCC previously issued.

 

Nova Scotia: Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker stream allows employers to hire skilled foreign workers and international students who have recently graduated. It facilitates recruiting skilled persons whose skills are required in the province. Employers in Nova Scotia can only take in workers for positions that PR holders or Canadian citizens could not fill.

 

Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Worker Stream 

To be eligible for the Skilled worker Stream, one must:

• Have a permanent full-time employment contract from an employer in Nova Scotia.
• Have 12 months of job-related work experience; for individuals with jobs in NOC TEER categories 4 & 5, a minimum of 6 months of work experience with the employer is required.
• Must be aged between 21-55
• Must have a high school diploma
• Have relevant skills and training that are required for the job.
• Have sufficient funds to settle in the province.
• Have Language ability of CLB Level 5 for NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 and CLB Level 4 for NOC TEER categories 4 or 5

 

Documents required for the Skilled Worker Stream

The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the skilled worker stream are as follows:

• A valid passport
• Proof of Language ability:

As proof of language ability, you must meet the language proficiency requirements given below:

The skilled worker stream accepts scores of Language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF Canada & TCF Canada. The language test scores must be valid for at least 2 years before applying for the program.

 

For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 & 3:

If your first language is not French or English, you must provide proof that you meet any of the two criteria listed below:

• CLB Level 5 or higher
• NCLC Level 5 or higher

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	5	4	5	5
CELPIP	5	5	5	5
PTE	39	42	51	51
TEF	181	151	226	226
TCF	369	375	6	6

 

For NOC TEER 4 & 5:

The language test scores must be equal to CLB Level 4 or NCLC Level 4

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	4.5	3.5	4	4
CELPIP	4	4	4	4
PTE	28	33	41	42
TEF	145	121	181	181
TCF	331	342	4	4

 

• Proof of Training and Education:
• Proof of high school diploma
• Proof of certificate or license that is required for the offered job
• Proof of documents related to job offer:
• Form NSNP 200
• Additional documents required for NSNP 200
• Proof of documents related to work experience:
• Letters of reference
• Proof of documents related to your spouse or children:
• Proof of marriage certificate
• Proof of birth certificate (Dependent children)
• Proof of permission and custody for children to come to the country
• Proof of adoption papers (In case of adopted children)
• Proof of documents related to immigration status:

 

If you currently residing in Canada:

• A valid proof of legal status in the country

 

If you currently residing in a country that you are not a citizen of:

• A valid proof of legal status in that particular country

 

If you have a past history of having applied to immigrate to Canada:

• Proof of all the letters received from the government of Canada, or territory or province
• Bank statements of the last 3 months

 

How to apply for the NSNP Skilled worker stream?

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the skilled worker stream:

Step 1: Complete Form eNSNP 100

The first step to apply for the skilled worker stream is to fill out Form eNSNP and submit the application via the official website.

 

Step 2:  Receive a nomination

You will then receive a nomination if you fulfill the eligibility criteria. The visa must be applied within six months of receiving the nomination certificate. 

 

Step 3: Request for a Letter of Support

You can then request a Letter of support if your existing work permit is about to expire. The letter of support can be used to apply for a temporary work permit or renew the existing one. 

 

Step 4: Apply for a Canada PR visa

You cannot apply for a Canada PR visa within six months of receiving the nomination.

 

Step 5: Migrate to Nova Scotia, Canada

You can now migrate to Nova Scotia.

 

Occupation In-Demand Stream

The Occupations In-demand stream is specifically for occupations in TEER categories 3, 4, or 5 of the NOC that have a high labor market demand in the province. The LSI (Labor, Skills, and Immigration) looks for occupations that are currently in demand and prone to change by analyzing the labor market data and the list of eligible occupations.

 

Eligibility Requirements for Occupations In-demand Stream

To be eligible for the Occupations In-demand Stream, one must:

• Have at least 12 months of job-related work experience
• Must be aged between 21-55
• Have a minimum of high school diploma
• Submit proof of sufficient funds to settle in the province
• Must have language proficiency of CLB Level 4
• Must have relevant skills, training, and certifications for the job
• Have a full-time employment offer from a Nova Scotia-based employer in any of the occupations listed below:
• 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)

 

How to apply for the NSNP stream?

You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee stream:

Step 1: Create an account online

The first step is to create an online account and apply for the stream if you find yourself eligible.

 

Step 2: Arrange the documents required

Arranging the required checklist of documents and submitting it online

 

Step 3: Get a provincial nomination

Applicants who are approved will then receive a provincial nomination.

 

Step 4: Receive a Letter of support

Applicants will receive a letter of support for applying for a temporary work permit to work in Nova Scotia. 

 

Step 5: Apply for a Canada PR

A federal application for Canada PR must be submitted within six months of receiving a nomination.

 

International Graduates In-Demand Stream

The International Graduate In-demand stream is specifically for recent graduates with education and skills matching specific NOC job categories. The stream is presently open for workers who belong to the NOC categories given below:

• NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations
• NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians
• NOC 33102: nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
• NOC 42202: early childhood educators and assistants

 

Eligibility Requirements for International Graduate In-demand Stream

To be eligible for the International Graduate In-demand Stream, one must:

• Have a full-time employment offer from a Nova Scotia-based employer in a job category listed in the eligible NOC categories.
• Must be aged between 19-55
• Have a high school diploma.
• Possess certifications given by the NS regulatory bodies.
• Have language proficiency that is equal to CLB Level 5
• Have sufficient proof of funds.
• You must have fulfilled the requirements to study in a qualifying Nova Scotia DLI within three years of submitting the application. The program must be at least 30 weeks long, and you must have completed at least 50% of the course/program.
• For those applying under NOC 32102 or 32124, you must be granted a diploma
• For those applying under NOC 33102, you must be granted a certificate, diploma and degree
• For those applying under NOC 42202, you must be granted a degree or diploma

 

How to apply for the International Graduate In-demand Stream?

To apply for the International Graduate In-demand Stream, one must:

Step 1: Check if you eligible

Step 2: Create an online account

Step 3: Sort out the requirements

Step 4: Submit the application

Step 5: Wait for the status

 

Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur stream is particularly for senior business managers or business owners with experience who wish to settle in Nova Scotia. They must either buy an existing business or start a new one while actively involved in the day-to-day tasks of managing it. After successfully running the business for 12 months, the entrepreneur may gain eligibility for a PR nomination. Applications to the Entrepreneur stream can be submitted only via invitations.

 

Eligibility Requirements for Entrepreneur Stream

To be eligible for the Entrepreneur Stream, one must:

• Be 21 of age or older.
• Want to permanently settle in the province while owning and actively managing the business there?
• Have a net worth of a minimum of CAD 600,000
• Must be in a position to invest a minimum of CAD 150,000 of your own money towards starting a business in the province 
• Have at least three years of experience owning and managing a business (or) 5+ years of experience as a senior business manager.
• Must score a minimum of CLB Level 5 for the language ability
• Complete and EOI (Expression of Interest)
• Have an ITA from the LSI

 

Documents required for the Entrepreneur Stream

The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the entrepreneur stream are as follows:

 

Proof of documents related to your application:

For proof of documents for the application, you must have the following documents listed below:

• eNSNP 100
• NSNP 400
• NSNP 50
• NSNP 60
• Business Performance Agreement

 

Proof of documents related to training and education:

You and your spouse can get points for completing a study program in the province if the following criterion is met:

• The duration of the course was 2 years
• The course was completed from a school, college or university in Nova Scotia
• The course has a minimum instruction of 15 hours per week

 

The spouse can score points if they migrate with you and have the following list of documents:

• Study permits
• Proof of Canadian credentials

 

If you have received training or have completed education outside Canada, you must submit the list of documents given below:

• Documents that were received from outside Canada
• ECA report

 

Proof of documents related to language ability:

For proof of language ability, you must meet any of the two minimum language requirements of:

• CLB Level 5 or higher
• NCLC Level 5 or higher

 

To meet the criteria, any of the language tests from the below list will be accepted:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General
• Training
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• General Test
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada

 

The table below has the required scores that must be met in each of the language tests:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	4	5	5	5
CELPIP	5	5	5	5
PTE	39	42	51	51
TEF	151	226	181	226
TCF	375	6	369	6

 

Proof of documents related to language ability (For spouses):

For proof of language ability for spouses, they must meet any of the two language requirement of:

• CLB Level 4 or higher
• NCLC Level 4 or higher

The table below has the required scores that must be met by the spouse in each of the language tests:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	3.5	4	4.5	4
CELPIP	4	4	4	4
PTE	28	33	41	42
TEF	121	181	145	181
TCF	342	4	331	4

 

Proof of documents related to your spouse or children:

• Valid passport
• Proof of marriage certificate
• Proof of birth certificate (for children)
• Adoption papers
• Proof of custody

 

Proof of documents related to family members in Nova Scotia:

Extra points can be gained if you or the spouse has family living in Nova Scotia, if:

• They are 19 years of age or older
• They are a PR holder or citizen of the country
• They have been residing in the province continuously for at least 12 months
• They are your:
• Parent
• Brother or sister
• Aunt or uncle
• Grandparents
• Nice or nephew

To be able to get the points for the family member, three different categories of documents must be submitted:

• Proof of relationship with the family member
• Proof of the family member’s status in Canada
• Proof that your family member resides in Canada

 

Proof of documents related to your immigration status:

For proof of documents related to your immigration status, you must submit the below list of documents:

If you currently residing in Canada:

• A valid proof of legal status in the country

If you currently residing in a country that you are not a citizen of:

• A valid visa copy of the country that you currently live in

If you have a past history of having applied to immigrate to Canada:

• Proof of all the letters received from the government of Canada, or territory or province

If you had temporary residence in Canada before:

• Copy of all the residence visas you have had

 

Proof of documents related to your finances and business:

As proof for your business and finances, you must have the following documents listed below:

• Business Establishment Plan
• Net worth Verification Report (Applicable for those who have been invited to apply)
• Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report

 

For those applying as a senior manager:

• Updated resume
• Proof of employment contract
• Pay slips
• Letter of Reference

 

For those applying as a business owner:

• License or registration of the businesses owned by you
• Registration with tax details of the businesses owned by you
• Financial statement of the year you applied for the stream
• Proof of products of your current business
• Proof stating that you are a shareholder of the business
• Other supporting documents that are proof that you won the business

 

For those buying a business in Nova Scotia:

To be able to buy a business in Nova Scotia, you are required to submit an Exploratory Visit Report. The report must include the following details:

• Name of the business, location and information of the current owners
• A detailed description of your business meetings and visits to the current business
• Duration of your stay
• Details including names and contact information about the organizations and service providers you visited at the time of your trip
• A detailed description of all the meetings and business-related activities that were undertaken during the trip

 

For those who have previously worked in Nova Scotia in the past:

Additional points are given if you or your spouse has been previously employed in Nova Scotia. The points will only be given if the spouse migrates with you. To be able to score the points, you must provide the following:

• You and your spouse have full-time work experience for a year
• You and your spouse have a valid work permit with proof of work authorization in Canada
• The job is listed in the NOC TEER 0, 1 , 2 or 3

 

How to apply for the Entrepreneur Stream?

The steps to apply for the Entrepreneur stream are as follows:

Step 1: Complete the EOI

Step 2: Apply for the NSNP, Entrepreneur stream

Step 3: Attend the interview that will be held if you meet the requirement criteria

Step 4: Apply for a work permit

Step 5: Fly to Nova Scotia

Step 6: Receive a PR nomination

Step 7: Apply for a Canada PR visa

 

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream is for recent graduates from a university or community college in Nova Scotia. The graduates must have already started a business or bought a business in Nova Scotia and operated it for at least 12 months. Graduates may be nominated for Canada PR if they intend to settle in the province. Applications to the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream can only be submitted by invitation.

 

Eligibility Requirements for International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream 

To be eligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, one must:

• Show intent to permanently settle in Nova Scotia while owning and managing a business in the province.
• Have a minimum of 12 months of experience in owning and managing your current business in the province with at least 33.33% of ownership rights.
• Have a postgraduate work permit.
• Complete the EOI process.
• Have a diploma or degree after completing a full-time 2-year academic course from a university or community college in Nova Scotia.
• Receive an ITA from LSI

 

Documents required for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the IGE stream are as follows:

 

Proof of documents related to your application:

For proof of documents for the application, you must have the following documents listed below:

• eNSNP 100
• NSNP 500
• NSNP 50 (Optional)
• NSNP 60

 

Proof of documents related to your business and finances:

As proof for your business and finances, you must have the following documents listed below:

• Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report
• Other business-related documents
• Documents supporting the purchase of a business
• Documents related to the investment made in your business

 

Proof of documents related to your past work in the province:

Points are given if you or your spouse has previously worked in the province. To be able to secure the points, the spouse must immigrate with you to the country.

To score the points, you must fulfill the criteria given below:

• Have worked in the province for at least 3 years in the last 10 years
• The job must be listed in the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
• The spouse must have a valid work permit with full-time work experience of a minimum of 12 months

 

The checklist of documents required as proof of your work in Nova Scotia is as follows:

• Resume
• Job offer letters
• Employment records
• Letters of reference
• Proof of spouse’s work and work permit
• Copy of T4 (if applicable)

 

Proof of documents related to your training and education:

As proof of education and training, you must fulfill the criteria given below:

• Graduate from a 2-year academic course from NSCC or university in Nova Scotia

Additional points are given if the spouse completes a study course in the province by fulfilling the criteria given below:

• The study program was a 2-year course
• The program was completed from a high school, college or university in Nova Scotia
• The study course had a minimum of 15 hours of instruction every week

 

The documents that are to be submitted as proof you and your spouse’s study in the province are as follows:

• Academic transcripts
• Study permit of the spouse
• University credentials (Certificates, degrees, or diplomas)

 

Proof of documents related to your language ability:

For proof of language ability, you must meet the minimum language requirement of:

• CLB Level 7 or higher
• NCLC Level 7 or higher

To meet the criteria, any of the language tests from the below list will be accepted:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General
• Training
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• General Test
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada

 

The table below has the required scores that must be met in each of the language tests:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6	6	6	6
CELPIP	7	7	7	7
PTE	60	60	69	68
TEF	207	310	249	310
TCF	453	10	458	10

 

Proof of documents related to language ability (For spouses):

For proof of language ability for spouses, they must meet any of the two language requirement of:

• CLB Level 4 or higher
• NCLC Level 4 or higher

 

The table below has the required scores that must be met by the spouse in each of the language tests:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	3.5	4	4.5	4
CELPIP	4	4	4	4
PTE	28	33	41	42
TEF	121	181	145	181
TCF	342	4	331	4

 

Proof of documents related to you and your family:

The following checklist of documents that are to be submitted to provide proof of you and your family:

• Immigration status-related documents
• Valid passports

 

Proof of documents related to your spouse or children:

• Valid passport
• Proof of marriage certificate
• Proof of birth certificate (for children)
• Adoption papers
• Proof of custody

 

Proof of documents to show that you and your family live in Nova Scotia:

• Proof of a lease or mortgage agreement
• Utility bills
• Health cards availed by the members of the family

 

Proof of documents related to family members in Nova Scotia:

Extra points can be gained if you or the spouse has family living in Nova Scotia, if:

• They are 19 years of age or older
• They are a PR holder or citizen of the country
• They have been residing in the province continuously for at least 12 months
• They are your:
• Parent
• Brother or sister
• Aunt or uncle
• Grandparents
• Nice or nephew

 

To be able to get the points for the family member, three different categories of documents must be submitted:

• Proof of relationship with the family member
• Proof of the family member’s status in Canada
• Proof that your family member resides in Canada

 

How to apply for the IGE Stream?

To apply for the IGE Stream, one must:

Step 1: Complete the EOI

Step 2: Apply for the NSNP, International Graduate Entrepreneur stream

Step 3: Attend the interview that will be held after your application is assessed

Step 4: Apply for a PR visa

Step 5: Fly to Nova Scotia

 

Physician Stream

The Physician stream was specifically designed to assist the public health authorities in Nova Scotia, namely, the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) and the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), to recruit special physicians, family physicians, and general practitioners to come work in the province. The Physician stream allows NSHA and IWK to hire skilled physicians and retain them for positions that could not be filled by Canadian PR holders or citizens of Canada. 

 

Eligibility Requirements for Physician Stream 

The Physician stream is only applicable for specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) and family physicians and general practitioners (NOC 31102). They must have approved and signed working opportunities with the IWK and NSHA.

• The approved opportunity to work must be on IWK letterhead or an official NSHA and must:
• Be signed and dated by the applicant who is accepting the opportunity
• Be signed and dated by an authorized person at the IWK and NSHA
• Show eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NS
• Show that the applicant is eligible to apply for credentials or privileges with the IWK and NSHA

 

Documents required for the Physician Stream

The list of documents that are required to apply for the Physician stream are as follows:

• Copy of certificates, diplomas and degrees that meet the criteria to get a license from College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (or) ECA
• A valid passport
• Documents related to the spouse and children (The detailed list of documents is mentioned in the above International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) stream)
• Documents related to the Immigration status (The detailed list of documents is mentioned in the above Entrepreneur stream)
• Proof of an approved job offer from the IWK or NSHA
• The approved job offer must be listed in any of the NOC’s listed below:
• NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
• NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
• NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians
• The job offer must be written on the official IWK or NSHA letterhead and must fulfill the below criteria:
• The offer is signed and dated by an authorized official at the IWK and NSHA
• The offer is signed by dated by you as proof of you accepting the job offer
• You meet the requirements to acquire the license to practice in the province by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
• You meet the criteria the that is required to apply for the credentials and privileges with the IWK and NSHA

 

How to apply for the Physician Stream?

To apply for the Physician Stream, one must:

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Step 2: Apply for the NSNP stream

Step 3: Receive a nomination

Step 4: Ask for a Letter of Support for Temporary work permit

Step 5: Apply for PR

 

Labour Market Priorities Stream

The Labour Market priorities stream chooses candidates from the Federal Express Entry system who meets the provincial labour market needs to apply for a nomination. Only candidates with a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia are eligible to apply for the program.

 

Eligibility Requirements for the Labour Market priorities Stream

To be eligible for the Labor Market priorities stream, one must:

• Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP within the EE system
• Submit the application within 30 days of receiving the letter
• Fulfill the minimum work experience requirements of the EE stream that you qualified for
• Show proof of sufficient funds to provide for yourself and your family in Nova Scotia
• Have a legal status in your present country of residence
• Have a valid Express Entry number and fulfill the criteria for the Express Entry pool

 

Documents required for the Labour Market priorities Stream 

The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the Labour Market stream are as follows:

• A valid passport
• A copy of Letter of Interest
• Proof that you meet the draw criteria and have been invited to apply
• Proof that you meet the work experience requirements for any of the Express Entry streams
• Reference letters from previous employers
• Immigration-related documents (You can refer the Entrepreneur stream for a detailed list of documents)
• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Proof of your investment profile with statements showing fixed deposits and withdrawal of funds

 

How to apply for the Labour Market priorities Stream?

To apply for the Labour Market Stream, one must:

Step 1: Create an Express Entry profile

Step 2: Apply for the Labour Market Priorities stream

Step 3: Receive a nomination

Step 4: Receive an ITA

Step 5: Apply for Canada PR

 

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

The Labour Market Priorities stream chooses candidates from the Federal Express Entry system who meet the provincial labor market needs to apply for a nomination. Only candidates with a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia can apply for the program.

 

Eligibility Requirements for the Labour Market priorities for Physicians Stream

To be eligible for the Labor Market Priorities stream, one must:

• Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP within the EE system
• Apply within 30 days of receiving the letter
• Fulfill the minimum work experience requirements of the EE stream that you qualified for
• Show proof of sufficient funds to provide for yourself and your family in Nova Scotia
• Have a legal status in your present country of residence
• Have a valid Express Entry number and fulfill the criteria for the Express Entry pool

 

Documents required for the Labour Market priorities for physicians Stream

The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the Labour Market priorities for the physicians’ stream are as follows:

• Approved job offer from the IWK or the NSHA
• Return of Service agreement
• A valid passport
• Immigration-status-related documents (You can refer the Entrepreneur stream for a detailed list of documents)
• Bank statements for the last three months
• Proof of your investment profile with statements showing fixed deposits and withdrawal of funds
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (If a common-law partner is immigrating with you)
• Documents related to your spouse and children (You can refer to the complete list of documents that is mentioned in the above International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) stream)
• English or French language proficiency that is equal to or higher than CLB 7 or NCLC 7
• Copy of certificates, diplomas and degrees that meet the criteria to get a license from College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (or) ECA
• Proof of work experience

 

How to apply for the Labour Market priorities for physicians Stream?

To apply for the Labour Market priorities for the physicians’ stream, one must:

Step 1: Create an Express Entry profile

Step 2: Apply for the Labour Market Priorities for physicians’ stream

Step 3: Receive a nomination

Step 4: Receive an ITA

Step 5: Apply for Canada PR

 

Nova Scotia PNP Requirements

The general requirements for Nova Scotia PNP are as follows:

• A job offer letter
• Nomination letter
• LSI (Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration)
• Work experience
• Educational transcripts
• Proof of funds
• Language proficiency skills