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%.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Here are some of the tips to have a successful application:
Some of the most common mistakes to avoid while filing for an application are:
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.
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program, one must:
The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the program are as follows:
Type of work |
Duration |
12 months of full-time experience |
30 hours per week |
24 months of part-time experience |
15 hours per week |
For NOC Categories 0 & 1:
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 |
For proof of immigration status, you must submit the following documents listed below:
If you currently residing in Canada:
If you currently residing in a country that you are not a citizen of:
If you have a past history of having applied to immigrate to Canada:
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.
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.
To be eligible for the Skilled worker Stream, one must:
The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the skilled worker stream are as follows:
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:
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 |
If you currently residing in Canada:
If you currently residing in a country that you are not a citizen of:
If you have a past history of having applied to immigrate to Canada:
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.
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.
To be eligible for the Occupations In-demand Stream, one must:
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.
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:
To be eligible for the International Graduate In-demand Stream, one must:
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
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.
To be eligible for the Entrepreneur Stream, one must:
The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the entrepreneur stream are as follows:
For proof of documents for the application, you must have the following documents listed below:
You and your spouse can get points for completing a study program in the province if the following criterion is met:
The spouse can score points if they migrate with you and have the following list of documents:
If you have received training or have completed education outside Canada, you must submit the list of documents given below:
For proof of language ability, you must meet any of the two minimum language requirements of:
To meet the criteria, any of the language tests from the below list will be accepted:
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 |
For proof of language ability for spouses, they must meet any of the two language requirement of:
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 |
Extra points can be gained if you or the spouse has family living in Nova Scotia, if:
To be able to get the points for the family member, three different categories of documents must be submitted:
For proof of documents related to your immigration status, you must submit the below list of documents:
If you currently residing in Canada:
If you currently residing in a country that you are not a citizen of:
If you have a past history of having applied to immigrate to Canada:
If you had temporary residence in Canada before:
As proof for your business and finances, you must have the following documents listed below:
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:
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:
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
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.
To be eligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, one must:
The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the IGE stream are as follows:
For proof of documents for the application, you must have the following documents listed below:
As proof for your business and finances, you must have the following documents listed below:
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:
The checklist of documents required as proof of your work in Nova Scotia is as follows:
As proof of education and training, you must fulfill the criteria given below:
Additional points are given if the spouse completes a study course in the province by fulfilling the criteria given below:
The documents that are to be submitted as proof you and your spouse’s study in the province are as follows:
For proof of language ability, you must meet the minimum language requirement of:
To meet the criteria, any of the language tests from the below list will be accepted:
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 |
For proof of language ability for spouses, they must meet any of the two language requirement of:
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 |
The following checklist of documents that are to be submitted to provide proof of you and your family:
Extra points can be gained if you or the spouse has family living in Nova Scotia, if:
To be able to get the points for the family member, three different categories of documents must be submitted:
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
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.
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 list of documents that are required to apply for the Physician stream are as follows:
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
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.
To be eligible for the Labor Market priorities stream, one must:
The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the Labour Market stream are as follows:
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
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.
To be eligible for the Labor Market Priorities stream, one must:
The checklists of documents that are required to apply for the Labour Market priorities for the physicians’ stream are as follows:
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
The general requirements for Nova Scotia PNP are as follows:
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