Nova Scotia Nominee Program invites skilled workers and entrepreneurs to build their future in a Canadian province renowned for its stunning natural beauty, strong communities, and thriving economy. With a focus on attracting individuals who can contribute to the province’s growth, there are a variety of Nova Scotia immigration programs tailored to different skill and experience levels. Candidates who possess the skills and experience to meet the province’s needs can explore distinct immigration streams.
In this blog, we will delve into these streams of the Canada Nova Scotia PNP and explore the opportunities to build a new life in Nova Scotia.
1. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
This Nova Scotia immigration stream targets highly skilled professionals who can contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy. It is aligned with the federal Express Entry to Canada system. Successful applicants benefit from expedited Nova Scotia Canada immigration processing.
Eligibility requirements:
- A Nova Scotia provincial nominee must have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer or experience in one of the province’s in-demand occupations.
2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
This Express Entry Nova Scotia immigration stream focuses on attracting skilled professionals who plan to work in Nova Scotia and make it their permanent home.
Eligibility requirements:
- Minimum one year experience in Nova Scotia.
- The age range should be 21 to 55 years old.
- Must have graduated from a Canadian high school or possess an equivalent qualification.
- Required language proficiency: CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1 jobs; CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 jobs.
- Must create a profile in the federal government’s Canada Express entry pool.
3. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities: Express Entry
Nova Scotia Express Entry candidates with work experience in extremely high-demand positions in the province are eligible to apply for the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities. Since August 2018, this stream has exclusively accepted applications from individuals with experience as early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214).
Eligibility requirements:
- An individual must obtain a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia PNP program through the Express Entry system.
- Fulfill the minimum work experience requirements of the qualified Express Entry stream.
- Show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Nova Scotia, including covering immigration and travel expenses.
- Hold legal status in your current country of residence.
- Comply with the eligibility criteria in place at the time of receiving a letter of interest.
4. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities For Physicians: Express Entry
This stream targets candidates who are qualified doctors from the express entry pool. This PNP for Nova Scotia is designed to target two specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
- NOC 31102: General Practitioners (Family Physicians).
- NOC 31100 and 31101: Specialist Physicians.
To get a better understanding, get in touch with our Canadian immigration lawyers.
Eligibility requirements:
- Secure an approved job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre as a Family Physician (NOC 31102) or a Specialist Physician (NOC 31100, 31101).
- A candidate should pledge to live and work in Nova Scotia for at least two years.
- A candidate is supposed to obtain a letter of interest from the NSNP through Express Entry.
- Candidate must submit their application within 30 days of receiving the letter of interest.
- Satisfy the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry-linked program for which you are eligible.
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Nova Scotia.
- Maintain legal status in your country of residence.
To learn more about permanent and temporary residence, call us at 416-447-6118.
5. Nova Scotia Skilled Worker
This stream assists Nova Scotia employers in hiring foreign workers and recent international graduates whose skills are in high demand within the province. Skilled workers with a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer can apply through this stream to expedite the immigration process.
Eligibility requirements:
- A permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.
- A candidate must have at least one year of relevant work experience (semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must have six months of experience with the same employer offering the job)
- Age between 21 and 55.
- Minimum requirement of a high school diploma.
- Required training, skills, and/or accreditation, if applicable.
- Language proficiency in English or French at CLB Level 5 for skilled workers and CLB Level 4 for semi-skilled and low-skilled workers.
- Adequate financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
6. Nova Scotia Occupations In Demand
This stream is designed for foreign workers who have secured a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a specific occupation identified as being in high demand. Currently, eligible occupations include:
- (NOC 3413) nurses aides, orderlies, and patient service associates;
- (NOC 7511) transport truck drivers;
- (NOC 7521) heavy equipment operators (excluding crane operators);
- (NOC 7611) construction trades helpers and labourers.
Eligibility requirements:
- An individual must have at least one year of relevant work experience in the field.
- Age range: 21 to 55 years old.
- Possession of a high school diploma.
- It is important to have the necessary training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency at CLB Level 4, regardless of whether your first language is English or French.
- Provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to settle successfully in Nova Scotia.
7. Nova Scotia Physicians
This stream facilitates the recruitment of physicians to work in Nova Scotia. Eligible candidates must hold a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia healthcare employer. This stream facilitates the recruitment of physicians to address critical staffing shortages within Nova Scotia’s healthcare sector.
Eligibility requirements
Legal Status in Country of Residence
- If you currently reside in Canada, you must present evidence of your legal status as a temporary worker or visitor. This could include a valid work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.
- If applying from outside Canada, you must show proof of legal status in your country of residence.
- If you have lost your legal status, you cannot apply until it has been reinstated.
Job Offer
A written and approved job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre for the position of:
- NOC 31102: Family Physicians
- NOC 31100 and 31101: Specialist Physicians
Note that the approved opportunity must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead, and it must:
- Must be signed and dated by an individual authorized to hire physicians at NSHA or IWK.
- Must include the signature and date of the applicant accepting the offer.
- Should confirm eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
- Should state that the applicant qualifies to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA and IWK.
Education and Training
A copy of an Education Credential Assessment or documentation of the education and medical training necessary for licensure in Nova Scotia.
Language Proficiency
Proof of the ability to perform the job in one of Canada’s official languages, as demonstrated by an employment offer from NSHA or IWK.
8. Nova Scotia Entrepreneur
This stream targets experienced business owners or senior managers seeking to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia. Successful applicants must have significant financial resources and commit to actively managing their business. After operating the business for a year, they may be nominated for permanent residence in Nova Scotia
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Intend to reside permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a business there.
- Possess a minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Make a minimum investment of $150,000 to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia.
- Have at least 3 years of experience in actively managing and owning a business (with at least 33% ownership) or over 5 years of experience in a senior management role.
- Achieve a minimum score of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in either English or French.
Are you a seasoned entrepreneur ready to invest in Nova Scotia? Explore the Canada Investor Visa and turn your business dreams into reality. Contact us at 416-447-6118 to learn more.
10. International Graduate Entrepreneur
This stream is designed for recent graduates of Nova Scotia universities or colleges who have successfully established or acquired a business within the province. Applicants must have operated their business for at least a year and demonstrate their intention to make Nova Scotia their permanent home.
Eligibility requirements:
- Intend to permanently reside in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a business in the province.
- A candidate must have at least one year of ongoing experience in actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business (with full 100% ownership).
- Hold a degree or diploma from a program that includes at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study at a university or community college in Nova Scotia.
- Possess a valid post-graduation Canadian Work Permit.
- Achieve a minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in all language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in either English or French.
11. International Graduates in Demand
This stream targets international graduates who have secured a full-time permanent job offer in Nova Scotia within specific, in-demand occupations. Currently, eligible occupations include:
- (NOC 33102) nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates.
- (NOC 42202) early childhood educators and assistants.
Eligibility requirements:
- Obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in NOC 33102 or 42202 that aligns with your recent field of study.
- Be between the ages of 21 and 55.
- A high school diploma is needed when you opt for this Nova Scotia PNP application process.
- Complete a course of study within three years before your application, with a duration of at least 30 weeks. At least 50% of the program must be conducted in Nova Scotia.
- For NOC 33102 candidates: The program must lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- For NOC 42202 candidates: The program must result in a diploma or degree.
- Possess any required certifications issued by Nova Scotia regulatory bodies for the job.
- Demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in English or French.
- Have sufficient financial resources to successfully establish yourself in Nova Scotia.
11. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Nova Scotia participates in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), a federal-provincial initiative designed to attract skilled workers to the Atlantic region. Individuals must secure a job offer from a designated Nova Scotia employer and meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify. This Nova Scotia immigration program offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for those who choose to build their lives in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility requirements:
Work Experience
- In the past five years, candidates must have accumulated at least 1,560 hours of work (30 hours per week for one year) in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupations.
International Graduates
- No work experience is required if:
- They have a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade/apprenticeship certification from a recognized institution in one of the Atlantic provinces, with at least two years of study.
- They were a full-time student throughout their studies.
- They lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months.
Education
- For NOC TEER 0 or 1 job offers: One must have a Canadian one-year post-secondary credential or equivalent from abroad.
- For NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 job offers: One must have a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent credential from abroad.
Language Proficiency
- CLB Level 5 in English or French for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- CLB Level 4 in English or French for NOC TEER 4.
Settlement Funds
- Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada, with the required amount varying based on family size.
Now that you have explored the various pathways to building your life in Nova Scotia, it’s time to take the next step. Securing a Permanent Resident Card opens doors to a world of opportunities, from employment stability to accessing essential services.
Conclusion:
By offering a variety of Nova Scotia immigration opportunities tailored to different skill sets and aspirations, the province demonstrates its commitment to building a diverse and thriving community. Whether you are a skilled professional, a budding entrepreneur, or a recent graduate, Nova Scotia invites you to explore the possibilities of a new life in this province.
To learn more about these Provincial Nominee Programs, contact our legal professionals at 416-447-6118.
FAQs:
What are the main immigration pathways to Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia offers multiple immigration pathways. The Canada Nova Scotia PNP has various streams for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIPP) is another option for skilled workers with job offers.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
The Nova Scotia PNP requirements depend on the specific stream. Generally, factors like work experience, education, language proficiency, and sometimes a job offer are considered.
How does the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) work?
The AIPP is a federal-provincial program. It fast-tracks immigration for skilled workers with job offers from Nova Scotian employers. Candidates must meet specific criteria and language requirements.
What support services are available for newcomers to Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia provides various support services for newcomers, including language training, job assistance, housing support, and cultural orientation. Settlement organizations also offer guidance.
