Nova Scotia: A Land of Opportunity

Canada is renowned for its opportunities and stunning landscapes, and Nova Scotia exemplifies this beauty. This province, one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces, is primarily located on a peninsula and includes numerous offshore islands. It's a popular destination for summer water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding and is home to adorable puffins and seals.

Nova Scotia features the unique Bay of Fundy, famous for its extreme tidal changes and whale-watching opportunities. The capital, Halifax, boasts a vibrant waterfront, the historic star-shaped Citadel, and the beloved Mooseheads hockey team.

With a low cost of living and a high quality of life, Nova Scotia is an appealing place to reside. The provincial government has established organizations to assist newcomers in finding jobs, enhancing language skills, and enrolling in educational institutions, facilitating their integration.

The friendly and welcoming residents of Nova Scotia live in safe communities. The healthcare system prioritizes needs over financial status, ensuring access for everyone. Various industries in the provincial labor market also offer numerous job opportunities.

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program is designed to attract newcomers who can fill labor market gaps and contribute to local economies. Through this program, eligible candidates may receive a nomination for immigration, expediting the process by obtaining a Nova Scotia Nomination certificate.

There are several pathways within the NS PNP to help prospective immigrants find the best fit for their qualifications and experiences.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream

To qualify for this stream, you must first enter the federal Express Entry pool. Nova Scotia selects candidates based on the province's labor market needs at any given time. To apply, you need a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and must meet several criteria, including:

• A Letter of Interest from the NS PNP.
• Relevant work experience.
• Sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents.
• Legal status in your country of residence.
• The final requirement may vary based on current provincial needs, such as targeting specific occupations.

Physicians Stream

This stream targets healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and specialists, to address the province's medical workforce shortage. Candidates must:

• Hold NOC 3112 (general practitioner or family physician) or NOC 3111 (specialist physician).
• Secure a signed Approved Opportunity with either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

This newly established stream allows physicians to apply through the Express Entry system, which can lead to permanent residency in approximately six months, compared to 18-24 months for the Physicians stream. However, the Express Entry process is more administratively intensive.

Entrepreneur Stream

Designed for experienced business owners and managers, this stream allows individuals to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. After actively managing the business for over a year, candidates may be nominated for permanent residency. Requirements include:

• Age 21 or older.
• Interest in living permanently in Nova Scotia while managing a business.
• Minimum net worth of $600,000.
• Investment of at least $150,000 in a business.
• Three years of business management experience or five years in a senior management role.
• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5.
• Completion of an educational credential assessment (ECA) if applicable.
• Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receipt of an Invitation to Apply.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for international graduates from Nova Scotia who have either purchased or started their own business operating for at least one year. To qualify, applicants must:

• Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia while managing the business.
• Have at least one year of experience running the business.
• Hold a degree or diploma from a Nova Scotia institution after two years of full-time study.
• Possess a valid post-graduation work permit.
• Achieve a CLB score of at least 7.
• Submit an EOI and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Skilled Worker Stream

This stream assists employers in hiring foreign workers and recent graduates to address skills shortages. Eligible candidates can apply for permanent residency as skilled, semi-skilled, or low-skilled workers, provided they meet the following requirements:

• A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotian employer.
• At least one year of relevant work experience.
• Age between 21 and 55.
• A high school diploma.
• Appropriate training and skills for the job.
• A minimum CLB score of 5 for skilled workers or 4 for semi-skilled/low-skilled workers.
• Proof of sufficient funds for support.

Occupations in Demand Stream

Targeted at high-demand semi-skilled positions (NOC C), eligibility depends on having a full-time job offer in one of the listed occupations, at least one year of experience, and meeting other criteria.

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

This program is for highly skilled workers who wish to live and work in Nova Scotia, offering two sub-categories:

• Category A: Requires a job offer and is currently open for applications.
• Category B: For applicants with experience in an in-demand occupation, with varying application openings throughout the year.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

This stream is for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia, allowing them to apply for permanent residency. Eligibility criteria include:

• A minimum of one year of legal work experience in Nova Scotia.
• Age between 21 and 55.
• Completion of a Canadian high school degree or equivalent.
• Sufficient funds for support.
• Intent to live permanently in the province.
• Language proficiency with specific CLB scores.
• A profile registered with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Express Entry system.