Nova Scotia Nominee Program

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) stream

Applicants who would like to settle down in Nova Scotia may like to apply to a NSNP stream.
Through the NSNP< prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience targeted by
the province may be nominated to immigrate.

Different NSNP streams are:

1. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates in the federal Express
Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs to apply for nomination. Only
candidates who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
may apply.

Eligibility:

  • receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the
    Express Entry system;
  • submit your application within 60 calendar days of the date on which your letter of
    interest was issued;
  • meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for
    which you have qualified;
  • demonstrate sufficient funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in
    Nova Scotia and to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses;
  • have legal status in your current country of residence;
  • meet eligibility criteria in place at the time you are issued a Letter of Interest; and
  • have a valid Express Entry number and meet all IRCC criteria for the Express Entry
    pool.

Application Process:

  • After you receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia through your IRCC online
    account, you will have 30 calendar days to apply to NSNP under the Labour Market
    Priorities stream.
  • To apply, you must submit your application through Nova Scotia’s online service
    (www.novascotia.ca/ensnp) and ensure that you include all the required supporting
    documents.
  • A list of supporting documents required for the application process related to the
    additional draw-specific eligibility criteria is available at Province’s Immigration
    website
  • All supporting documents must be provided as portable document format (PDF) files.
    You will have to scan paper documents into PDF files and convert electronic
    documents into PDF files. Note that all documents must be clear enough to read
    and:

    • Documents with images should be scanned in colour.
    • Text-only documents may be scanned at a grayscale setting to reduce file
      size.
    • Scanner resolution should be a minimum of 300 dots per inch.
    • No enhancement or editing should be done to a scanned document.
    • The total size of all documents should be no more than 50 megabytes (MB).
    • The file names of attachments must be no more than 50 characters
  • When documents are not in English or in French, you must submit a copy of the
    original document and a copy of the certified translation. NSOI will only accept
    translations prepared by certified translators.Translators must be certified by a regulatory body and cannot be a family member of
    the applicant or spouse, or common-law partner, or work for a paid consultant or
    representative who is preparing the application. The applicant must also supply
    proof from the translator describing their translation ability or certification.

It is your responsibility to submit all requested documents outlined in this guide and on
the website. If documents are missing, unsigned, not translated by a certified translator,
or not clear, your application may be closed.

2. Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for Physicians selects physicians to
apply for nomination through the federal Express Entry system. Only candidates with an
approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre who
receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) may apply.

General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3112) and Specialist physicians (NOC
3111) will receive a Letter of Interest once NSOI is notified of the candidate’s Express
Entry profile number and a signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health
Authority or the IWK Health Centre.

Eligibility:

  • have an approved opportunity from the NSHA or IWK as either a general practitioner
    and family physician (NOC 3112) or a specialist physician (NOC 3111);
  • provide a copy of a signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia
    Department of Health and Wellness indicating commitment to live and work in Nova
    Scotia for a minimum period of two years;
  • receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the
    Express Entry system;
  • submit your application within 30 calendar days of the date on which your Letter of
    Interest was issued;
  • meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for
    which you have qualified;
  • demonstrate sufficient funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in
    Nova Scotia and to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses; and
  • have legal status in your current country of residence.

Application Process:

Step 1: Notify NSOI of your Express Entry Profile Number:

The Labour Market Priorities stream uses IRCC’s Express Entry system to select
candidates who meet the stream criteria. Before you can apply for the Labour Market
Priorities stream, you must first create an Express Entry profile and notify NSOI of your
Express Entry profile number. If you qualify for this stream, a Letter of Interest will be
sent to your IRCC online account indicating that Nova Scotia is inviting you to apply under
the NSNP.

Letters of Interest will only be offered to physicians who have:

  • Created a valid Express Entry profile;
  • Received an approved opportunity from the NSHA or the IWK;
  • Have a signed Return of Service Agreement and
  • Indicated their interest in moving to Nova Scotia in Express Entry.

Step 2: Apply to NSNP under the Labour Market Priorities Stream

  • After you receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia through your IRCC online
    account, you will have 30 calendar days to apply to NSNP under the Labour Market
    Priorities stream.
  • To apply, you must submit your application through Nova Scotia’s online service
    (www.novascotia.ca/ensnp) and ensure that you include all the required supporting
    documents.
  • A list of supporting documents required for the application process related to the
    additional draw-specific eligibility criteria is available at Province’s Immigration
    website
  • All supporting documents must be provided as portable document format (PDF) files.
    You will have to scan paper documents into PDF files and convert electronic
    documents into PDF files. Note that all documents must be clear enough to read
    and:

      • • Documents with images should be scanned in colour.
      • • Text-only documents may be scanned at a grayscale setting to reduce file
      • size.
      • • Scanner resolution should be a minimum of 300 dots per inch.
      • • No enhancement or editing should be done to a scanned document.
      • • The total size of all documents should be no more than 50 megabytes (MB).
      • The file names of attachments must be no more than 50 characters.
  • When documents are not in English or in French, you must submit a copy of the
    original document and a copy of the certified translation. NSOI will only accept
    translations prepared by certified translators.Translators must be certified by a regulatory body and cannot be a family member of
    the applicant or spouse, or common-law partner, or work for a paid consultant or
    representative who is preparing the application. The applicant must also supply
    proof from the translator describing their translation ability or certification.

3. Physician

The Physician Stream assists Nova Scotia’s public health authorities – the Nova Scotia
Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) – to hire
general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to work in Nova Scotia.
The stream helps the NSHA and IWK to recruit and retain physicians with the required
skills for positions that they have been unable to fill with a permanent resident or
Canadian citizen.

Eligibility:

The Physician Stream is only open to general practitioners and family physicians (NOC
3112) and specialist physicians (NOC 3111) with signed approved opportunities with the
Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.

The approved opportunity must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead and must:

  • Be signed and dated by a person authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK
  • Be signed and dated by the applicant who is accepting the opportunity
  • Indicate eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NS
  • Indicate that the applicant is eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with
    NSHA and the IWK

Application Process:

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can prepare and submit an application to the Nova
Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Your application must include all required
documentation to be considered complete. You must notify the NSNP of any changes in
your status or eligibility criteria for this stream.

Step 1: Prepare and NSNP Application
Gather and prepare all your application materials and supporting documents as required
by NSOI

Step 2: Submit your NSNP Application
Apply through Nova Scotia’s online service, where you can:

  • Create an account
  • Submit your application in process
  • Submit supporting documents in PDF attachments

Step 3: Assessment by NSOI

After submission, the office of immigration will review your application to ensure it
completely meets the eligibility criteria before it is assessed. If your application is not
complete or if you do not meet basic eligibility requirements your application will be
closed and not fully assessed.

Completed application that meets the eligibility criteria, will be evaluated and assessed. If
an application is assessed, the office of immigration will communicate the decision in
writing to the applicant or their representative. If nominated by the Province of Nova
Scotia:

  • the applicant will receive a letter from the Office of Immigration to confirm that a
    nomination has been issued; and
  • proof of nomination will be sent directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    Canada by the Office of Immigration. Note: the nomination expires 6 months after the
    date of issuance.

4. Entrepreneur

The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business
managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an
existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the
business. After operating the business for a year, the entrepreneur may be nominated
for permanent resident status. Application to the stream is by invitation only.

Eligibility:

  • be 21 years of age or older;
  • want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova
    Scotia business;
  • have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD;
  • be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money to establish a business in
    Nova Scotia;
  • have at least 3 years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (1/3
    ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years’ experience in a senior business
    management role;
  • have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking,
    listening, reading and writing in English or French;
  • complete an online Expression of Interest;
  • receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

Application Process:
If you want to immigrate to Nova Scotia under the Entrepreneur Stream of the Nova
Scotia Nominee Program, you must:

    • start or buy a business in Nova Scotia
    • actively manage your business
    • intend to settle permanently in Nova Scotia

1. Complete this Expression of Interest. Once started, it cannot be saved and
completed later.

2. After you submit the Expression of Interest, your score will be sent to you in a
confirmation email.

3. You will be contacted again if you are selected to apply to the nominee program.
Selection is based on nominee program targets and an assessment of your
Expression of Interest. Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee an
invitation to apply to the nominee program.

4. Apply to the nominee program. If you are asked to apply AND you are nominated,
Citizenship and Immigration Canada will decide if you can be a permanent resident.

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia
university or the Nova Scotia Community College. They must have already started or
bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least a year. If they intend to settle
in Nova Scotia, the graduate may be nominated for permanent resident status.
Application to the stream is by invitation only.

Eligibility:

  • want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a
    Nova Scotia business;
  • have at least one year’s continuous experience actively managing and owning your
    current Nova Scotia business (33.33% ownership minimum);
  • have completed a degree or diploma after at least 2 academic years of full-time, in-
    person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College;
  • have a valid post-graduation work permit;
  • have a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking,
    listening, reading and writing in English or French;
  • complete an online Expression of Interest;
  • receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

Application process:

1.

    • Complete this Expression of Interest. Once started, it cannot be saved and

 

    • completed later.

2.

    • After you submit the Expression of Interest, your score will be sent to you in a

 

    • confirmation email.

3.

    • You will be contacted again only if you are selected to apply to the nominee

 

    • program. Selection is based on nominee program targets and an assessment of

 

    • your Expression of Interest. Submitting an Expression of Interest does not

 

    • guarantee an invitation to apply to the nominee program.

4.

    • Apply to the nominee program. If you are asked to apply AND you are nominated,

 

    Citizenship and Immigration Canada will decide if you can be a permanent resident.

6. Skilled Worker

The Skilled Worker stream helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently
graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia. An employer
can only hire foreign workers for positions they have been unable to fill with permanent
residents or Canadian citizens.

Eligibility:

  • have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer;
  • have 1 year of work experience related to the job. (Semi-skilled and low-skilled
    workers must already have six months’ experience with the employer.);
  • be 21 to 55 years old;
  • have a high school diploma;
  • have the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job;
  • prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if you
    are a skilled worker. If your first language is English or French, that is enough proof.
    Semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must have test results to prove they meet CLB
    4 even if their first language is English or French;
  • show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

To apply, you must submit your application through Nova Scotia’s online service under
the Skilled Worker Stream (novascotia.ca/ensnp) and ensure that you include all the
required supporting documents.

All supporting documents must be provided as portable document format (PDF) files. You
will have to scan paper documents into PDF files and convert electronic documents into
PDF files. Note that all documents must be clear enough to read and:

  • Documents with images should be scanned in colour.
  • Text-only documents may be scanned at a grayscale setting to reduce file size.
  • Scanner resolution should be a minimum of 300 dots per inch.
  • No enhancement or editing should be done to a scanned document.
  • The total size of all documents attached to your application must be no more than
    50 megabytes (MB).
  • The file names of attachments must be no more than 50 characters.

When documents are not in English or in French, you must submit a copy of the original
document and a copy of the certified translation. NSOI will only accept translations
prepared by certified translators. Translators must be certified by a regulatory body and
cannot be a family member of the applicant or spouse, or common-law partner, or work
for a paid consultant or representative who is preparing the application. The applicant
must also supply proof from the translator describing their translation ability or
certification.

It is your responsibility to submit all documents outlined in this guide and set out in the
online application, including the signed NSNP 200 Employer form and all supporting
documents. If documents are missing, unsigned, not translated by a certified translator,
or not clear, your application may be closed.

If you meet the Skilled Worker stream criteria, NSOI will communicate the decision and
provide the nomination certificate to you or your representative via email. The certificate
expires six months after the date of nomination. NSOI will also send proof of nomination
directly to IRCC.
7. Occupations in Demand

The Occupations in Demand stream targets specific NOC C, intermediate-skilled
occupations that are in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia. The Office of
Immigration identifies occupations in demand based on labour market information and
eligible occupations are subject to change.

Eligibility:

  • have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in either NOC
    3413 (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 (Transport
    truck drivers);
  • have 1 year of work experience related to the job;
  • be 21 to 55 years old;
  • have a high school diploma;
  • have the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job;
  • prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 even if
    your first language is English or French;
  • show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

To apply, you must submit your application through Nova Scotia’s online service under
the Occupations in Demand Stream (novascotia.ca/ensnp) and ensure that you include all
the required supporting documents.

All supporting documents must be provided as portable document format (PDF) files. You
will have to scan paper documents into PDF files and convert electronic documents into
PDF files. Note that all documents must be clear enough to read and:

  • Documents with images should be scanned in colour.
  • Text-only documents may be scanned at a grayscale setting to reduce file size.
  • Scanner resolution should be a minimum of 300 dots per inch.
  • No enhancement or editing should be done to a scanned document.
  • The total size of all documents attached to your application must be no more than 50 megabytes (MB).
  • The file names of attachments must be no more than 50 characters.

When documents are not in English or in French, you must submit a copy of the original
document and a copy of the certified translation. NSOI will only accept translations
prepared by certified translators. Translators must be certified by a regulatory body and
cannot be a family member of the applicant or spouse, or common-law partner, or work
for a paid consultant or representative who is preparing the application. The applicant
must also supply proof from the translator describing their translation ability or
certification.

It is your responsibility to submit all documents outlined in this guide and set out in the
online application, including the signed NSNP 200 Employer form and all supporting

documents. If documents are missing, unsigned, not translated by a certified translator,
or not clear, your application may be closed.

If you meet the Skilled Worker stream criteria, NSOI will communicate the decision and
provide the nomination certificate to you or your representative via email. The certificate
expires six months after the date of nomination. NSOI will also send proof of nomination
directly to IRCC.

8. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who wish
to live in Nova Scotia permanently. Applicants must have a good chance of quickly finding
a job in Nova Scotia’s labour market.

The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration reserves the right to consider only certain types of
occupations for nomination, depending on current labour market needs.

Applications will only be accepted online.

Category A (for applicants with a job offer) will remain open.

Category B (for applicants with experience in an opportunity occupation) is expected to
open and close throughout the year. Controlling intake will allow us to process
applications more efficiently. It is currently closed.

Eligibility:

Category A:

  • have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express
    Entry system;
  • score 67 points or more on the stream’s six selection factors;
  • have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer for full-time skilled work that lasts at
    least one year after your permanent resident visa is issued. For a job offer to be valid
    in Express Entry and receive points, employers will usually need an LMIA from ESDC.
    There are a few exceptions: cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/exempt.asp;
  • have 1 year of skilled work experience related to the job;
  • have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent;
  • prove language ability in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark 7;
  • show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

Category B:

  • be in one of the target occupations as identified in the Nova Scotia Demand: Express
    Entry guide;
  • have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express
    Entry system;
  • score 67 points or more on the stream’s six selection factors;
  • have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in one of our target occupations;
  • have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent;
  • prove language ability in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark 7;
  • show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

Application Process:

Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile:

You must create an Express Entry profile within Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada’s online Express Entry system before you apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee
Program. Your Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code are
necessary for your application. If you do not have a valid Express Entry Profile number
and Job Seeker Validation Code at time of application and assessment your application
will be refused and closed.

Step 2: Prepare and submit your NSNP application online:

Apply through Nova Scotia’s online service, where you can:

  • an account
  • Submit your application in process
  • Submit supporting documents in PDF attachments

Step 3: Application Assessment and Evaluation:

After submission, the office of immigration will review your application to ensure it
completely meets the eligibility criteria before it is assessed. If your application is not
complete or if you do not meet basic eligibility requirements your application will be
closed and not fully assessed.

Completed application that meets the eligibility criteria, will be evaluated and assessed. If
an application is assessed, the office of immigration will communicate the decision in
writing to the applicant or their representative. If nominated by the Province of Nova
Scotia:

NOI will communicate the decision in writing to you or your representative via email. The
decision will be either that you have been nominated or that you have been refused,

Step 4: Once you are nominated, you will have 30 days to accept the nomination within
the Express Entry System.

Following acceptance of the nomination with the Express Entry system, you will receive
an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence by IRCC. You will have 90 days to submit
an electronic application for permanent residence. You will need to upload your
application and supporting documents via your MyCIC account.

If approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, you, your spouse and
dependents will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

When you are granted permanent residence, you must contact the NSOI within 30 days
of your arrival in Nova Scotia. You must provide NSOI with a copy of the Confirmation of
Permanent Residence, a copy of your passport and your Nova Scotia contact information
such as current address, phone number(s) and email. You must advise NSOI of any
changes in your application or your status.

9. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who
wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. Applicants must have at least one year of
experience working in Nova Scotia in a high skilled occupation.

Eligibility:

  • have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia;
  • be 21 to 55 years old;
  • have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent;
  • prove language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark
    (CLB). You need CLB 7 for skilled work in the National Occupational Classification
    (NOC) 0 and A. You need CLB 5 for NOC B positions;
  • have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express
    Entry system

Application Process:

Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile:

You must create an Express Entry profile within Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada’s online Express Entry system before you apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee
Program. A job seeker validation code may also be required.

Step 2: Prepare and submit your NSNP application online:

Apply through Nova Scotia’s online service, where you can:

  • Create an account
  • Submit your application in process
  • Submit supporting documents in PDF attachments

Step 3: Application Assessment and Evaluation:

After submission, the office of immigration will review your application to ensure it
completely meets the eligibility criteria before it is assessed. If your application is not
complete or if you do not meet basic eligibility requirements your application will be
closed and not fully assessed.

Completed application that meets the eligibility criteria, will be evaluated and assessed. If
an application is assessed, the office of immigration will communicate the decision in
writing to the applicant or their representative. If nominated by the Province of Nova
Scotia:

NOI will communicate the decision in writing to you or your representative via email. The
decision will be either that you have been nominated or that you have been refused,

Step 4: Once you are nominated, you will have 30 days to accept the nomination within
the Express Entry System.

Following acceptance of the nomination with the Express Entry system, you will receive
an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence by IRCC. You will have 90 days to submit

an electronic application for permanent residence. You will need to upload your
application and supporting documents via your MyCIC account.

If approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, you, your spouse and
dependents will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

When you are granted permanent residence, you must contact the NSOI within 30 days
of your arrival in Nova Scotia. You must provide NSOI with a copy of the Confirmation of
Permanent Residence, a copy of your passport and your Nova Scotia contact information
such as current address, phone number(s) and email. You must advise NSOI of any
changes in your application or your status.

If you would like to settle down in Nova Scotia and become a permanent residence under
the NSNP, please get in touch with our team of professional to help you with the
application.