Nova Scotia attracts many immigrants with its exceptional living standards, expanding economy, and inclusive communities. The province's Provincial Nominee Program (Nova Scotia PNP) provides diverse immigration routes, notably the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, designed for skilled workers already within the province. Being aware of the various Nova Scotia PNP streams will provide you with the tools to streamline your immigration process to the province.

This guide explores the different categories under the Nova Scotia PNP and how you can successfully immigrate through this program.

How Can I Immigrate to Nova Scotia Using the Nova Scotia?

CanaMigrate

Below are the various streams and requirements of the Nova Scotia PNP, providing an overview for making Nova Scotia your new home.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream targets skilled workers with at least one year of previous work experience in Nova Scotia. Applicants must be eligible for one of the federal Express Entry programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP),
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream include the following.

  • One year (1,560 hours) of full-time or equivalent part-time skilled work experience in Nova Scotia within the last three years.
  • A valid Express Entry profile,
  • A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 7 for NOC 0 and A jobs or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs,
  • A high school diploma or higher education, and
  • Proof of intent to live in Nova Scotia.

This stream is ideal if you have already worked in the province and want a fast-tracked pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

Physician Stream

Nova Scotia faces a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly physicians. To address this, the province has created specific immigration streams tailored to attract qualified medical practitioners.

Physician Stream

  • This stream targets physicians with a confirmed job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the IWK Health Centre.
  • Applicants must demonstrate their eligibility to practice medicine in Nova Scotia, which involves meeting the provincial licensing requirements.
  • A commitment to work in Nova Scotia for at least two years is essential, ensuring that the province benefits from the physician's expertise.
  • This stream is designed to fill critical gaps in the province's healthcare system.

Labor Market Priorities for Physicians

  • This Express Entry-linked stream focuses on physicians with experience in family medicine or specialist fields.
  • Candidates must receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from Nova Scotia through the Express Entry system.
  • A job offer from NSHA or IWK is also required.
  • Proof of medical certification is another requirement.
  • This stream allows Nova Scotia to quickly address urgent healthcare needs by selecting qualified physicians from the Express Entry pool.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

This stream encourages international graduates from Nova Scotia's post-secondary institutions to establish businesses in the Canadian province.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for the Labour Market Priorities for Physicians include the following.

  • Applicants must have completed a minimum two-year post-secondary program in Nova Scotia, demonstrating their investment in the province's educational system.
  • They must have at least one year of experience owning and actively managing a business in Nova Scotia.
  • A CLB of 7 in English or French is required, indicating a high level of language proficiency.
  • Applicants must actively participate in their business's day-to-day operations.
  • Successful applicants are nominated for permanent residency after fulfilling specific business requirements, highlighting the long-term commitment to economic contribution.

International Graduate Entrepreneur

This stream encourages international graduates from Nova Scotia's post-secondary institutions to establish businesses in the Canadian province.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur, you must have:

  • Completed a minimum two-year post-secondary program in Nova Scotia, demonstrating their investment in the province's educational system.
  • At least one year of experience owning and actively managing a business in Nova Scotia.
  • A CLB of 7 in English or French is required, indicating a high level of language proficiency.
  • Applicants must actively participate in their business's day-to-day operations.
  • Successful applicants are nominated for Canadian permanent residency after fulfilling specific business requirements, highlighting the long-term commitment to economic contribution.

Occupations in Demand

The Occupations in Demand Stream targets workers in occupations experiencing labor shortages in Nova Scotia. Current In-Demand Occupations eligible for this stream include the following.

  • Nurse aides and orderlies,
  • Transport truck drivers,
  • Heavy equipment operators, and
  • Laborers in processing, manufacturing, and utilities.

Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer and meet minimum language and education requirements. This stream allows the province to fill critical labor gaps quickly.

Critical Construction Worker Stream

This new pathway supports the growing need for construction workers in Nova Scotia. The program focuses on attracting skilled labor to support infrastructure and housing development projects.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Critical Construction Worker Stream, you must have a:

  • Job offer from a Nova Scotia employer,
  • Have work experience in construction trades.
  • CLB of 5 or higher is required.
  • High school diploma or equivalent qualification verified by Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

International Graduates in Demand

The International Graduates in Demand stream is for international graduates trained in Nova Scotia who work in high-demand fields such as healthcare and child care.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the International Graduates in Demand stream, you must have a:

  • A job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a high-demand field, such as healthcare or childcare, is a requirement.
  • Applicants must have completed a relevant program from a Nova Scotia institution.
  • A CLB of 5 or higher is required.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who wish to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Entrepreneur Stream, you must fulfill the following requirements.

  • Applicants must have a minimum net worth of 600,000 CAD.
  • They must be able to invest at least 150,000 CAD in a Nova Scotia business.
  • Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of business ownership experience or five years of senior management experience.
  • A CLB of 5 or higher is required.
  • Applicants must actively manage the business for at least one year before applying for Canadian permanent residency.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream is designed to help Nova Scotia employers hire foreign workers in occupations where they cannot find Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Stream include the following.

  • A job offer from a Nova Scotia employer,
  • At least one year of relevant work experience,
  • CLB 5 or higher for skilled workers, CLB 4 for intermediate workers, and
  • A high school diploma or higher.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet specific labor market needs in Nova Scotia. The province issues Letters of Interest (LOI) to candidates with skills in targeted occupations.

Eligibility Requirements

To be able to apply for the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities, you must:

  • Receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from Nova Scotia through the Express Entry system.
  • Meet the specific criteria outlined in the targeted draw.
  • Have proof of work experience in the designated occupation is required.

How Can I Apply for the Nova Scotia PNP?

CanaMigrate

Once you determine that you qualify for a Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream, you can proceed with your application through the province’s online system. The process involves several key steps:

  • Create an Account: Register on Nova Scotia’s online application portal.
  • Complete the Application Form: Provide personal information, education, work experience, and other details.
  • Attach Supporting Documents: Upload all required documentation, such as proof of work experience, language test results, education credentials, and job offer letters (if applicable).
  • Submit the Application: Carefully review your submission before finalizing it, as changes cannot be made after submission.
  • Monitor Application Status: Processing times vary by stream, but it typically takes around three months for a decision.
  • Receive Nomination: If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, which allows you to apply for permanent residence through IRCC.

By following these steps carefully, you can enhance your chances of a successful application and take a significant step toward immigrating to Nova Scotia.

Can I Apply for a Temporary Work Permit While Waiting For Permanent Residence in Nova Scotia?

CanaMigrate

Yes, you can apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for permanent residence in Nova Scotia. Many applicants use this strategy to work and stay in Canada legally during the permanent residency processing period. Options for a work permit while awaiting permanent residency in Canada include the following.

LMIA-Based Work Permit

If you have a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, they may obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your work permit application. This is common for Skilled Worker Stream and Critical Construction Worker Pilot applicants.

LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)

If Nova Scotia PNP has nominated you, you may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the PNP Work Permit Support Letter option. If you've submitted your PR application, Nova Scotia can issue a support letter to help you apply for a bridging open work permit BOWP.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) offers significant flexibility for those whose partners are already contributing to Nova Scotia's workforce or academic community. Eligibility hinges on the spouse's status as a skilled worker or international student, granting the applicant the ability to seek employment in any field.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extension

For international graduates who have recently completed their studies in Nova Scotia, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) extension provides a crucial bridge. This extension allows them to continue working while their permanent residence application is processed, maintaining their valuable contributions to the province.

FAQs

What Happens After Receiving a Provincial Nomination?

After receiving a provincial nomination from Nova Scotia, you must apply to the federal government for permanent residence, as the nomination does not grant PR status. This federal stage involves further assessments and verifications.

How Long Does the Process of an NS PNP Application Take?

The processing time for a Nova Scotia PNP application varies depending on the stream and the volume of applications. Still, it generally takes several months, followed by an additional period for federal processing if nominated. It's vital to consult the official government websites for the most up-to-date processing timelines.