Immigrating to Nova Scotia – The Canadian Province Achieving Record Immigration Numbers

Nova Scotia is located on the eastern coast of Canada, along the Atlantic Ocean.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) targets potential immigrants with skills and experience to boost the province’s economy and address demographic challenges.

Candidates who meet the criteria of one of the nine different streams may be nominated for immigration to Nova Scotia, with a target processing time of three months.

Explore the Nova Scotia provincial immigration programs and more with ImmiPath in the following article!

1. Overview of Immigration to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of the eastern provinces of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising a peninsula and offshore islands, it is home to pufferfish and seals and is popular for water sports such as kayaking.

The Nova Scotia immigration policy currently welcomes over 7,000 new immigrants each year.

The province has a retention rate of over 70 percent. This rate has improved as the Nova Scotia PNP and AIP strive to connect newcomers with job opportunities.

Both PNP and AIP also facilitate the transition of international graduates and temporary workers to permanent residency.

Candidates can apply through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Through NSNP, potential immigrants with skills and experience targeted by Nova Scotia may receive a nomination for immigration.

Here are the current immigration streams available in Nova Scotia:

• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians: Express Entry
• Skilled Worker
• Physician
• In-Demand Occupations
• International Graduate in Demand
• Entrepreneur
• International Graduate Entrepreneur

All dependents wishing to settle in Nova Scotia must meet all medical, security, and criminal admissibility requirements. In some cases, candidates may be invited for an interview. CIC has the final authority to grant permanent residency visas.

Nova Scotia also welcomes immigrants through the Federal Atlantic Immigration Program.

2. Provincial immigration programs in Nova Scotia

Provincial immigration programs in Nova Scotia host several unique Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) designed to attract and retain newcomers. These individuals will be able to fill gaps in the workforce and make meaningful contributions to the local economy and community.

2.1. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

Skilled immigrants with experience in Nova Scotia are eligible under the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream. A core requirement is that applicants must have at least one year of experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Eligibility requirements for Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry:

• At least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia
• Aged between 21 and 55
• High school graduation or equivalent from Canada
• Language proficiency in English or French: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for skill level NOC TEER 0 and 1, CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3
• Must create a profile in the federal government’s Canada Express Entry pool

2.2. Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities: Express Entry

The Labor Market Priorities stream is designed to allow the province to select specific occupations for immigration.

Applicants must:

• Receive an Expression of Interest letter from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program in the Express Entry system.
• Meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you are qualified.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia and to cover immigration and travel costs.
• Be legally residing in your current country of residence.
• Meet the eligibility criteria at the time you receive the Letter of Interest.

2.3. Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities for Physicians: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities stream for physicians allows the province to select qualified physician candidates from the federal Express Entry pool.

This stream specifically targets two National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

• NOC 31102: Family Physicians
• NOC 31100 and 31101: Specialist Physicians

Requirements for the Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities stream for physicians:

• Have a job offer approved by the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre as a Family Physician (NOC 31102) or Specialist Physician (NOC 31100, 31101).
• Commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for a minimum of two years.
• Receive a Letter of Interest from NSNP through Express Entry.
• Submit your application within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Interest.
• Meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you are qualified.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia.
• Be legally residing in your current country of residence.

2.4. Skilled Worker Immigration to Nova Scotia

The Skilled Worker stream for immigration to Nova Scotia targets foreign workers and international graduates who are nominated by employers.

Employers who are unable to fill positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents can access this stream after receiving a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Applicant requirements:

• A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
• At least one year of work experience related to the job (semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must have six months of experience with the employer providing the job).
• Aged between 21 and 55.
• Minimum high school diploma.
• Appropriate training, skills, and/or certification, if required.
• Language proficiency in English or French equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 for skilled workers, CLB Level 4 for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers.
• Financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

See more: Skilled Worker Immigration to Canada

2.5. Nova Scotia Occupation in Demand

The Nova Scotia Occupation Demand Pilot Program targets intermediate-skilled jobs that are in high demand within the province.

Target occupations may change based on labor market needs. It specifically targets jobs classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 3, 4, or 5.

Nova Scotia Occupation Requirements

Permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the following NOCs:

• NOC 33102 (Nurse Assistant)
• NOC 65200 (Food and Beverage Server)
• NOC 65201 (Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Occupations)
• NOC 65310 (Light Duty Cleaners)
• NOC 73300 (Truck Drivers)
• NOC 73400 (Heavy Equipment Operators)
• NOC 75110 (General Labourers and Construction Workers)

Other Requirements:

• Age between 21 and 55
• One year of relevant work experience
• High school diploma
• Appropriate training, skills, and/or certification for the job
• Proof of language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4, even if English or French is your first language
• Demonstrate financial ability to successfully settle in Nova Scotia

2.6. Nova Scotia Immigration Program for Doctors

The Nova Scotia immigration program for doctors supports the province’s public health system by recruiting general practitioners, family doctors, and specialists.

It is designed to assist in hiring and retaining doctors for positions where the province is unable to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Requirements:

• Legal Status in Your Country of Residence:
  • If you are living in Canada, you must provide proof of your legal status as a temporary worker or visitor.
  • If you are applying from outside Canada, you must provide proof of your legal status in your country of residence.
  • If you have lost your status, you are not eligible to apply until your status is restored.

Work Invitation

Opportunities must be formally approved by the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre as:

• NOC 31102: Family Doctor
• NOC 31100 and 31101: Specialist Doctor

The approved opportunity must be in the official letterhead of NSHA or IWK and must:

• Be signed and dated by an authorized person hiring doctors at NSHA or IWK
• Be signed and dated by the applicant accepting the opportunity
• Indicate eligibility for licensing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
• Indicate that the applicant is eligible for privileges and credentials with NSHA and IWK

Education and Training

A copy of the credential evaluation or proof of education and medical training is required for licensing in Nova Scotia.

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in performing the job in one of Canada’s official languages must be demonstrated through the work invitation from NSHA or IWK.

2.7. International Graduates Requirements

The Nova Scotia International Graduates stream targets international graduates with a permanent job offer in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

• NOC 33102: Nurse Assistants, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
• NOC 42202: Early Childhood Educators and Assistants

International graduates under this stream must meet the following conditions:

• Permanent Full-Time Job Offer: A permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in NOC 33102 or 42202 that aligns with your recent field of study.
• Age: Between 21 and 55
• High School Diploma: Must have a high school diploma.
• Completed Program: Completed a program within the past three years with at least 30 weeks of study, with at least 50% of the program completed in Nova Scotia.
• For NOC 33102: The program must provide a certificate, diploma, or degree.
• For NOC 42202: The program must provide a diploma or degree.
• Regulatory Certification: Certification from Nova Scotia regulatory bodies required for the job.
• Language Proficiency: Language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 in English or French.
• Financial Resources: Demonstrate financial ability to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

2.8. Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur immigration stream targets candidates with senior management experience or business ownership.

Candidates must live in Nova Scotia, establish a new business or purchase an existing one, and be actively involved in the daily management of the business.

Under the Entrepreneur Stream, candidates are first issued a temporary work permit before applying for permanent residence after operating the business for one year.

The stream uses an Expression of Interest format, in which candidates in the pool are invited to apply.

Application Steps for the Entrepreneur Stream:

• Expression of Interest
• Invitation to Apply
• In-Person Interview and Business Plan Agreement
• Work Permit and Business Establishment in Nova Scotia
• Nomination Request
• Application for Permanent Residence

Requirements for Entrepreneur Stream Applicants:

• Age: 21 years or older
• Want to reside in Nova Scotia, Canada permanently while owning and actively managing a business in Nova Scotia.
• Minimum net worth of $600,000
• Minimum investment of $150,000 to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia
• Minimum of 3 years of active management and ownership of a business (minimum 33% ownership) or more than 5 years of experience in a senior business management role
• Minimum score of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French

2.9. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is similar to the Entrepreneur Stream but is specifically for recent graduates from a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College.

Applicants must start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia and operate it for one year under a post-graduation work permit.

Candidates are nominated for permanent residence if they intend to settle in the province. The stream operates using an Expression of Interest format similar to the Entrepreneur Stream.

Application Steps for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

• Expression of Interest
• Invitation to Apply
• In-Person Interview and Nomination
• Application for Permanent Residence

Requirements for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

• Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a business in Nova Scotia.
• At least one year of continuous active management and ownership of a current Nova Scotia business (100% ownership).
• Completed a degree or diploma including a minimum of 2 years of full-time study, taken directly at a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College.
• Valid post-graduation work permit.
• Minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French.

3. How Can ImmiPath Assist with Your Nova Scotia Immigration Process?

The experienced team of professionals, including renowned experts and lawyers at ImmiPath, will advise you on selecting the right Nova Scotia immigration stream that best suits your needs. We will guide you through the process, costs, and paperwork to ensure everything goes smoothly and perfectly, helping you obtain your PR card quickly.

If you have any questions about immigrating to Nova Scotia, Canada, feel free to leave a comment below the post with your phone number or email address. ImmiPath’s team will provide dedicated support and advice, leveraging the expertise to make your path to Canadian permanent residency a reality.