The NSNP nominates potential immigrants with the skills and experience to positively impact the Nova Scotia economy. The program has several streams that cater to Physicians, entrepreneurs, Graduates, Express entry candidates, Skilled workers and other priority and in-demand occupations.
What are the streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?
The streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program are the following:
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Physician
- Entrepreneur
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- International Graduates in Demand
- Skilled Worker
- Occupations in Demand
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
Eligibility requirements under the NSNP
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
This stream selects candidates from the Federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs. Such candidates receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, making them eligible to apply.
A prospective candidate under this stream must:
- Receive a Letter of Interest
- Submit their application within 30 days of receiving the letter
- Meet the minimum work experience requirements
- Have enough funds to establish themselves and their family
- Have legal status
- Meet immigration requirements
- Have a valid Express Entry profile and number
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
The Labour Market Priorities for Physicians stream exclusively nominates Physicians from the Federal Express Entry pool. Candidates must receive a Letter of Interest and a valid offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre before applying under this stream.
A candidate under this stream must:
- Have an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health centre as a general practitioner, family physician or a specialist physician
- Have a signed ‘Return for Service Agreement’ indicating their commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for at least 2 years
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system
- Submit their application within 30 days of receiving a Letter of Interest
- Meet work experience requirements in the Express Entry Stream
- Have funds to support themselves and their family for the duration of their stay
- Have legal status
Physician
The Physician Stream hires general practitioners, family physicians and specialists for a vacant position in Nova Scotia that cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Such candidates must receive a signed and approved opportunity from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK
This signed opportunity must also:
- Be on an official NSHA or IWK letterhead
- Be signed and dated by the person authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK
- Be signed and dated by the applicant
- Indicate the applicant’s eligibility for licensure
- Indicate that applicant is eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with the NSHA or IWK
Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneur Stream is an invite-only stream for business owners and managers who want to set up businesses in Nova Scotia. The stream offers candidates a pathway to permanent residency after a year of operating in Nova Scotia.
Eligible candidates under this stream must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Be willing to live permanently in Nova Scotia while simultaneously running their business
- Have a net worth of CAD 600,000
- Invest at least CAD 150,000 of your own money into establishing a business in Nova Scotia
- Have 3 years experience managing or owning a business, or more than 5 years in a senior business management role
- Have a minimum CLB 7 score in either English or French
- Complete their online Expression of Interest for the stream
- Receive an Invitation to Apply
International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream is another invite-only stream for graduates of a Nova Scotia University or community college operating a business in the province for at least a year.
Candidates applying under this stream must:
- Intend to live and run their business in Nova Scotia
- Have a year’s worth of experience managing and owning a business in Nova Scotia
- Complete a degree or diploma in person at a University or community college in Nova Scotia
- Have a valid post-graduation work permit
- Have a CLB score of 7 in either English or French
- Complete an online Expression of Interest
- Receive an Invitation to Apply
International Graduates in Demand
The stream caters to recent International graduates whose skills and education match a specific NOC category specified by the program. Currently, the stream is open to international graduates from two categories:
- NOC 33102: nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates
- NOC 42202: early childhood educators and assistants
Additionally, candidates applying to this stream must:
- Have a full-time job from a Nova Scotia employer in a corresponding field
- Be 21-55 years old
- Have a high school diploma
- Meet requirements for completing a course of study within 3 years of application.
- Be certified by a Nova Scotia body for their occupation
- Have a CLB level 5 in either English or French
- Have the finances to settle in Nova Scotia
Skilled Worker
The stream helps employers in Nova Scotia recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students whose skills are needed in the province. Employers must first verify that no Canadian citizens and permanent residents are being overlooked for the role.
Applicants under this stream must:
- Have an offer for a full-time job from a Nova Scotia employer
- Have at least a year of work experience
- Be 21-55 years old
- Have a high school diploma
- Meet the requirements for training, skills and certification for the job
- Meet the language requirements
- Have enough finances to settle in Nova Scotia
Occupations in Demand
The Occupations in Demand stream nominates candidates for occupations with high demand in the Nova Scotia labour market. The applicable jobs under this category include:
- NOC 33102 (Nurse Aides)
- NOC 65200 (Food and beverage servers)
- NOC 65201 (Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations)
- NOC 65310 (Light duty cleaners)
- NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers)
- NOC 73400 (Heavy equipment operators)
- NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers)
Apart from this, interested candidates must also:
- Have a year of work experience in the related job
- Be 21-55 years old
- Have a high school diploma
- Have the required training, skills and certification
- Have a CLB level 4 score in either English or French
- Have the finances to settle in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
The stream nominates candidates with eligible profiles in the IRCC’s Express Entry system. It currently focuses on Nova Scotia graduates who are more likely to stay on in the province. These applicants are expected to:
- Have at least 1 year of work experience in the province
- Be within 21-55 years old
- Have a Canadian high school equivalent credential
- Meet Language requirements
- Have a profile in the IRCC’s Express Entry
Final Word
The article should give you a brief idea of the requirements to immigrate to the beautiful eastern province of Nova Scotia. The region is quickly gaining prominence among newcomers, with over 9020 permanent residents being welcomed in 2021 alone.
