Nova Scotia is a province in eastern Canada, known for its stunning coastlines, rich maritime history, and vibrant culture. Its capital, Halifax, is a key economic and cultural hub in the Atlantic region. Nova Scotia offers a high quality of life with affordable living, diverse communities, and scenic landscapes, making it an attractive destination for immigrants.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) allows the province to select skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to meet labor market needs. Through various streams like the Skilled Worker, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, the NSPNP provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who meet specific criteria. This program is a key part of Nova Scotia’s efforts to attract newcomers to boost its economy and population.
Express Entry is designed to attract skilled workers who have already gained experience in Nova Scotia and want to continue living and working there. It is a provincial nominee program (PNP) that is aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
You need to have a profile in the federal Express Entry system
You must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time work) in Nova Scotia within the last 30 months.
This stream is designed to address specific labour market needs in the province by targeting skilled workers in occupations that are in high demand.
This stream focuses on identifying and recruiting skilled workers in occupations that are experiencing a shortage in Nova Scotia
To be eligible, you must have a profile in the federal Express Entry profile
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians is designed to address the shortage of physicians in Nova Scotia by targeting qualified doctors who are willing to live and work in the province.
This stream specifically targets physicians, including family doctors and specialists
To be eligible, you must have a profile in the federal Express Entry profile
The stream is designed to assist Nova Scotian employers to recruit international workers in order to fill gaps in the labour shortages.
To be eligible, you generally need a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
Typically, you need to have at least one year of relevant work experience in the occupation for which you have a job offer.
Occupation in Demand Stream is designed to attract and retain workers for specific occupations that are in high demand in the province. This stream is aimed at individuals who have the skills and experience needed to fill labor shortages in certain sectors. The list of targeted occupations can vary over time based on labor market conditions and needs.
Unlike some other streams, you do not necessarily need a job offer to apply under the Occupation in Demand Stream. However, having a job offer can strengthen your application and improve your chances of being selected.
You need to have at least one year of relevant work experience in an occupation that is on the current list of in-demand jobs
International Graduates in Demand Stream designed to help retain international graduates who have completed their studies at a recognized institution in Nova Scotia. This stream targets recent graduates with skills and qualifications that are in demand in the province’s labor market.
You must have completed a post-secondary program at a recognized Nova Scotia institution within last two years
You need to have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a position that aligns with your field of study. The job offer should be classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Entrepreneur Stream designed for individuals who wish to establish or invest in a business in Nova Scotia and contribute to the province’s economic development. This stream is tailored for experienced entrepreneurs with a track record of successful business management and the capability to create jobs and economic opportunities in Nova Scotia.
You must have a minimum of 3 years of business ownership or senior management experience
you need to have a minimum net worth of CAD 600,000. This net worth should be legally obtained and verifiable.
You must be willing to invest at least CAD 150,000 of your own funds into a new or existing business in Nova Scotia.
International Graduate Entrepreneur designed for international graduates who have completed their studies at a recognized institution in Nova Scotia and wish to start or invest in a business in the province. This stream targets graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions who have already experienced living and studying in Nova Scotia.
You must have completed a post-secondary program at a recognized institution in Nova Scotia.
you need to present a viable business plan that outlines your proposed business idea, how it will operate, and how it will contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy.
You should be prepared to invest a minimum of CAD 150,000 of your own funds into the business.
The Nova Scotia Physicians stream enables internationally trained doctors to immigrate permanently to the province of Nova Scotia.
Notably, physicians who are eligible for Canada’s Express Entry immigration system may want to consider Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities for Physicians stream. The only difference between these two streams is that the Labour Market Priorities stream is aligned with Express Entry,
You must be a qualified physician with credentials recognized in Nova Scotia.
You must be eligible for or already hold a license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.