Nova Scotia Nominee Program


Nova Scotia, situated in the Maritimes region of Canada, is a compact province known for its unique characteristics. It encompasses the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island, and an assemblage of more than 3,000 smaller islands. The capital city, Halifax, stands out as a significant hub for cultural and artistic endeavours, offering a high quality of life to its residents. Nova Scotians hold a deep connection to the sea, and the province’s allure lies in its picturesque coastal landscapes and delectable cuisine.

The Provincial Nominee Program of Nova Scotia (NSNP) plays a crucial role in the province’s immigration process. This program targets prospective immigrants who possess the desired skills and experience sought by Nova Scotia. Successful candidates may be granted a prestigious Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate through this program.

What is the PNP program for Nova Scotia 2023?

In 2003, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was established with the aim of addressing the economic and labour market needs of the province through immigration. Thanks to the continuous development of the NSPNP and the implementation of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) in 2017, immigration to Nova Scotia has experienced a threefold increase over the past two decades.

Presently, Nova Scotia warmly welcomes more than 7,000 new immigrants annually, showcasing its commitment to attracting and integrating individuals from around the world.

With a retention rate surpassing 70 per cent, the province has witnessed significant improvement in retaining newcomers. This positive trend can be attributed to the efforts of the Nova Scotia PNP and the AIP, which actively facilitate the alignment of newcomers with suitable employment opportunities. Moreover, both programs provide assistance to international graduates and temporary workers in smoothly transitioning to permanent residency status.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program
Nova Scotia Nominee Program PNP

Who is eligible for PNP in Nova Scotia?

To get eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly.

  • The age should be between 18 to 49 years.
  • Make assured that the job you are implementing is in command.
  • One year of work expertise is compulsory to apply for the PNP program.
  • You must obtain either 4.5 in IELTS or CLB 5 in English or French ability tests.
  • Your degree or certification must be according to the Canadian university or school degree recognized by ECA.
  • Your purpose of becoming a Canadian citizen in the province should be accurately defined.
  • There are no administration fees for this provincial nomination. However, the demand for Canadian permanent residency requires $550 for the principal applicant.
  • The processing interval for the application form is approximately 6 months.
  • High CLB will get high preference.

What are the required documentation for Nova Scotia PNP

The required documentation for the program in this province is given below.

  • IELTS exam and medical certificate.
  • Educational transcripts and work practice letters.
  • Police clearance license.
  • Proof of funds.
  • Offer application.
  • Passport and travel documentation.

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Nova Scotia Nominee Programs

1. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry – Nova Scotia PNP

The Nova Scotia government has a new program to bring the talent. To be eligible, you will need a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer or work experience in an in-demand occupation. This immigration program is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. If you’re successful, you can get your immigration application processed quickly.

This program consists of two categories.

  • Category A
  • Category B

Below, the requirements of both A and B are explained.

Eligibility Requirements

To get eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly.

  • To qualify for Category A and B of the NSEE program, candidates must be registered in the governmental EE pool. To submit an EE profile to the pool, candidates must be qualified for a minimum of one of three programs: FSW, CEC, and FST.
  • NOC Skill rank must be A, B, or 0 for category A. The business offer also must be verified by a legitimate LMIA
  • For the B category, 1 year of a steady job at a related company is required.  
  • Candidates for this program must have legitimate language test counts showing abilities equal to the CLB 7 or higher for categories A and B.  
  • To be suitable for this program, candidates must get at least 67 points on the points assessment grid of the province for both categories. 

Application Procedure 

Category A receives applications at all times, and there is no particular intake time. If a candidate is passed, they can present their application using the online emigration portal of the province. Successful candidates will receive an appointment from Nova Scotia. After receiving the nomination, the CRS score of candidates will rise by 600 points, ensuring to receive an ITA for permanent residency. After obtaining an ITA, the candidate has 90 days to develop and submit an official appeal for permanent residence. Applications are generally treated within 6 months.

Category B of the Express Entry program only receives requests during regular admissions. Suitable applicants must wait for the stream to begin before presenting an application. Submitted forms are processed based on come and get served first. When the category begins, qualified candidates can fulfill applications online. Successful applicants will get a nomination. After gaining the provincial nomination, the CRS score of the candidate will increase by 600 points, ensuring ITA for permanent residency. After obtaining an ITA, applications are processed. Applications are generally treated within 6 months.

RequirementsCategory ACategory B
Express Entry ProfileYesYes
Work ExperienceNOC 0, A, B(1 year)Demand job(1 year)
Language AbilityCLB 7CLB 7
Education LevelHigh SchoolHigh School
InvestmentNoneNone
Job OfferYesNo
Connection to the ProvinceNoNo

2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry – Nova Scotia PNP

To get into the stream, you need to have at least one year of experience working in Nova Scotia in any highly skilled occupation.

This program is for people who want to immigrate with Express Entry. The government processes their applications quickly, but they need to be successful first.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly.

  • To qualify for the NSEE program, candidates must be registered in the governmental EE pool. To submit an EE profile to the pool, candidates must be qualified for a minimum of one of three programs: FSW, CEC, and FST
  • To get suitable for this program, an applicant should have a minimum of 12 months of full-time business experience or a similar amount of part-time expertise. This must have been gained while working with a company in the province. The work practice must be at NOC work Level 0, A, or B.
  • Candidates will be needed to present proof of language ability in English or French. Candidates in NOC level 0, A, or B professions must obtain a minimum of CLB 7 to join, whereas candidates in NOC level B must obtain a CLB 5 to get eligible for their job.
  • The age should be 21 and ends at 55.
  • No application fee is required, and the processing time is a minimum of 3 months.
  • You must present a completed Canadian secondary or institutional credential or if the certification is from a foreign organization or authority. It would be best if you also proposed an ECA issued by a certified provider.

Application Procedure

The Express Entry program is open to brand-new applications at any period. This program receives applications electronically via an online immigration gateway. Successful candidates will receive an appointment from Nova Scotia. After receiving the provincial nomination, the CRS score of applicants will rise by 600 points, declaring they will get an ITA for permanent residency.

After receiving an ITA, the candidate must equip and submit an approved application within the assigned timeframe. Applications for continual residency are processed within 6 months.

Program Requirements 
Express Entry ProfileYes
Connection to ProvinceWork Experience
Job OfferNo
Language ProficiencyCLB 7 NOC 0 or A
CLB 5 for NOC B
Level of EducationHigh school
Work ExperienceEmployed in Nova Scotia
NOC 0, A, or B
1 year
Investment RequirementNone

Nova-Scotia Skilled Worker stream helps employers in Nova Scotia find workers who can do needed jobs. If you get a job offer from a company in Nova Scotia, you can apply for this immigration program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly. 

  • To get suitable for the Skilled Worker program, applicants must have a legitimate job offer from an acceptable company in the province. The job proposal must be from a company with a permanent residency and had active supervision over the past two years to be judged valid. 
  • For a job offer to be adequate for this program, the company must describe that they could not find a permanent Canadian citizen to fulfil the position.
  • If the job offer is for a profession at NOC rank C or D, the candidate must have already been operating with the company for 6 months. 
  • Applicants must determine that they have a minimum of 1 year of full-time job experience in the same profession.  
  • If an applicant converses English or French as their primary language and is concerned with a business offer at NOC rank 0, A, or B, they will be excluded from the language test condition. If an applicant speaks English or French as a secondary language, they must confirm language ability proof. 
  • Candidates practising with a business offer at NOC rank 0, A, or B must confirm that language test results are above CLB 5. Candidates applying for a work offer at NOC rank C or D must ensure test results at CLB 4.  
  • All applicants applying to this program must show a level of education at a Canadian high school degree or a foreign equivalent.  
  • All candidates for this program must muster the required settlement funds as defined by IRCC. This can be explained through their investments or having a valid job offer.

Procedure of Application

  • Victorious applicants will be assigned a provincial nomination for continual residency.
  • After receiving the nomination, a candidate has 6 months to submit the governmental application for permanent residency. 
  • Candidates in this program must finish and submit a paper-based form for permanent residence and present it by mail. 
  • Paper-based PNP requests for permanent residency are processed in 18 months.
  • The applicant should have aged between 21 and 55.
Program Requirements 
Express Entry ProfileNo
Connection to ProvinceStudy Experience
Job OfferNo
Language ProficiencyCLB 7
Level of EducationPost-secondary
2 years
Work ExperienceBusiness ownership and management
In Nova Scotia
1 year
Investment RequirementNone

4. Nova Scotia Physicians – Nova Scotia PNP

If you are qualified, you can apply to live in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Physicians stream helps the province with its labour needs. You need a job offer from a health organization in the province to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly.

  • To qualify for this program, candidates must be registered in the governmental EE pool. To submit an EE profile to the pool, candidates must be prepared for a minimum of one of three programs: FSW, CEC, and FST
  • To be recognized as qualified, a foreign citizen must have a business offer from the Health Authority of Nova Scotia (NSHA) or the Health Center IWK. This job proposal must be for a position at NOC code 3111 or 3112. NOC 3111 is for specialist physicians, and NOC 3112 is for family or group physicians.
  • Applicants for this program must satisfy the minimum language abilities and education demands of their EE program. Provide a copy of Education certifications or evidence of education and medical training needed for permission in Nova Scotia.

Application Procedure

  • To be suitable for this program, applicants must first build a profile in the Governmental EE pool. 
  • Those candidates chosen by the province to appeal for the program will get an LOI from the province. 
  • The applicant will be nominated for Canadian permanent residency status and 600 points to their EE profile if the request is approved. 
  • This increase will ensure the applicant gets an ITA in the next EE draw.
  • The applicant must submit an approved application for Canadian permanent residency within the nominated timeframe with an invitation in hand. 
  • Applications for permanent residency are treated within 6 months.
Program Requirements 
Express Entry ProfileNo
Connection to ProvinceNo
Job OfferYes
Language ProficiencyNo minimum
Level of EducationMedical License
Work ExperienceNo minimum
Investment RequirementNone

5. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities – Nova Scotia PNP

In the Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities stream you can apply if you have experience as an Early Childhood Educator and Assistant. They only accept applications from people with these requirements and demands.

Eligibility Requirements

To get eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly.

  • To qualify for this program, candidates must be registered in the governmental EE pool. To submit an EE profile to the pool, candidates must be prepared for a minimum of one of three programs: FSW, CEC, and FST
  • Many times, the province mainly selects applicants with high French language ability. However, the case is that applicants for this program must match the minimum language skill and education conditions of their EE program.
  • The program often expects candidates to have job experience in a specific profession. Suitable occupations change periodically and are advertised by the province. Applicants for this program must meet the minimum job practice requirements of their EE program.

Procedure of Application

  • To employ the program, applicants who satisfy the minimum specifications must build an EE profile and then wait for a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the province. 
  • If the candidate is elected, the LOI will be allotted directly to their IRCC record, connected to their EE profile. 
  • After getting an LOI, the applicant must apply to the province.
  • If the province accepts the application, the candidate will be notified that he has been selected for provincial nomination. 
  • This announcement will be sent to the IRCC online account of the candidate. Then the candidate will receive ITA.
  • After getting an ITA, the candidate must submit an approved application for Canadian permanent residency within the nominated timeframe.
  • Applications submitted through EE are generally treated within 6 months.
Eligibility Requirement 
Express Entry ProfileYes
Connection to ProvinceNo
Job OfferNo
Language ProficiencyCLB 7; or,
as indicated
Level of EducationHigh school
Work ExperienceExpress Entry Requirement; or,
High Priority NOC (if indicated)
Investment RequirementNone

6. Nova Scotia Occupations In Demand – Nova Scotia PNP

This stream will help people who have a job opportunity from a Nova Scotian employer and work in an occupation in demand. The occupations eligible for this program now are NOC 3413, NOC 7511, or NOC 7611.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this stream, you must follow these requirements to apply quickly. 

  • To qualify for the Occupations In-Demand program of Nova Scotia, candidates must have achieved the least rank of education, referring to a Canadian high school degree. They should also have language analysis results confirming their ability in English or French at CLB 4.
  • The applicant should have aged between 21 and 55.
  • Applicants must have a legitimate offer of a job from the company of Nova Scotia for a position in the NOC mentioned above. The proposal must provide for a permanent, full-time job.
  • To be recognized as a legitimate job offer, the company must describe that enough efforts were made to hire a Canadian for the position through LMIA.
  • An applicant must have at least 1 year of job experience related to the position.

Application Procedure

Candidates may join using the online portal on the provincial immigration website. Victorious applicants will be assigned a provincial nomination for continual residency from Nova Scotia.

Once a candidate has been nominated, they will be assigned a Letter of Support, enabling them to appeal for a temporary work license so they can visit Nova Scotia to begin work.

After obtaining a provincial nomination, a candidate has 6 months to present a governmental application for Canadian permanent residency. Candidates in this program must fulfill and present a paper-based request for permanent residence. Paper-based PNP requests for permanent residency are processed within 18 months.

Eligibility Requirement 
Express Entry ProfileNo
Connection to ProvinceNo
Age21 – 55
Job OfferYes
Language ProficiencyCLB 4
Level of EducationHigh school
Work ExperienceNOC 3413,
NOC 7511, or NOC 7611
Investment RequirementNone

Apply for PNP Program

Follow these steps for application for Nova Scotia programs.

  • Apply for an online PNP application.
  • Fill it thoroughly and accurately and add all required papers with it.
  • You must add copies of language tests and education verification with your application form. 
  • Education verification must include the ECA if the educational certificate was acquired outside Canada.
  • Must send it to the Department of Immigration and get registered into the EE Pool.
  • Once you are chosen from the EE Pool to support the job offer and position system, the officials will contact you for the additional process.

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