Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Program (NSNP) is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs and graduates who can contribute to the province’s economic development. The program consists of several streams, each with its own unique requirements and features.

Contents:

  1. Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities Stream
  2. Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities for Physicians
  3. Physician Stream
  4. Entrepreneur Stream
  5. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
  6. International Graduates in Demand Stream
  7. Skilled Worker Stream
  8. Occupations in Demand Stream
  9. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities Stream

This stream selects candidates from the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs.

To apply for a nomination, candidates must:

  • Obtain a letter of interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration through the Express Entry system.
  • Submit an application within 30 calendar days from the date of issue of the letter of interest.
  • Meet the minimum work experience requirements for the Express Entry stream you are applying for.
  • Have sufficient funds to support the immigration of you and your family.
  • Have legal status in the country of current residence.
  • Meet the eligibility criteria in effect at the time of issuance of the letter of interest.
  • Have a valid Express Entry number and meet all IRCC criteria.

Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities for Physicians

This stream attracts foreign doctors with qualifications NOC 31102, NOC 31100, NOC 31101 through the Express Entry system. 

To apply, candidates must:

  • Obtain an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.
  • Sign a Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, committing to work in Nova Scotia for a minimum of two years.
  • Obtain a letter of interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration through the Express Entry system.
  • Submit an application within 30 calendar days from the date of issue of the letter of interest.
  • Meet the minimum work experience requirements under the Express Entry stream.
  • Have sufficient funds to support the immigration of you and your family.
  • Have legal status in the country of current residence.

Low Point Lighthouse Cape Breton

Physician Stream

This stream helps the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) recruit general practitioners, family physicians and specialist physicians. 

To apply, candidates must:

  • Have a signed endorsement from NSHA or IWK.
  • Be eligible for licensure by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NS.
  • Be eligible to apply for NSHA and IWK privileges and powers.

Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for experienced business owners or senior executives who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must be starting a new business or buying an existing one and actively involved in its management. 

To apply, applicants must:

  • Be over 21 years of age.
  • Have a net business value of at least CAD600,000 ($437,040) (or CAD400,000 ($291,360) if the business is located outside the Halifax Regional Municipality).
  • Be able to invest at least CAD 150,000 ($109,260) of your own funds; CAD 100,000 ($72,840) if the business is outside HRM.
  • Have a minimum of three years of active business management and ownership experience or more than five years of experience in a management position.
  • Have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for recent graduates of Nova Scotia universities and colleges who are already running a business in the province. 

To apply, candidates must:

  • Have a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time study.
  • Manage the business for at least one year with at least 1/3 ownership.
  • Have a valid work permit after completing your studies.
  • Have a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark.

International Graduates in Demand Stream

This stream attracts recent graduates whose skills and education match specific occupations on the NOC. The stream is currently open to workers with full-time job offers in occupations such as paramedics, pharmaceutical technicians, nursing assistants and early childhood educators.

Skilled Worker Stream

This stream helps employers recruit international workers and recent graduates. 

To apply, candidates must:

  • Have a permanent, full-time job offer.
  • Have one year of experience related to this position.
  • Be between 21 and 55 years of age.
  • Have a high school diploma.
  • Confirm language proficiency at CLB 5 level (or CLB 4 for some categories)​.

Occupations in Demand Stream

This stream targets specific TEER category 3, 4 or 5 occupations that are in high demand. This currently includes nursing assistants, cleaners, forklift drivers and heavy equipment operators.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

This stream attracts highly skilled individuals who wish to live permanently in Nova Scotia. 

To apply, candidates must:

  • Have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation.
  • Be between 21 and 55 years of age.
  • Have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Have a profile registered in IRCC’s Express Entry system.

In summary, the Nova Scotia Provincial Program (NSNP) has nine different streams covering a wide range of applicant categories, from health professionals and entrepreneurs to skilled workers and graduates. 

The key criteria for most streams are relevant work experience, appropriate language proficiency (CLB 4 to CLB 7 depending on the stream), proven education and, in the case of some streams, a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer or eligibility for the federal Express Entry system.