Once you're ready to move to beautiful Nova Scotia you will want to apply to a Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) stream. Through the NSNP, prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience needed by Nova Scotia employers may be nominated to immigrate.
Review the different NSNP streams to determine if you qualify.
UPDATE: September 4, 2024
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) receives a significant volume of applications. If you have already applied to NSNP, your application remains on file. Please note we process and return decisions on applications according to economic and labour market priorities and that these priorities may change without notice. We cannot guarantee that your application will be assessed or that a nomination will be granted, even if it meets eligibility criteria.
- Skilled Worker
- Occupations in Demand
- Critical Construction Worker Pilot
- International Graduates in Demand
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Entrepreneur
- Physician
- Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Labour Market Priorities
- Experience: Express Entry
- Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot (Letter of Interest)
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker stream helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia. An employer can only hire foreign workers for positions they have been unable to fill with permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
As of 12 noon ADT, April 17, 2024, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program has a significant volume of applications for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector awaiting a decision and must stop accepting applications in this sector while processing current inventory.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer;
- have 1 year of work experience related to the job. Workers in TEER 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification must already have six months’ experience with the employer.);
- be 21 to 55 years old;
- have a high school diploma;
- have the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job;
- prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if you are in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. If your first language is English or French, that is enough proof. Workers in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation must have test results to prove they meet CLB 4 even if their first language is English or French;
- show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE, FORMS AND POLICIES
- Application Guide
- Changes – Application Guide
- Employer Information Form (NSNP 200)
- Common Nova Scotia Immigration and Population Growth Policies
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60)
- Program Integrity Policy
NOTE: Positions in all occupations must receive competitive wages for their industry or sector as per the Government of Canada Website.
Occupations in Demand
The Occupations in Demand stream targets specific TEER category 3, 4 or 5 occupations of the National Occupational Classification that are in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia. Labour, Skills and Immigration identifies occupations in demand based on labour market information and eligible occupations are subject to change.
As of 12 noon ADT, April 17, 2024, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program has a significant volume of applications for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector awaiting a decision and must stop accepting applications in this sector while processing current inventory.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in either
- NOC 33102 (Nurse Aides)
- NOC 65310 (Light duty cleaners)
- NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers)
- NOC 73400 (Heavy equipment operators)
- NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers)
- have 1 year of work experience related to the job;
- be 21 to 55 years old;
- have a high school diploma;
- have the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job;
- prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 even if your first language is English or French;
- show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE, FORMS AND POLICIES
Critical Construction Worker Pilot
The Critical Construction Worker Pilot – Job Offer Pathway is only for people who have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector. Your job offer must be in the list of approved NOCs below.
ELIGIBILITY
- To apply you must:
- have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in one of these NOCs:
- 70010 – Construction managers
- 70011 – Home building and renovation managers
- 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
- 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- 72102 – Sheet metal workers
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 – Industrial electricians
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 72320 – Bricklayers
- 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- 72500 – Crane operators
- 73100 – Concrete finishers
- 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
- 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
- 75101 – Material handlers
- 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
- 75119 – Other trades helpers and labourers
- have 1 year of work experience related to the job;
- have a high school diploma OR proof you have completed a construction specific industry training program;
- be 21 to 55 years old;
- prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) or CLB Level 4 (NOC TEER 4 and 5) even if your first language is English or French;
- show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
International Graduates in Demand
The International Graduates in Demand stream is for recent international graduates whose skills and education match specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories. This stream is currently open to workers in these job categories:
- NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations
- NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians
- NOC 33102: nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- NOC 42202: early childhood educators and assistants
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a job category listed above that corresponds with your recent field of study;
- be 19 to 55 years old;
- have a high school diploma;
- have met requirements for completing a program of study at an eligible Nova Scotia designated learning institution within three years of your application. The program must have been at least 30 weeks in length or 24 weeks for NOC 33102 (Nurse Aids and Continuing Care Assistants). You must have completed at least 50% of the program in Nova Scotia.
- If you are applying under NOC 32102 or 32124, your program must grant a diploma.
- If you are applying under NOC 33102, your program must grant a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- If you are applying under NOC 42202, your program must grant a diploma or a degree.
- have certifications issued by NS regulatory bodies required for the job;
- prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5;
- show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE, FORMS AND POLICIES
International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. They must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least a year. If they intend to settle in Nova Scotia, the graduate may be nominated for permanent resident status. Application to the stream is by invitation only.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business;
- have at least one year’s continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business (33.33% ownership minimum);
- have completed a degree or diploma after at least 2 academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College;
- have a valid post-graduation work permit;
- have a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French;
- complete an online Expression of Interest;
- receive an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the Expression of Interest.
If you are invited to apply, complete the application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
- Application Guide
- Changes – Application Guide
- Application Form (NSNP 500)
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60)
- Invitation History
- Program Integrity Policy
FINANCIAL STATEMENT REVIEW SERVICE PROVIDERS
Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Nova Centre, North Tower Suite 1000
1675 Grafton Street
Halifax NS B3J 0E9
(902) 566-6324
NSPNPGrantThornton@ca.gt.com
MNP
200 – 100 Venture Run
Dartmouth NS B3B 0H9
(778) 374-2102
NSNP-MNP@mnp.ca
White Perkins
230 Main Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 1C9
(902) 742-2333
info@wpacpa.ca
Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. After operating the business for a year, the entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status. Application to the stream is by invitation only.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- be 21 years of age or older;
- want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business;
- have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 CAD if your business is outside Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM));
- be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money to establish a business in Nova Scotia ($100,000 CAD if your business is outside HRM);
- have at least 3 years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (1/3 ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years’ experience in a senior business management role;
- have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French;
- complete an online Expression of Interest;
- receive an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration.
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the Expression of Interest.
- If you are invited to apply, complete the application form and include all required information and attachments.
Apply Online
For more information about preparing supporting documents and completing the application, please refer to the application guide.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
- Application Guide
- Changes – Application Guide
- Application Form (NSNP 400)
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60)
- Net Worth Verifier Document Checklist
- Arrival Report
- Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
- Nomination Request
- Invitation History
- Program Integrity Policy
NET WORTH VERIFIERS
Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Nova Centre, North Tower Suite 1000
1675 Grafton Street
Halifax NS B3J 0E9
(902) 566-6324
NSPNPGrantThornton@ca.gt.com
KPMG-Toronto
4600 – 333 Bay St
Bay Adelaide Centre
Toronto ON M5H 2S5
(416) 777-3887
nsnpverification@kpmg.ca
MNP
200 – 100 Venture Run
Dartmouth NS B3B 0H9
(778) 374-2102
NSNP-MNP@mnp.ca
FINANCIAL STATEMENT REVIEW SERVICE PROVIDERS
Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Nova Centre, North Tower Suite 1000
1675 Grafton Street
Halifax NS B3J 0E9
(902) 566-6324
NSPNPGrantThornton@ca.gt.com
MNP
200 – 100 Venture Run
Dartmouth NS B3B 0H9
(778) 374-2102
NSNP-MNP@mnp.ca
White Perkins
230 Main Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 1C9
(902) 742-2333
info@wpacpa.ca
Physician
The Physician Stream assists Nova Scotia’s public health authorities – the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) – to hire general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to work in Nova Scotia. The stream helps the NSHA and IWK to recruit and retain physicians with the required skills for positions that they have been unable to fill with a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
See our Guide for Physicians to compare this stream with our Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Stream.
ELIGIBILITY
The Physician Stream is only open to general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) with signed approved opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
The approved opportunity must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead and must:
- Be signed and dated by a person authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK
- Be signed and dated by the applicant who is accepting the opportunity
- Indicate eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NS
- Indicate that the applicant is eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA and the IWK
HOW TO APPLY
Gather all supporting documentation required for your application.
Complete the online application form.
For more information about preparing supporting documents and completing the application, please refer to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program Physician Stream Application Guide.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for physicians selects physicians to apply for nomination through the federal Express Entry system. Only candidates with an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre who receive a Letter of Interest from Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) may apply.
General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) will receive a Letter of Interest once LSI is notified of the candidate’s Express Entry profile number and a signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
See our Guide for Physicians to compare this stream with our Physician Stream.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- have an approved opportunity from the NSHA or IWK as either a general practitioner and family physician (NOC 31102) or a specialist physician (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101);
- provide a copy of a signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness indicating commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum period of two years;
- receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system;
- submit your application within 30 calendar days of the date on which your Letter of Interest was issued;
- meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you have qualified;
- demonstrate sufficient funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia and to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses; and
- have legal status in your current country of residence.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
- Application Guide
- Changes – Application Guide
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60)
- Program Integrity Policy
NOTE:
For further information on Express Entry, please visit canada.ca/express-entry
Labour Market Priorities
The Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates in the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs to apply for nomination. Only candidates who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration may apply.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system;
- submit your application within 30 calendar days of the date on which your letter of interest was issued;
- meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you have qualified;
- demonstrate sufficient funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia and to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses;
- have legal status in your current country of residence;
- meet eligibility criteria in place at the time you are issued a Letter of Interest;
- and have a valid Express Entry number and meet all IRCC criteria for the Express Entry pool.
HOW TO APPLY
If you have received a Letter of Interest, complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
- Application Guide
- Changes – Application Guide
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60)
- Program Integrity Policy
RECORD OF CRITERIA
An archive of criteria for prior draws.
Experience: Express Entry
The Experience: Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. Applicants must have at least one year of experience working in Nova Scotia in an occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification.
As of 12 noon ADT, April 17, 2024, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program has a significant volume of applications for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector awaiting a decision and must stop accepting applications in this sector while processing current inventory.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply you must:
- have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia;
- be 21 to 55 years old;
- have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent;
- prove language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). You need CLB 7 for skilled work in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0 and 1. You need CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 positions;
- have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application form and include all required information and attachments.
APPLICATION GUIDE AND FORMS
- Application Guide
- Changes –Application Guide
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60)
- Program Integrity Policy
NOTE: For further information on Express Entry, please visit: canada.ca/expressentry.
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IMMIGRATION PILOT (LETTER OF INTEREST)
This is not a Labour Market Priorities draw.
If you received a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia in your Express Entry profile on August 28, 2024, you are invited to participate in the pharmacist and pharmacy technician draw of the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot.
If you wish to proceed, follow the links below:
Pharmacists (NOC 31120): https://jobs.lever.co/pansns/9456ff9e-da7b-4ce4-8bc6-3a712634bc64/apply
Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124): https://jobs.lever.co/pansns/c01128ae-b93d-43e7-ae86-1e8c0c46ef25/apply
These links will take you to complete a survey to express your interest in becoming a pharmacist or pharmacy technician in Nova Scotia. By doing so, you are applying for employment through a process facilitated by the Nova Scotia Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, and the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists. The information you provide will be shared with an employer in the sector.
If you are unable to access the survey, contact IEHP-IMM@novascotia.ca
If you receive a conditional job offer from a Nova Scotia healthcare employer, you may apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Only pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia in their Express Entry profile on August 28, 2024, are eligible to participate in the draw.
Your profile will continue to be included in the federal Express Entry pool. The Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot is a pathway for permanent residency under a non-Express Entry stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program. You will NOT receive 600 points in your Express Entry profile.
If you are a healthcare professional who is ineligible for this draw, we encourage you to review other programs or streams.
The requirements of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Skilled Worker stream are:
- Job offer from Nova Scotia employer
- Valid passport and legal status in country of residence
- Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada with an educational credential assessment
- English or French language abilities equivalent to CLB 5
- A reference letter showing one year of work experience in a role related to your job offer
- The intention to permanently settle and reside in Nova Scotia
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration program that helps employers recruit skilled foreign workers and international graduates to meet labour needs.
The requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program are:
- Job offer from an organization designated under the Atlantic Immigration Program
- Valid passport and legal status in country of residence
- Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada with an educational credential assessment
- Language test showing a minimum of CLB 5 in either official language
- A reference letter showing one year of work experience in a role related to the healthcare field
- The intention to permanently settle and reside in Nova Scotia
Please contact IEHP-IMM@novascotia.ca if you have any questions about the Nova Scotia Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot.
Within twelve (12) months of receiving your nominee certificate, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for your permanent resident visa. You, your spouse and your dependents must meet all requirements for medical, security and criminal admissibility. In some cases you may be asked to go for an interview. IRCC has the final authority to issue a permanent resident visa.
Additional information on provincial nominees can be found here.
The Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) has made this reporting tool available for people to confidentially and anonymously report fraud or suspicious activity related to Nova Scotia immigration programs via Clearview Connects (Clearview). Submit a fraud report here.
Contact our Employer Support Team.
Labour, Skills and Immigration
1505 Barrington Street, 4th floor
PO Box 697
Halifax, NS, Canada
B3J 3K5
902-424-5230
1 (877) 292-9597
immigration@novascotia.ca
MAILING ADDRESS
Immigration and Population Growth Branch
PO Box 697
Halifax, NS, Canada
B3J 2T8