The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration
program that allows the province of Nova Scotia to nominate individuals
who have the skills and experience needed to contribute to the
province’s economy. The NSNP offers several immigration pathways for
foreign nationals, targeting skilled workers, international graduates,
entrepreneurs, and those with experience in in-demand occupations.
Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, which can speed
up the process of obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
Key Categories of the NSNP:
1. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities:
This stream is connected to the federal Express Entry system and allows
the
province to select candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet the
specific labor market needs of Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia issues invitations to candidates in specific occupations
that
are in demand or meet labor shortages.
The occupations or criteria for selection are not pre-announced and can
vary
with each round of invitations. For example, in the past, invitations
have
targeted health professionals or French-speaking candidates.
A provincial nomination boosts a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking
System
(CRS) score by 600 points, making it much easier to receive an
Invitation to
Apply (ITA) for PR.
2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry:
This stream is also linked to the federal Express Entry system but
specifically targets individuals who have at least one year of skilled
work
experience in Nova Scotia.
Applicants must have work experience in a National Occupational
Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B occupation.
Applicants must meet the minimum language and educational requirements
of
the federal Express Entry system.
3. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (Closed):
This stream is currently paused but was once used to nominate candidates
with a high likelihood of securing employment in Nova Scotia. It
targeted
specific in-demand occupations and required an Express Entry profile.
4. Skilled Worker Stream:
This stream is for skilled workers who have received a full-time job
offer
from a Nova Scotia employer.
It is open to workers in high-skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled
occupations (NOC Skill Levels 0, A, B, C, or D), making it more flexible
compared to other provincial nominee programs.
Semi-skilled and low-skilled applicants must have already worked for
their
employer for at least six months before applying.
Applicants must meet minimum language requirements and possess the
education
and experience necessary for the job.
5. Occupation In-Demand Stream:
This stream targets workers in intermediate-skilled positions that are in
high demand in Nova Scotia.
The current in-demand occupations are typically in healthcare (e.g., nurses,
nurse aides, and orderlies) and transportation (e.g., truck drivers).
Applicants must have a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in
one of the in-demand occupations.
6. International Graduates in Demand Stream:
This stream is designed for recent international graduates who have
completed their education in Nova Scotia and have a full-time job offer from
a local employer.
The stream specifically focuses on in-demand sectors such as early childhood
education and healthcare, including occupations like early childhood
educators and assistants, and continuing care assistants.
Key Features and Benefits of the NSNP:
Faster Path to Permanent Residency: A provincial nomination from Nova Scotia
significantly speeds up the processing of PR applications, especially for
those applying through the Express Entry system.
Wide Range of Occupations: The NSNP is open to candidates from various skill
levels, including high-skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled workers, which
makes it more accessible.
Connection to Local Needs: Many streams, like the Occupation In-Demand and
Skilled Worker streams, are tied directly to the needs of local employers,
ensuring that immigrants can contribute meaningfully to the province’s
economy.
Opportunities for International Graduates: Nova Scotia offers dedicated
pathways for recent graduates of its post-secondary institutions, helping
them transition from school to work and ultimately to permanent residency.
Entrepreneurial Support: The NSNP provides pathways for businesspeople to
invest and establish themselves in Nova Scotia, helping to foster local
economic growth and job creation.
