Nova Scotia Nominee
Program
Nova Scotia Nominee Program
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the Provincial Nominee Program of Nova Scotia, designed to attract skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and community development. Through multiple immigration pathways, Nova Scotia enables eligible applicants to obtain Canadian Permanent Residence, either directly or in alignment with the federal Express Entry system.
The province strategically selects candidates based on their skills, work experience, education, and ability to meet labor market demands. Applicants who satisfy the eligibility requirements of any of Nova Scotia’s immigration streams may receive a provincial nomination. Current target processing times for most NSNP applications are approximately three months, although timelines may vary by stream.
Immigration Streams under Nova Scotia PNP
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program currently operates eight immigration pathways:
- •Express Entry - Nova Scotia Experience
- •Express Entry - Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- •Express Entry - Nova Scotia Physicians Labour Market Priorities
- •Skilled Worker
- •Physician
- •Entrepreneur
- •Occupations in Demand
- •Overseas Graduate Entrepreneur
Each stream is tailored to address specific workforce and economic needs within the province.
Express Entry - Nova Scotia Experience
This stream is aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system and targets highly skilled workers who already possess work experience in Nova Scotia.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia in an occupation classified under NOC 0, A, or B. Candidates must be between 21 and 55 years of age and possess a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential. Language proficiency requirements include a minimum of CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A occupations and CLB 5 for NOC B roles. An active Express Entry profile is mandatory.
Express Entry - Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
This stream allows Nova Scotia to select candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet specific labour market requirements identified by the province. Targeted occupations are announced periodically, with Early Childhood Educators being among the initial focus occupations.
Applicant Requirements
Candidates must receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia through the Express Entry system and meet the eligibility criteria of the federal Express Entry program for which they qualify. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, maintain legal status in their current country of residence, and meet all program requirements applicable at the time the Letter of Interest is issued.
Nova Scotia Physicians Labour Market Priorities - Express Entry
This pathway is designed to attract qualified physicians from the federal Express Entry pool to address healthcare shortages in the province. It specifically targets specialist physicians and family physicians.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have a valid job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre as a specialist physician or family physician. Candidates must commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for a minimum of two years and submit their application within 30 days of receiving a Letter of Interest. Proof of settlement funds, legal residency status, and compliance with Express Entry eligibility requirements are also required.
Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker stream is employer-driven and supports Nova Scotia employers who are unable to fill positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It is open to skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled workers.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. Skilled workers require at least one year of relevant work experience, while semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must have at least six months of experience with the employer offering the job. Candidates must be between 21 and 55 years old, possess at least a high school education, meet language proficiency requirements, and demonstrate sufficient funds to settle in the province.
Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand Stream
This stream focuses on intermediate-skilled occupations that are in high demand within Nova Scotia. Initially introduced to address shortages in specific sectors, the targeted occupations may change based on labor market needs and typically fall under NOC C categories.
Key Requirements
Applicants must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a designated occupation. At least one year of relevant work experience is required, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates must demonstrate appropriate skills or certifications, meet CLB 4 language proficiency requirements, and provide proof of settlement funds.
Nova Scotia Physician Stream
The Physician stream supports Nova Scotia’s public healthcare system by facilitating the recruitment and retention of specialist physicians, family physicians, and general practitioners when local hiring is not feasible.
Eligibility Overview
Applicants must legally reside in their current country and provide proof of legal status if in Canada or abroad. Those without legal status cannot apply until it is restored.
A valid job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre is required. This offer must be on official letterhead, signed by both parties, and confirm eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. Education and medical training must meet provincial licensing standards, and language proficiency is confirmed through the job offer, ensuring communication in one of Canada’s official languages.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
The Entrepreneur stream is intended for experienced business owners or senior managers who wish to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia and actively manage its operations. Successful applicants are initially granted a temporary work permit and may apply for permanent residence after operating the business for at least one year.
Application Process
The program follows an Expression of Interest system, through which selected candidates receive an invitation to apply. Applicants must attend an in-person interview, sign a performance agreement, and successfully operate their business before becoming eligible for nomination.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must be at least 21 years old, demonstrate an intention to permanently reside in Nova Scotia, possess a minimum net worth of $600,000, and invest at least $150,000 in a local business. Applicants must also meet business ownership or senior management experience requirements and achieve at least CLB 5 in English or French.
Nova Scotia Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This category is designed for recent graduates of Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who have started or purchased a business in the province and operated it for at least one year on a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must intend to permanently settle in Nova Scotia, hold 100% ownership of the business, and demonstrate active management experience. They must have completed at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a recognized Nova Scotia institution and meet a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7.
Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand Overview
Nova Scotia’s in-demand occupation list highlights key roles within sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, administration, and social services. These occupations play a critical role in supporting the province’s economic and social development and are updated regularly to reflect workforce needs.
Skilled professionals who meet NSNP eligibility criteria and work in these occupations have strong opportunities to secure provincial nomination and contribute meaningfully to Nova Scotia’s future growth.
