The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is an immigration pathway that allows skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants to gain permanent residency in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. This program aims to address Nova Scotia’s economic and labour market needs by attracting newcomers who can contribute to the growth and success of local communities.
What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence based on local economic needs.
The NSNP is managed by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). Through this program, prospective immigrants with skills and experience targeted by Nova Scotia may receive a Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate.
Overview of the NSNP
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program was launched in 2003 to help Nova Scotia address economic and labour market needs through increased immigration to the province. The NSNP allows Nova Scotia to select and nominate eligible skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and experienced business managers.
Nominees receive expedited processing times compared to other federal immigration streams. The NSNP nomination also provides access to a range of settlement services to help newcomers integrate successfully into local Nova Scotian communities.
Purpose of the NSNP
The purpose of the NSNP is to accelerate the selection of immigrants who are most likely to become economically established in Nova Scotia. It aims to attract newcomers who mesh with the province’s labour market needs.
The NSNP serves as a pathway to permanent residence for applicants with skills and experience that will enable them to contribute to Nova Scotia’s economic growth. It hopes to boost Nova Scotia’s economy through increased immigration levels.
History and Growth of Immigration to Nova Scotia through NSNP
Since the launch of the NSNP in 2003, immigration to Nova Scotia has tripled:
| Year | Immigration Level |
| Early 2000s pre-NSNP | ~2,000 |
| 2021 | ~7,000 |
The introduction of the NSNP, along with the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in 2017, has been a key driver of Nova Scotia’s population growth in recent years.
Nova Scotia also boasts a high immigrant retention rate of over 70%. The NSNP and Atlantic Immigration Pilot have strengthened the province’s ability to match newcomers with employment opportunities. These programs have also made it easier for international students and temporary foreign workers to transition to permanent residence in Nova Scotia.
What are the Different Streams in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?
The NSNP is made up of both enhanced streams and base streams.
Enhanced streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Express Entry manages applications for Canada’s main economic immigration programs.
Base streams are not connected to Express Entry. Applicants nominated through base streams apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
Enhanced Streams
There are currently three enhanced streams in the NSNP connected to Express Entry:
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
This stream targets highly skilled workers with at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have a profile in the federal Express Entry pool to apply.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
This stream selects Express Entry candidates who meet Nova Scotia’s labour market needs. Applicants must have a valid Express Entry profile.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
This stream is for physicians with a job offer from a Nova Scotia health authority. Applicants must have an approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre and an Express Entry profile.
Base Streams
There are several base streams that applicants can apply for directly through the NSOI:
Skilled Worker Stream
This program helps Nova Scotia employers recruit foreign workers and international graduates whose skills are in limited supply in Nova Scotia.
Occupation In-Demand Stream
This stream targets specific occupations in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia such as truck drivers, nurse aides, and hospitality workers.
International Graduates In-Demand Stream
This stream allows international graduates who studied in Nova Scotia to apply for permanent residence if they have a full-time job offer in select in-demand occupations.
Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for experienced business owners or senior managers who want to start or purchase an existing business and settle in Nova Scotia.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream targets graduates of Nova Scotia institutions who have already started or purchased a business in the province. Applicants must have owned and operated the business for at least one year.
Physician Stream
This stream allows general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to immigrate to Nova Scotia if they have a signed job offer with a Nova Scotia health authority.
How Does the Nova Scotia Nominee Program Work?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program includes a few key steps for most streams, including an Expression of Interest system, possible invitation to apply, application, and nomination.
Expression of Interest System
Some NSNP streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates submit an EOI indicating their interest in applying for Nova Scotia immigration.
EOIs are ranked, and the top-scoring candidates are invited to apply through an Invitation to Apply. EOIs can remain in the pool for up to one year.
Points Assessment
For EOI streams, candidates are assessed based on a points grid that awards points for language, education, work experience, age, Nova Scotia connections, etc.
Higher-ranking candidates are more likely to be invited to apply. Minimum score requirements may apply for candidates to be eligible to submit an EOI.
Invitation to Apply
The highest-scoring EOI candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
Candidates then have 90 days to submit a complete NSNP application to Nova Scotia under the stream for which they received an ITA.
Application Process
Once candidates obtain an ITA or confirm their eligibility for a base stream, they can prepare and submit their NSNP application.
Required documents include:
- Proof of identity and civil status
- Educational credentials and language test results
- Work experience letters and licenses/certifications
- Evidence of settlement supports and funds
- Business establishment plan (for entrepreneur/investor streams)
Nomination and Permanent Residence
If approved, candidates receive a Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate. This guarantees processing as a permanent resident if candidates apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada within 6 months.
Base stream candidates apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence after nomination. Express Entry stream nominees already have an IRCC profile, so they apply through Express Entry.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the NSNP?
The eligibility criteria for Nova Scotia immigration depend on the stream. However, some baseline requirements apply:
Requirements for Enhanced Streams
Common requirements for the enhanced Express Entry streams include:
- Valid Express Entry profile
- Meet Express Entry work experience and education criteria
- Receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia (if applicable)
- Demonstrate intent and ability to settle in Nova Scotia
- Have proof of funds for immigration costs
- Meet draw-specific or stream-specific criteria
Requirements for Base Streams
Base stream requirements relate to:
- Age (typically between 21-55 years old)
- Education (high school diploma or higher)
- Work experience (1+ years related to NOC code occupation)
- Language ability (Canadian Language Benchmark 4, 5, or 7, dependant on stream)
- Job offer from Nova Scotia employer (if applicable)
- Intent and ability to settle in Nova Scotia
- Funds for immigration costs
Minimum Requirements for Applicants
While requirements vary across streams, the following are common NSNP applicant criteria:
- Meet age criteria (age 21-55 for most streams)
- Achieve the minimum required education (high school or post-secondary)
- Demonstrate English or French language ability through standardized testing
- Prove work experience related to the program stream
- Show intent and ability to settle permanently in Nova Scotia
- Have status and authorization to work/live in the current country of residence
- Pass criminal record and health checks
Requirements for Employers
For streams requiring a Nova Scotia job offer, employers must also meet requirements such as:
- Be permanently established in Nova Scotia
- Have operated in Nova Scotia for 2+ years under current management
- Provide a full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible occupation
- Demonstrate recruitment efforts to hire Canadians/PRs
- Offer market wage rates and provincial employment standards
- Be in good standing with provincial and federal regulations
How Do I Apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?
These are the key steps to apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program:
Determine Program Eligibility
Review the criteria for the different Nova Scotia immigration streams and identify which pathway aligns with your profile. Ensure you meet all the requirements before proceeding.
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all the necessary paperwork to submit a complete application, including passport, education credentials, proof of funds, etc.
Submit an Expression of Interest (If Applicable)
Some Nova Scotia streams require an EOI to enter the pool. Submit an EOI through Nova Scotia’s online portal.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (If Applicable)
If you submit an EOI, top-ranking candidates will receive an ITA from Nova Scotia to apply. You’ll have 90 days to submit your full app.
Submit a Complete NSNP Application
Once you receive an ITA or determine you’re eligible for a base stream, prepare and submit a complete NSNP application through Nova Scotia’s online portal.
Attend Interviews (If Required)
Some streams require an in-person interview in Nova Scotia. You’ll be informed if you must attend an interview.
Receive Nomination
If approved, you’ll receive a Nova Scotia Nomination Certificate by email. This confirms your nomination for PR.
Apply for Permanent Residence
Finally, the applicant must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence within 6 months of nomination.
What Are the Application Fees for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?
There are currently no Nova Scotia Nominee Program application fees when applying directly through Nova Scotia streams.
However, there are standard Government of Canada fees that apply when applying for permanent residence to IRCC after nomination:
| Applicant | Current Fee | New Fee as of April 30, 2024 |
| Principal Applicant | $850 | $950 |
| Spouse or Common-Law Partner | $850 | $950 |
| Dependent Child | $230 | $260 |
The IRCC fees depend on:
- Number of family members
- Where the application is processed
- Type of permanent residence pathway
How Long Does It Take to Process NSNP Applications?
Current application processing times for most Nova Scotia Nominee Program streams range from 3 to 9 months or more. However, this is not a guarantee, as processing times can fluctuate.
Factors affecting processing times include:
- Application volumes and backlogs
- Stream-specific processing targets
- Application completeness
- Background checks and interview scheduling
- Quality of supporting documents
Once applicants submit a complete application, they should anticipate a processing time of 3 to 12 months for most NSNP streams.
What Are the Requirements to Settle in Nova Scotia After Getting Nominated?
To successfully settle in Nova Scotia after obtaining an NSNP nomination, applicants should:
Apply for Permanent Residence
Nominated applicants must submit a complete application for Canadian permanent residence within 6 months.
Undergo Medical Examinations
Depending on their age, applicants typically must complete medical exams, including a physical exam, bloodwork, chest x-rays, and more.
Obtain Police Certificates
Applicants normally require police certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months in the last 10 years (over age 18).
Prove Settlement Funds
Applicants must show adequate savings and assets to cover the initial costs of settling in Nova Scotia.
Enter Canada as a Permanent Resident
Once approved, applicants can enter Canada once they receive their Confirmation of Permanency document.
Comply with NSNP Obligations
Applicants must continue complying with any obligations under their specific NSNP stream after arrival, such as living in Nova Scotia or managing a business.
What Services Are Available to Help Newcomers Settle in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia provides a suite of settlement services to help newcomers integrate into local communities:
- Language Training: Free English and French courses are available through providers like ISANS.
- Employment Assistance: Programs like the YREACH also help skilled workers find jobs.
- Community Services: Organizations like the YMCA aid with housing, healthcare, transportation and more.
- Newcomer Navigation: Settlement workers help with paperwork, applications, translations, and access to support programs.
- Welcoming Communities: Many municipalities provide community orientation services and social activities.
- Business Services: Providers like WorkGlobal Atlantic mentor immigrant entrepreneurs in establishing businesses.
The NSNP website also lists information on settlement services available across the province to help newcomers settle in Nova Scotia.
What Are the Benefits of Immigrating to Nova Scotia Through the NSNP?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program provides several key benefits for newcomers:
- Faster Visa Processing: Nominees gain expedited visa processing compared to other immigration streams.
- Provincial Endorsement: The NSNP nomination provides a strong endorsement when applying for permanent residence.
- Settlement Assistance: Nominated immigrants access support services from government-funded agencies.
- Demand-Driven Selection: The NSNP selects applicants based on Nova Scotia’s economic needs.
- Labour Market Alignment: The program matches newcomers’ skills and education with Nova Scotia’s labour shortages in specific occupations.
- Business Immigration Pathways: The NSNP provides specific streams for experienced entrepreneurs or graduates who have already established businesses in Nova Scotia.
- Retention Incentives: Nominees are incentivized to remain in Nova Scotia long-term given the province’s targeted selection, settlement services, and labor market alignment.
Summary
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program enables the province to nominate qualified skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants for expedited Canadian permanent residence.
With both enhanced Express Entry streams and direct base streams, the NSNP aims to select newcomers who can integrate into Nova Scotia’s labour market and boost economic growth in local communities.
Canada offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces that provide pathways to permanent residence based on local economic needs. Some of these other PNPs include:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
FAQs related to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
How does the Nova Scotia PNP application process work?
The NSNP application process involves submitting an Expression of Interest, being invited to apply, submitting a complete application, undergoing interviews if needed, receiving nomination, and applying for permanent residence.
What are the language requirements for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?
Language requirements range from CLB 4-7 depending on the NSNP stream. Some streams need CLB 5 or 7 even if English or French is your first language.
How long does it take to get Nova Scotia PNP nomination?
Processing times range from 3-12 months typically. Timelines vary by stream and application volumes. Express Entry aligned streams can be faster.
Can I still apply for Nova Scotia PNP without a job offer?
Yes, many streams like Express Entry, Occupations in Demand, International Graduate do not require a job offer if you meet other criteria.
What are the Nova Scotia PNP points factors and scoring?
Points factors include language, education, work experience, age, connections to Nova Scotia, funds, and more. Scores range up to 150 depending on stream.
What services help newcomers settle in Nova Scotia?
Settlement services include language training, job search help, community services, business mentoring and more provided by organizations across the province.
Article Sources
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – canadavisa.com
- Eligibility Requirements for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – canadavisa.com
- How to apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – arrivein.com
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – elaarimmigration.com
- About the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – immigtoronto.com