Weekly Blogs - Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Nova Scotia, a picturesque province in the Maritimes region of Canada, is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty, rich cultural heritage, and high standard of living. Comprised of the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island, and over 3,000 smaller islands, this province boasts a vibrant capital city, Halifax. Halifax is a major cultural and artistic hub, offering a dynamic and inclusive environment for its residents. With a close connection to the sea, Nova Scotia's cuisine, particularly its seafood, is a highlight for locals and visitors alike.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
To support its economic and labor market needs, Nova Scotia launched the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) in 2003. This program, along with the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) introduced in 2017, has significantly boosted immigration to the province, which now welcomes over 7,000 new immigrants annually. The retention rate for these newcomers exceeds 70%, thanks to targeted efforts to match immigrants with job opportunities and facilitate the transition to permanent residency for international graduates and temporary workers.
Overview of NSNP Immigration Streams
The NSNP offers a variety of immigration streams designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to the province. These streams are categorized as either enhanced or base streams, depending on their alignment with the federal Express Entry system.
Enhanced Streams
The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream does not require a job offer and has no application fee. The processing time is at least three months. To qualify, applicants must have an Express Entry profile and be between 21 and 55 years old. They need at least one year of full-time paid work experience in Nova Scotia within the last three years, proper authorization during employment such as a work permit, a high school diploma or higher, language proficiency according to job requirements, and must intend to reside permanently in Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream also does not require a job offer or application fee and has a processing time of at least three months. Applicants must have an Express Entry profile and a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). They must meet relevant work experience requirements, have sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia, and meet draw-specific eligibility criteria.
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians stream requires a job offer but no application fee, with a processing time of at least three months. Applicants need an Express Entry profile, a Letter of Interest from NSOI, a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre, relevant work experience, a commitment to stay in the province for two years, and sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia.
Base Streams
For the Skilled Worker stream, a job offer is required but there is no application fee. The processing time is at least three months. Eligibility criteria include being aged 21-55, having a full-time permanent job offer, at least a high school education, relevant work experience, language proficiency, and sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia.
The Occupation In-Demand stream requires a job offer but no application fee and has a processing time of at least three months. This stream targets specific in-demand jobs such as nurse aides, transport truck drivers, and construction laborers. Applicants must be aged 21-55, have a full-time permanent job offer in a designated occupation, relevant work experience, at least a high school education, language proficiency (CLB 4), and sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia.
For the International Graduates In-Demand stream, a job offer is required with no application fee and a processing time of at least three months. This stream targets specific in-demand jobs like nurse aides and early childhood educators. Applicants must have a full-time permanent job offer in a designated occupation, be aged 21-55, have recently completed a relevant course of study in Nova Scotia, meet language proficiency (CLB 5), and have sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia.
The Entrepreneur stream does not require a job offer and has no application fee, with a processing time of at least three months. Applicants must be aged 21 or older, possess CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets, have relevant business ownership or management experience, make a minimum capital investment of CAD $150,000, meet language proficiency (CLB 5), have at least a high school education, have a Business Establishment Plan, and commit to residing in Nova Scotia.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream does not require a job offer and has no application fee, with a processing time of at least three months. Applicants must have a recent Nova Scotia post-secondary degree or diploma, have resided in Nova Scotia full-time during their studies, have owned and operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least one year, meet language proficiency (CLB 7), be aged 21 or older, have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit, actively manage the business, and receive compensation from the business.
Lastly, the Physician stream does not require a job offer or application fee and has a processing time of at least three months. Applicants must be general practitioners, family physicians, or specialist physicians with a signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre and must have the relevant education or training for licensure.
Conclusion
Nova Scotia's Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a variety of pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to immigrate to this beautiful maritime province. Each stream is designed to meet specific labor market needs and to ensure that newcomers can easily transition to permanent residency while contributing to the local economy.
Contact R&R Law LLP for Assistance
If you see yourself fitting into one of these programs or might consider moving to NS, R&R Law LLP firm can help in making Nova Scotia your new home. Please contact us to schedule a consultation call with one of our lawyers. Also, To stay updated on the latest Canadian immigration news, we recommend following our LinkedIn page.
Regards,
Rema and Rebecca
