Immigrating to Nova Scotia is your gateway to a high-quality life, abundant career opportunities, and a welcoming community in the heart of Canada.
Nova Scotia, located on Canada’s scenic Atlantic coast, offers a welcoming environment and promising immigration pathways through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), part of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The NSNP allows the province to nominate skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals to support its economic needs and population growth by granting them permanent residency.
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Immigration to Nova Scotia Province Pathways
✔️ Main Way
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
A provincial nomination program for skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and physicians who meet the province’s labor market needs.
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
For skilled workers with an active Express Entry profile and work experience in occupations in demand by Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
For international graduates and skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
A federal-provincial program to help employers hire skilled workers and international graduates for jobs in Nova Scotia.
Study Permit
International students can study at Nova Scotia’s recognized institutions and become eligible for work permits and permanent residency.
Work Permit
Temporary foreign workers with a valid job offer can work in Nova Scotia and apply for permanent residency through provincial or federal pathways.
📢 Update October 2025: Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Increase Effective
Beginning October 1, 2025, Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase from CAD 15.70 to CAD 16.50 per hour. The rise is designed to support workers in managing living expenses amid economic changes.
So, what exactly is the NSNP?
The NSNP empowers Nova Scotia to nominate eligible individuals for Canadian permanent residence. It focuses on various applicant groups, including skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs committed to building their future in the province.
Created to fuel economic growth and address unique demographic challenges, the program features 10 distinct immigration streams, each tailored to different applicant profiles, from high-demand workers to business investors.
- Purpose:
The NSNP allows Nova Scotia to select skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the province’s labor market and economy. It helps the province meet population growth targets and address specific labor shortages. - Main streams:
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Skilled Worker
- Occupations in Demand
- International Graduates in Demand
- Entrepreneur
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
NSNP Immigration Streams
| Skilled Worker | Workers with valid job offers and relevant experience |
|---|---|
| Occupations in Demand | Jobs urgently needed in the province, such as nurse aides and truck drivers |
| Critical Construction Worker Pilot | Workers in essential construction roles |
| International Graduates in Demand | Recent graduates with job-ready skills in health and education sectors |
| Physician | Doctors with job offers from public health authorities |
| Labour Market Priorities for Physicians | Medical specialists with job offers in NSHA or IWK |
| Labour Market Priorities | Express Entry candidates matching Nova Scotia's labor market needs |
| Experience: Express Entry | Skilled workers with at least 1 year of Nova Scotia work experience |
| Entrepreneur | Experienced business owners ready to invest and manage a business |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | Graduates of Nova Scotia schools who have started a business |
Why Choose NSNP to Move to Canada?
- Faster processing times than federal programs, especially for Express Entry-linked streams.
- Lower CRS scores may be accepted, increasing chances for permanent residency.
- High quality of life in a scenic, peaceful province with affordable living costs.
- Access to jobs in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, construction, and education.
- Family-friendly: Most streams allow applications with spouse and children.
- Strong provincial support: language classes, job search help, and settlement programs.
Detailed Overview of NSNP Streams and Their Requirements
› Skilled Worker Stream
- Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience
- Age between 21 and 55
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 jobs, CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 jobs
- Proof of financial resources to settle
› Occupations in Demand Stream
- Job offer in a specific high-demand occupation (e.g., nurse aide, truck driver)
- Minimum 1 year work experience in the field
- Age 21-55
- High school diploma
- CLB 4 in English or French
- Financial proof
› Critical Construction Worker Pilot
- Permanent job offer in construction (e.g., electrician, carpenter)
- 1+ year of experience in the field
- High school diploma or relevant training
- Age 21-55
- Language CLB 5 (TEER 0–3) or CLB 4 (TEER 4–5)
- Proof of funds
› International Graduates in Demand
- Graduate of a Nova Scotia institution in high-demand healthcare/education fields
- Full-time, permanent job offer
- Age 19-55
- Minimum length of program completion and relevant credentials
- Language CLB 5
- Financial proof
› Physician Stream
- Job offer from NSHA or IWK Health Centre
- Approved medical license
- No language test or proof of funds required if employed by NSHA/IWK
› Labor Market Priorities for Physicians
- Job offer from NSHA or IWK
- Letter of Interest from NSNP
- Two-year service agreement in Nova Scotia
- Meet Express Entry requirements
› Labor Market Priorities Stream
- Letter of Interest from NSNP
- Meet federal Express Entry criteria
- Proof of funds and legal status
› Experience: Express Entry Stream
- Minimum 1 year work experience in Nova Scotia (TEER 0–3 jobs)
- Language CLB 7 (TEER 0-1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2-3)
- Active Express Entry profile
› Entrepreneur Stream
- Age 21+
- Net worth of $600,000 CAD (or $400,000 outside Halifax)
- Investment of $150,000 CAD (or $100,000 outside Halifax)
- 3+ years owning a business or 5+ years senior management experience
- CLB 5 in English or French
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
› International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Graduate of a Nova Scotia post-secondary school (minimum 2 years full-time)
- Own and manage a business for at least 1 year
- Valid post-graduation work permit
- CLB 7 in English or French
- Submit EOI and get ITA
› Additional Federal and Supplementary Pathways
- Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (Currently Inactive)
This stream once facilitated faster immigration for skilled workers but has been discontinued in favor of more flexible streams. - Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
A federal program in partnership with Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia, designed for skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates with a job offer from a designated employer. It features simplified processing and lower eligibility requirements.
NSNP Requirements
General and Common Requirements for All NSNP Streams:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Usually between 21 and 55 (varies by stream) |
| Job Offer | Full-time, permanent job offer from a recognized Nova Scotia employer |
| Education | Minimum Canadian high school diploma or equivalent |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum CLB 4 or higher depending on job and stream |
| Work Experience | Typically at least 1 year of relevant experience |
| Financial Proof | Sufficient funds to support settlement in Nova Scotia |
| Legal Status | Legal status in country of residence required |
| Express Entry Profile | Required for Express Entry-linked streams |
Specific Conditions for Each NSNP Immigration Stream:
| Stream Name | Specific Conditions |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Stream | Permanent job offer in Nova Scotia + minimum CLB 5 for TEER 0-3 jobs and CLB 4 for TEER 4-5 jobs |
| Occupations in Demand | Job must be on a specific list, such as nursing assistant, driver, cleaner, heavy equipment operator, construction laborer + CLB 4 |
| Critical Construction Worker Pilot | Job in the construction industry (NAICS 23), e.g., carpenter, welder, electrician + CLB 4 or 5 depending on TEER |
| International Graduates in Demand | Graduate in a high-demand field (health, education) from a provincial institution + required minimum length of study |
| Physician Stream | Official job offer from NSHA or IWK + approved medical license + no language or financial proof required |
| Labour Market Priorities for Physicians | Physician with job offer from NSHA or IWK + Letter of Interest + two-year service commitment |
| Labour Market Priorities Stream | Letter of Interest from the province + work experience and language according to federal Express Entry standards |
| Experience: Express Entry | Minimum 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia in TEER 0-3 + CLB 5 or 7 |
| Entrepreneur Stream | Minimum net worth of CAD 600,000 (or 400,000 outside Halifax) + minimum investment of CAD 150,000 + CLB 5 |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | Minimum 2 years of study in the province + business start-up and management for at least 1 year + CLB 7 |
Steps After Receiving Nomination
After receiving a nomination through the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), you need to follow these steps to obtain permanent residency in Canada:
- Submit Your Permanent Residency Application:
After receiving the provincial nomination, you submit your application to the federal government. - Application Review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
Your documents and eligibility are assessed. If approved, your permanent resident visa will be issued. - Prepare for Arrival in Canada:
Once you receive your permanent residency, you can plan your move to live and work in Nova Scotia. - Settlement and Access to Support Services:
The government and local organizations in Nova Scotia provide various support services and resources for newcomers.
These steps pave the final path to starting your new life in Canada, opening opportunities for success and growth.
Final Thoughts
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a variety of immigration pathways tailored to meet the province’s economic needs and welcoming spirit. Whether you are a skilled worker, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or recent graduate, NSNP provides flexible options for you and your family to build a future in one of Canada’s most beautiful and livable provinces.
Ready to explore your eligibility? Contact us today for an assessment and take the first step toward your Canadian dream through Nova Scotia!
FAQs
If you are nominated through the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), you will receive an additional 600 points in the federal Express Entry system. This significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
In most NSNP streams, having a valid job offer is mandatory. However, some Express Entry-linked or entrepreneur streams may not require a job offer if other criteria are met and you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmark; it is a standardized scale used to measure English or French language proficiency of applicants. Each immigration pathway requires a minimum CLB level that must be met.
You must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Nova Scotia. The required amount varies depending on family size and must be available as unencumbered, liquid funds (not loans or blocked accounts).
HRM stands for Halifax Regional Municipality. For entrepreneur streams, applicants investing outside HRM face lower financial requirements. This advantage makes it easier and more affordable to start a business in smaller towns within Nova Scotia.
