Immigrate to Nova Scotia

Immigrate to Nova Scotia : Complete Guide to Nova Scotia PNP Streams & Eligibility

Nova Scotia offers multiple immigration pathways through its PNP, targeting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, graduates, and medical professionals. Here for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) streams and eligibility criteria:

Eligibility for Each Immigration Stream in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia immigration program includes several streams, each with its own requirements. To be eligible to immigrate to Nova Scotia, you generally must:

1. Skilled Worker Stream

Who it’s for: Foreign workers with a full-time, permanent job offer in any occupation.

Permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
At least 1 year of related work experience (some TEER 4–5 roles require only 6 months)
Meet minimum education (high school) and language (CLB 4–5) benchmarks

2. Nova Scotia Experience – Express Entry

Who it’s for: Skilled workers currently residing in Nova Scotia in NOC 0, A, or B roles for 12+ months.

At least 12 months continuous NS-based work
High school diploma or higher
Meet one of the federal programs: FSW, FST, or CEC.
CLB 5 in English or French
Active Express Entry profile

3. Nova Scotia Demand – Express Entry

Who it’s for: Express Entry candidates with in-demand skills or job offers in NS.

Active Express Entry profile
Job offer or work experience in specified in-demand occupations
CLB 7 in language benchmarks
High school and ECA

4. Physician Stream

Who it’s for : General practitioners, family physicians, and specialists with job offers from NSHA or IWK.

Approved job offer on NSHA/IWK letterhead.
Eligible for licensure and hospital privileges
No Express Entry required

5. Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

Who it’s for: Express Entry physicians with Nova Scotia based job offers and a Return-of-Service agreement.

Approved NSHA/IWK job offer.
Signed 2‑year Return-of-Service agreement.
Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Active Express Entry profile and work experience.

6. International Graduate in Demand Stream

Who it’s for : Recent NS graduates with job offers in specific roles: paramedical, pharmacy techs, nurse aides, early childhood educators.

NS job offer in listed NOC codes.
Aged 19–55
High school diploma or higher.
CLB 5 in language benchmarks.
Graduation from a NS DLI within 3 years.

7. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Who it’s for: Experienced business owners or managers aiming to start or buy a business in NS.

Aged 21+.
NS degree/diploma (≥2 years full-time).
Valid PGWP (post-graduation work permit).
CLB 7 in language benchmarks.

8. Entrepreneur Stream

Who it’s for : Experienced business owners or managers aiming to start or buy a business in NS.

Aged 21+.
NS net worth ≥ $600K (or $400K outside Halifax).
Personal investment ≥ $150K (or $100K outside Halifax).
CLB 5 in language benchmarks.
3 years business ownership (≥33% stake) or 5 years senior management.

9. Occupations In Demand Stream

Who it’s for: Workers with certain in-demand middle/low-skilled job offers (e.g., nurse aides, truck drivers, construction helpers).

Full-time job offer in designated in-demand NOCs.
1 year related experience.
Aged 21–55.
High school diploma.
CLB 4–5 in language benchmarks.

10. Critical Construction Worker Pilot

Who it’s for : Construction workers with job offers in eligible NOC 7XX1 categories.

Full-time permanent job offer in Nova Scotia.
Aged 21–55.
High school diploma or industry training

11. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Who it’s for: Nova Scotia also participates in the AIP, a federal-provincial initiative.

Job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
Work experience or IRCC-approved credentials.
CLB 4–5 depending on NOC.
Settlement plan and endorsement.

Once you submit your immigration application to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Population Growth, a step-by-step review and processing timeline begins:

Application Review by Nova Scotia Immigration :
Your application is first reviewed for completeness and eligibility. If your submission is missing any mandatory documents or fails to meet the stream’s requirements, it may be returned or refused. If everything is in order, your file moves to the assessment stage.
Assessment and Decision : Immigration officers assess your qualifications, job offer (if applicable), experience, education, and other criteria under your selected stream. They may request additional documents or clarification during this stage. A decision will then be made: either Approved (nominated) or Refused (with explanation)
Receive Nomination Certificate (NSNP Applicants) : If approved, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, valid for 6 months. This certificate allows you to apply to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for permanent residence. You may also receive a Letter of Support to apply for a work permit if you’re not yet in Canada.
Apply for Permanent Residence (IRCC) : With your nomination or AIP endorsement, you must now apply to IRCC for permanent residency (PR). You’ll submit your complete PR application via the appropriate portal: Express Entry (for Express-aligned NSNP streams), Non-Express Entry (paper-based or online for other streams), PR Portal (for AIP)
IRCC Processing and Medical/Police Checks : IRCC will perform background checks, including medical exams, police clearances, and security screenings.
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) : If approved, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable). You and your accompanying family members can now land in Canada and begin your new life in Nova Scotia.
Settle in Nova Scotia : Upon arrival, you’re expected to live and work in Nova Scotia, in the occupation and region specified (if any). Newcomer support services are available to help you integrate into the local community, find housing, enroll in schools, and access healthcare.

Required Documents for Nova Scotia Immigration

Below is a general checklist of documents you’ll need when applying to any of the Nova Scotia immigration streams (Skilled Worker, Express Entry, Graduate, Entrepreneur, or Atlantic Immigration):

Identity & Civil Documents (For all streams) : Valid passport (bio-data page) for you and accompanying family members
birth certificates, Marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce/separation or death certificates (if applicable), children’s documents (birth / adoption certificates, custody papers if needed)
Language proficiency test Results : All streams (except physicians with proof of education in English or French) require like
IELTS (General) / CELPIP (General) (English), TEF / TCF Canada (French), Must meet required CLB score per stream
Education Documents : Diplomas, degrees, certificates from secondary and post-secondary institutions, transcripts, educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials (required for Express Entry streams)
Work Experience Documents : Reference letters from employers, detailing : Job title, duties, duration, hours worked, and salary, pay stubs, employment contracts, or T4/NOA forms (for Canadian work experience), work permits (if currently working in Canada)
Job Offer Letter (for employer-driven streams) : A formal, full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
Must include: an employer contact details, position title and NOC, job duties, wage and hours, terms of employment
Proof of Legal Status in Canada (if applying from inside Canada) : Study or work permits, visa stamps, or refugee, documentation, copy of latest entry stamp or Port of Entry letter
Relevant document for Skilled Worker Stream : Applicants under the Skilled Worker Stream must submit a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia. Supporting documents must prove at least one year of relevant work experience (or six months for low-skilled roles), along with recent language test results that meet the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level. The job offer should clearly outline duties, salary, and conditions of employment.
Relevant document for Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: This stream requires proof that the applicant has completed at least one full year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. An active Express Entry profile is mandatory, and applicants must include their Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker validation code. Language proficiency results and education credentials (with ECA if educated outside Canada) are also essential.
Relevant document for Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry : Applicants must submit documentation that aligns with in-demand occupations in Nova Scotia, along with an active Express Entry profile. If the applicant has a valid job offer, it should be included with full employer details. Additional documents should demonstrate the individual’s education (with ECA if needed), relevant work experience, and language ability at the required CLB level for Express Entry programs.
Relevant document for Physician Stream : For this stream, physicians must provide a signed job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the IWK Health Centre. Additionally, applicants need a letter from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia confirming eligibility for provincial medical licensure. A Return-of-Service Agreement, which outlines a commitment to work in the province for a set duration, must also be submitted.
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians : Applicants under this stream must have an active Express Entry profile and submit a job offer from NSHA or IWK. A signed Return-of-Service Agreement is mandatory, showing their commitment to remain employed in Nova Scotia for a minimum period. As this is an Express Entry-linked stream, applicants must also provide proof of meeting federal economic immigration criteria
Relevant document for International Graduates in Demand : Graduates applying under this stream must include proof of recent graduation (within three years) from a recognized post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia. The diploma or certificate must align with in-demand occupations such as early childhood education or healthcare support. A full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible role and valid language test results are also required.
Relevant document for International Graduate Entrepreneur : Applicants need to prove they completed at least two years of full-time study at a Nova Scotia designated learning institution (DLI) and hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). They must provide evidence of owning and actively managing a business in Nova Scotia for at least one year. Documents such as business registration, tax returns, and proof of day-to-day involvement in the business are ess
Relevant document for Entrepreneur Stream : Entrepreneurs must demonstrate a personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD (or $400,000 if operating outside Halifax), verified by a third-party financial services firm. They must also submit a detailed business plan that outlines their proposed investment and operational plans. Supporting documents should highlight their business ownership or senior management experience, and planned investment of at least $150,000 (or $100,000 outside Halifax).
Relevant document for Critical Construction Worker Pilot : Applicants to this pilot stream must present a full-time, permanent job offer in one of the specified in-demand construction occupations. While formal education isn’t mandatory, proof of relevant work experience and any trade certifications should be included. The application must also include documents that confirm the employer’s legitimacy and the applicant’s intention to settle in Nova Scotia.
Relevant document for Occupations in Demand Stream : Applicants under this stream must show they have a job offer in a designated NOC (such as nurse aides, long-haul truck drivers, or construction workers). Supporting documents include evidence of at least one year of related work experience, high school graduation, and meeting the required language level. The job offer should outline job responsibilities, wage, and full-time status.
Relevant document for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) : For the AIP, applicants must be endorsed by the province of Nova Scotia through a designated Atlantic employer. Required documents include the endorsement certificate, signed job offer, and a personalized settlement plan. If applying under the international graduate stream, proof of graduation from an Atlantic institution is needed; for skilled workers, work experience records must be submitted. Language test results (CLB 4+) and proof of educational credentials are also essential

Why Choose Nova Scotia?

High Quality of Life : Nova Scotia is known for its safe communities, clean environment, and friendly people. From scenic coastlines to charming towns and modern cities like Halifax, the province provides a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle for families and individuals alike.
Strong Job Market : The province is experiencing ongoing demand in sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, education, transportation, and hospitality. With several immigration streams targeting key occupations, qualified candidates often find jobs quickly, especially when sponsored by Nova Scotia employers.
Opportunities for Students & Graduates : Nova Scotia is home to top-ranked institutions like Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University. International students benefit from a supportive academic environment, post-graduate work permits, and clear pathways to permanent residence through streams like the International Graduates in Demand and Graduate Entrepreneur programs.
Focus on Healthcare & Essential Skills : Nova Scotia has dedicated streams for physicians, nurse aides, and essential workers, offering fast-track immigration and provincial support. If you’re a qualified healthcare or frontline worker, the province actively welcomes your skills.
Multiple Immigration Pathways : The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) includes streams for skilled workers, Express Entry candidates, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and more. With a variety of immigration routes and pilot programs, the province supports newcomers at every stage of their journey.
Culturally Diverse & Inclusive : Nova Scotia embraces newcomers through its multicultural policies, immigrant settlement services, and community programs. You’ll find cultural festivals, community centers, language classes, and support networks that make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Stable Economy & Growing Sectors : Nova Scotia boasts a resilient economy, supported by natural resources, global trade, tourism, and innovation hubs. The province’s focus on sustainable development and digital growth creates long-term opportunities for skilled professionals and business owners.
Direct Path to Permanent Residency : Most immigration streams under the NSNP and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) lead to permanent residence, giving newcomers full access to healthcare, education, and employment rights in Canada.

Frequently Asking Questions

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