Nova Scotia Nominee Program Visa (NSNP)

Overview

Nova Scotia, known for its welcoming communities and scenic coastlines, invites professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to settle through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). The program provides an expedited route to Canadian permanent residency for candidates who meet provincial priorities.

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

Using Canada’s federal Express Entry system, Nova Scotia targets highly skilled applicants with post-secondary credentials. Candidates are assessed on a points grid where a minimum score of 67 out of 100 is required, covering factors such as education, language ability, work experience, age, and adaptability. Eligible applicants typically must also:

• Hold at least one year of recent work experience in one of the province’s designated in-demand occupations.

• Demonstrate intermediate proficiency in English or French, evidenced by an approved language test with a minimum of CLB 7 in all components.

This stream is organized into two main routes:

1. Category 1: Candidates with a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.

2. Category 2: Applicants who qualify through recent work experience in one of the specified in-demand occupations.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker stream is divided into three subcategories, each with its own entry criteria:

1. Skilled Workers: For applicants in NOC skill levels 0, A, or B, with preference given to higher-skilled professions.

2. Semi-Skilled Workers: For those in NOC level C roles; applicants should normally have at least six months of work experience in Nova Scotia with an employer willing to support settlement.

3. Low-Skilled Workers: For occupations in NOC level D; eligibility generally requires six months’ work with a Nova Scotia employer and demonstrated employer support for the newcomer’s settlement.

General Criteria for the Skilled Worker Stream

• Maintain lawful status in Canada if applying from inside the country.

• Be aged between 21 and 55.

• Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.

• Possess at least a high-school education (12 years) or the equivalent.

• Meet any job-specific education, training, licensing, or certification requirements in Canada.

• Have a minimum of 12 months relevant work experience.

• Satisfy language benchmarks: CLB 5 for NOC 0, A, or B; CLB 4 for NOC C or D.

• Demonstrate genuine intent and capacity to settle in Nova Scotia.

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