Nova Scotia in Canada – A Perfect Destination for Immigrants
Located on Canada’s scenic eastern coastline, Nova Scotia is one of the Atlantic region’s most vibrant and populated provinces. Being part of the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Nova Scotia runs its own immigration pathway known as the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP).
This program aims to attract skilled and talented individuals from across the globe to help meet the growing labor needs of the province and strengthen its economy.
Between 2019 and 2024, Nova Scotia’s GDP increased by 2.0%, reaching $45.6 billion. Over 336,000 people were employed by provincial enterprises in 2024, with an annual job growth rate of nearly 1.9% in the past five years.
If you’re planning to migrate to Nova Scotia or wish to understand every detail about its immigration pathways, this complete guide is for you.
It covers all the essential information about the Nova Scotia PNP program—but before exploring its various streams, let’s first understand what this program actually is.
What is the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)?
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) is one of the immigration pathways under Canada’s PNP. It allows the province to nominate skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to become permanent residents of Canada. The program helps Nova Scotia support its labor market needs and economic development goals.
Benefits of Immigrating to Nova Scotia
Migrating to Nova Scotia offers several life-enhancing benefits:
- Fast and efficient immigration process
- A direct route to Canadian permanent residency and citizenship
- Multiple skilled worker immigration streams
- Settlement assistance for newcomers
- Affordable cost of living
- Access to free healthcare and quality education
- Retirement and social benefits
Different Streams Under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
Nova Scotia welcomes skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs through multiple immigration categories. Below are the key NSPNP streams:
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
This 'enhanced' stream aligns with Canada's federal Express Entry system. It enables the province to select skilled immigrants directly from the Express Entry pool.
Subcategories:
- Category A: For applicants with a valid job offer.
- Category B: For applicants with work experience in an in-demand occupation (currently closed).
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Express Entry profile | Must have a registered Express Entry profile |
| Points requirement | Minimum 67 points on the six selection factors |
| Job offer | Full-time job offer from an eligible Nova Scotia employer, valid for at least one year after PR issuance |
| Work experience | At least one year of relevant skilled work experience |
| Education | Canadian high school diploma or equivalent |
| Language proficiency | Minimum CLB 7 |
| Financial resources | Proof of sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia |
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
This stream targets skilled workers who have gained work experience within Nova Scotia and want to settle permanently.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Work experience in Nova Scotia | Minimum one year of work experience in the province |
| Age requirement | 21–55 years |
| Education | Canadian high school diploma or equivalent |
| Language proficiency | CLB 7 for NOC 0/A; CLB 4 for NOC B |
| Express Entry profile | Must have an active Express Entry profile |
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
This stream identifies Express Entry candidates who fulfill specific labor market needs in the province.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Letter of Interest (LOI) | Must receive an LOI from Nova Scotia via Express Entry |
| Application deadline | Apply within 30 days of receiving LOI |
| Work experience | Must meet minimum work experience required for Express Entry |
| Financial resources | Proof of funds to support self and dependents |
| Legal status | Must have valid status in current country of residence |
| LOI eligibility | Must meet all criteria at the time of LOI issuance |
Skilled Worker Stream
This stream is for skilled and semi-skilled workers who have a valid job offer from a recognized Nova Scotian employer.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent employment from an eligible employer |
| Work experience | At least one year of relevant experience |
| Age requirement | 21–55 years |
| Education | Minimum high school education |
| Skills & Training | Necessary qualifications and certifications for the job |
| Language proficiency | CLB 5 for skilled, CLB 4 for semi/low-skilled |
| Financial resources | Sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia |
Entrepreneur Stream
This stream attracts experienced business owners and senior managers who wish to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia and settle permanently.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 21 years or older |
| Intention to reside | Must plan to live and manage a business in Nova Scotia |
| Net worth | Minimum CAD 600,000 |
| Personal investment | Minimum CAD 150,000 |
| Business experience | 3+ years as a business owner (33.3% ownership) or 5+ years in senior management |
| Language proficiency | Minimum CLB 5 in English or French |
| Expression of Interest (EOI) | Submit an online EOI |
| Invitation to Apply (ITA) | Must receive an ITA from the province |
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for recent graduates from Nova Scotia institutions who have owned and managed a business for at least one year and intend to stay permanently.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Intention to reside | Plan to live permanently in Nova Scotia |
| Business experience | Minimum one year of ownership and management (33.3% share) |
| Education | Two years of full-time study in a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution |
| Work permit | Valid post-graduation work permit |
| Language proficiency | Minimum CLB 7 in English or French |
| Expression of Interest (EOI) | Submit an online EOI |
| Invitation to Apply (ITA) | Must receive an ITA from Nova Scotia Immigration Office |
International Graduates In-Demand Stream
This stream targets graduates with job offers in high-demand occupations in Nova Scotia.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time permanent offer from a recognized Nova Scotia employer |
| Age requirement | 21–55 years |
| Education | At least high school diploma |
| Recent course of study | Completed a 30-week program (half in Nova Scotia) within the last 3 years |
| Certifications | Required professional credentials for the occupation |
| Language proficiency | Minimum CLB 5 |
| Financial resources | Proof of funds for settlement |
Physician Stream
This stream is for internationally-trained doctors and specialists with confirmed job offers from Nova Scotia’s healthcare authorities.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Intention to reside | Must plan to live and practice permanently in Nova Scotia |
| Business experience | Minimum one year of managing a medical practice or healthcare service |
| Education | Medical degree or equivalent with provincial recognition |
| Work permit | Valid work authorization for Canada |
| Language proficiency | Minimum CLB 7 in English or French |
| Invitation to Apply (ITA) | Must receive an ITA from Nova Scotia Immigration Office |
How to Apply for the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
After confirming that you fulfill the eligibility requirements of the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP), the next step is to begin your official application process. Follow the steps outlined below to apply for the Nova Scotia Immigration Program successfully.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before starting your application, ensure that you meet all the eligibility standards of the Nova Scotia PNP.
It's advisable to use the Nova Scotia PNP points calculator to confirm that your score meets the minimum requirements. Once you qualify, you can move forward with preparing your application.
Step 2: Collect All Required Documents
The list of required documents varies depending on each applicant’s background and stream. It’s essential to review the Nova Scotia Nominee Program document checklist carefully or seek guidance from an authorized immigration consultant.
Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and in English. They should be scanned in PDF format before uploading.
Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile
A valid Express Entry profile and Job Seeker validation code are mandatory for most Nova Scotia PNP streams. You must also have an active Express Entry profile in the federal immigration system.
Candidates who match the labor market needs of Nova Scotia may receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the provincial immigration authorities.
Step 4: Submit Your Application for NSPNP Nomination
After receiving the Letter of Interest (LOI), applicants have 30 days to submit their complete Nova Scotia PNP application with all necessary documents.
Ensure your submission is accurate and complete — missing or incorrect information could lead to delays or rejection.
Step 5: Wait for Application Review and Nomination
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Nova Scotia immigration officer. If your profile meets the program’s selection criteria, you will be issued a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which allows you to apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Application Fees for the Nova Scotia PNP
The application fee for the Nova Scotia PNP depends on the immigration stream under which you apply. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fee structure for various NSPNP streams:
| Nova Scotia PNP Stream | Fees in CAD | Fees in India (₹) (if 1 CAD = ₹60) |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia PNP – Express Entry Stream | $0 | ₹0 |
| Nova Scotia PNP – Employer Stream | $1,500 | ₹90,000 |
| Nova Scotia PNP – International Graduate Stream | $500 | ₹30,000 |
Processing Time for Nova Scotia Immigration Applications
Applications submitted under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program are typically processed within three to six months.
However, the exact processing time may vary depending on:
- The immigration stream you applied for
- The accuracy of your submitted documents
- Background verification time
- The overall volume of applications received
On average, most NSPNP applications are processed within a minimum of 3 months, but some may take longer based on individual circumstances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration pathway that allows Nova Scotia to nominate skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates for Canadian permanent residency. It helps the province attract qualified individuals who can contribute to its economy and fill key labor market gaps.
To apply for the NSNP, you must first check your eligibility for one of the program’s streams. Once eligible, create an Express Entry profile, receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia (if applicable), and submit your complete application with all required documents within 30 days.
Eligibility varies depending on the stream but generally includes relevant work experience, a valid job offer (for some streams), language proficiency (minimum CLB 4–7), sufficient settlement funds, and the intention to live and work in Nova Scotia.
The processing time for NSNP applications typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the stream, document completeness, and individual case details. After receiving a provincial nomination, applicants can apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
A job offer is not mandatory for all NSNP streams. Some categories, such as the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities and Experience: Express Entry stream, allow skilled workers without a job offer to apply if they meet the labour market and eligibility criteria.
