Nova Scotia PNP Program: Streams, Steps To Apply & More

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a viable route for individuals and families seeking permanent residency in Nova Scotia. Designed for skilled, experienced, and educated candidates eager to contribute to the province’s economy and communities. Nova Scotia PNP provides tailored streams catering to diverse backgrounds. Scroll further to gain more insights into the Nova Scotia PNP Program.

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What is Canada Nova Scotia PNP?

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a regional immigration initiative that allows the province of Nova Scotia to nominate individuals and families for permanent residency in Canada. This program is designed to attract individuals who have the skills, work experience, and education needed to make a positive impact on Nova Scotia’s economy and communities. Through different streams and categories, it helps people find ways to contribute meaningfully to local economies and fill workforce needs.

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What are Nova Scotia PNP Streams?

Nova Scotia PNP offers a range of streams to welcome individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds to contribute to the province’s growth. These streams address specific needs and opportunities within the labour market and the broader community. Let’s explore the various pathways that Nova Scotia provides for those seeking to make this province their new home.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities program identifies individuals within the federal Express Entry system who align with the labour market requirements of the province, enabling them to seek provincial nomination. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration issues a Letter of Interest to eligible candidates.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities pathway for physicians is designed to identify and invite physicians to seek nomination through the federal Express Entry system. Only those candidates who have secured an employment offer from either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre and have received a Letter of Interest from the Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI) are eligible to apply.

General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) as well as specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) will be extended a Letter of Interest. This occurs once LSI is notified of the candidate’s Express Entry profile number and a signed approved opportunity with the IWK Health Centre or the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Physician

The Physician stream facilitates the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) in the recruitment of general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to work in Nova Scotia. This program aids the NSHA and IWK in the acquisition and retention of physicians possessing the necessary qualifications for roles that could not be filled by permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

Entrepreneur

The Entrepreneur stream is tailored for experienced business owners or senior business managers seeking residency in Nova Scotia. To qualify, individuals need to either establish a new business or acquire an existing one and actively engage in its daily operations. Following a year of business operation, entrepreneurs may receive a nomination for permanent resident status. It’s important to note that application for this stream is exclusively by invitation.

International Graduate Entrepreneur

The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream welcomes recent graduates from a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. To qualify, they should have already started or purchased a business in Nova Scotia and managed it for a minimum of one year. If they plan to make Nova Scotia their permanent home, these graduates could receive a nomination for permanent resident status. It’s essential to note that invitations are required to apply for this stream.

International Graduates In Demand

The International Graduates in Demand stream is designed for recent international graduates whose qualifications align with specific job categories outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Presently, this stream is accessible to individuals working in the following NOC job categories:

NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations
NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians
NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies & patient service associates
NOC 42202: Early childhood educators and assistants

Skilled Worker

The Skilled Worker stream facilitates employers in Nova Scotia to bring in foreign workers and recent international graduates with the necessary skills. Employers can only utilize this stream when they are unable to find permanent residents or Canadian citizens to fill specific job positions.

Occupations in Demand

The Occupations in Demand stream focuses on occupations falling under TEER categories 3, 4, or 5 in the National Occupational Classification that are currently experiencing a high demand in the Nova Scotia labour market. These sought-after professions are determined by Labour, Skills, and Immigration, and it’s important to note that the list of eligible occupations may change over time based on labourmarket data.

Critical Construction Worker Pilot

The Critical Construction Worker Pilot stream is for individuals who have a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in specific NOC codes. It is designed to address labour shortages in the construction sector by allowing employers to hire foreign workers for certain construction-related occupations. This pilot stream aims to support the growth of Nova Scotia’s construction industry while also providing opportunities for skilled workers from other countries to gain employment and potentially permanent residency in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is designed for highly skilled individuals aiming to establish permanent residency in Nova Scotia. To be eligible, applicants must possess a minimum of one year of work experience in Nova Scotia within an occupation classified under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification.

Who is eligible for PNP in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia offers a range of immigration programs under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to attract individuals with various skills and backgrounds. Here are the eligibility criteria for Nova Scotia PNP streams:

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities, carefully review and ensure that you meet the following criteria:

Receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program through the Express Entry system.
Submit your application within 30 calendar days from the date when your letter of interest was issued.
Fulfill the minimum work experience requirements for the Express Entry stream you are eligible for.
Demonstrate adequate funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia, covering your immigration expenses and travel costs.
Sustain your legal status in your current country of residence.
Meet the eligibility criteria in effect at the time you receive a Letter of Interest.
Possess a valid Express Entry number and meet all the IRCC criteria for the Express Entry pool.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Eligibility Criteria

To be considered eligible for the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Program for Physicians, you must meet the following criteria:

Hold an approved opportunity from the IWK or NSHA as either a general practitioner and family physician (NOC 31102) or a specialist physician (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101).
Provide a copy of a signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, indicating your commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum period of two years.
Receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program via the Express Entry system.
Ensure that you submit your application within 30 calendar days from the date of receiving your Letter of Interest.
Make sure to satisfy the minimum work experience prerequisites for the specific Express Entry stream you qualify for.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia, as well as to cover your immigration costs and travel expenses.
Hold valid legal status in your present country of residence.

Physician Eligibility Criteria

The Physician Stream is exclusively available to general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) who possess approved opportunities with either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.

The approved opportunity must be documented on official NSHA or IWK letterhead and must meet the following conditions:

It must bear the signature and date of a person authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK.
The applicant accepting the opportunity must also sign and date it.
It should confirm the applicant’s eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
It must indicate that the applicant is qualified to apply for privileges and credentials with both NSHA and the IWK.

Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur program, you must meet the following criteria:

Be 21 years of age or older.
Have the intention to establish permanent residency in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a business in the province.
Hold a net worth of at least CAD 600,000.
Be capable of investing a minimum of CAD 150,000 of your personal funds to establish a business in Nova Scotia.
Have a minimum of 3 years of experience in actively managing and owning a business, with a minimum ownership stake of 1/3, OR possess more than 5 years of experience in a senior business management role.
Attain a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in either English or French.
Complete an Expression of Interest (online).
Obtain an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the International Graduate Entrepreneur program, you must fulfill the following requirements:

Aspire to establish permanent residency in Nova Scotia while actively managing and owning a business in the province.
Demonstrate a minimum of one year’s continuous experience in actively managing and owning their current business in Nova Scotia, with a minimum ownership of 33.33%.
Hold a degree or diploma obtained after a minimum of two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College.
Possess a valid post-graduation work permit.
Attain a minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French, encompassing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Fill out an Expression of Interest online.
Be issued an Invitation to Apply by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

International Graduates In Demand Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the International Graduates In-Demand program, you need to satisfy the following criteria:

Secure a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the following job categories: NOC 32102, NOC 32124, NOC 33102, or NOC 42202, which should align with your recent field of study.
To be eligible, your age needs to fall within the specific range of 21 and 55.
Possess a high school diploma.
Fulfill the conditions for completing your course of study within three years of your application. The program you completed should have been at least 30 weeks in duration, with a requirement to have finished at least 50% of the program in Nova Scotia.
– If you are applying under NOC 32102 or 32124, your program should grant a diploma.
– If you are applying under NOC 33102, your program should grant a certificate, diploma, or degree.
– If you are applying under NOC 42202, your program should grant a diploma or a degree.
Hold certifications issued by regulatory bodies in Nova Scotia that are necessary for your job.
Demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5, even if English or French is your first language.
Provide evidence of adequate financial resources to support a successful settlement in Nova Scotia.

Skilled Worker Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker program, you must meet the following criteria:

Obtain a full-time permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.
Possess at least one year of relevant work experience related to the job. Workers falling under TEER categories 4 or 5 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) should already have a minimum of six months’ experience with the employer.
To be eligible, your age needs to fall within the specific range of 21 and 55.
Hold a high school diploma.
Have the necessary training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.
Demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if your occupation falls under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. If your first language is English or French, this serves as sufficient proof. Workers in NOC TEER categories 4 or 5 must provide test results to establish they meet CLB 4, even if their first language is English or French.
Exhibit adequate financial resources to ensure a successful settlement in Nova Scotia.

Occupations in Demand Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the In-Demand Occupations program, you need to satisfy the following criteria:

Secure a full-time permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia in one of the following NOC categories:
– NOC 33102: Nurse Aides
– NOC 65200: Food and beverage servers
– NOC 65201: Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations
– NOC 65310: Light-duty cleaners
– NOC 73300: Transport truck drivers
– NOC 73400: Heavy equipment operators
– NOC 75110: Construction trades helpers and laborers
Accumulate at least one year of relevant work experience in connection with the job.
To be eligible, your age needs to fall within the specific range of 21 and 55.
Possess a high school diploma.
Have the necessary training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.
Demonstrate language proficiency at a level equivalent to CLB Level 4, even if your first language is English or French.
Display adequate financial resources to ensure a successful settlement in Nova Scotia.

Critical Construction Worker Pilot Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Critical Construction Worker Pilots program, you need to meet the below criteria:

You need to have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in one of the following NOC categories:
– 70010: Construction managers
– 70011: Home building and renovation managers
– 72011: Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
– 72014: Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
– 72020: Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
– 72106: Welders and related machine operators
– 72200: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
– 72201: Industrial electricians
– 72310: Carpenters
– 72320: Bricklayers
– 72401: Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
– 72402: Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
– 72500: Crane operators
– 73100: Concrete finishers
– 73102: Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
– 73110: Roofers and shingles
– 73200: Residential and commercial installers and servicers
– 73400: Heavy equipment operators
– 75101: Material handlers
– 75110: Construction trades helpers and labourers
– 75119: Other trades helpers and labourers
Have at least one year of work experience that is relevant to the job.
Hold either a high school diploma or provide evidence of completing a construction-specific industry training program.
To be eligible, your age needs to fall within the specific range of 21 to 55.
Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). CLB 5 is required for workers falling under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2 and 3, while CLB 4 is necessary for NOC TEER categories 4 and 5 positions.
Have sufficient financial resources to ensure a smooth settlement in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Eligibility Criteria

In order to qualify for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program, you need to satisfy the following conditions:

Accumulate a minimum of one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
To be eligible, your age needs to fall within the specific range of 21 to 55.
Possess a Canadian high school credential or its equivalent.
Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). CLB 7 is required for skilled work falling under NOC categories 0 and 1, while CLB 5 is necessary for NOC categories 2 and 3 positions.
Possess a registered profile in the Express Entry system of IRCC.

How do I get a PNP in Nova Scotia?

The first step in your immigration journey is to carefully assess the various programs and streams offered by the Nova Scotia PNP. Each program and stream is designed for specific categories of applicants, so it’s crucial to determine which one best fits your unique circumstances.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP is a way to Canadian permanent residency, allowing provinces to select individuals with the needed skills to fill labour market gaps. Here are key PNP application steps:

Obtain a Job Offer (if required): Depending on the specific PNP stream you are applying under, you may need to secure a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. This job offer is a critical component of your application.

Gather the Necessary Documentation: The application process involves compiling a comprehensive set of documents. These documents will include various forms, personal identification, educational certificates, and, if applicable, documents from your Nova Scotia employer.

Submit your Application to Nova Scotia’s LSI Department: Once you have collected all the required documentation, you will need to submit your application to the Nova Scotia Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI) department. This is the central authority responsible for processing PNP applications in the province.

Await the Nomination from LSI: After submitting your application, the LSI department will assess your eligibility and qualifications. If you meet the criteria for the PNP stream you have applied under, you will receive a nomination from LSI, which is a significant step toward permanent residency.

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Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residency, with a focus on the Atlantic provinces. Here are the key steps to pursue this opportunity:

Secure a Job Offer: Similar to the PNP, securing a job offer is a critical requirement for the Atlantic Immigration Program. Make sure you have a valid job offer in hand.

Confirm Employer Designation: Verify that your Nova Scotia employer is designated under the program. This designation is essential for your eligibility.

Create a Settlement Plan: Reach out to a settlement service organization to create a settlement plan. This plan will help ensure your smooth integration into the Nova Scotia community.

Provide Essential Documents to Your Employer: Your employer will need specific documents to support your endorsement application, so make sure to provide them with all the necessary paperwork.

Employer Submits Endorsement Application to LSI: Your employer will submit the endorsement application to the LSI department, which will review and endorse the position if everything meets the program’s requirements.

Additionally, with your employer’s support, you may be eligible to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a temporary work permit. This allows you to work in Canada while your permanent residency application is being processed.

Note that processing times for these applications can vary. It’s essential to stay updated by regularly checking the official websites of LSI and IRCC for the latest application information. Additionally, inform LSI promptly of any changes in your status or eligibility to ensure a smooth application process.

Conclusion: Seizing the Nova Scotia Opportunity

In summary, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a variety of pathways for skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, graduates, and workers to establish permanent residency in Nova Scotia, Canada. Each stream has its own specific requirements and application process. It’s essential to carefully review these criteria and follow the necessary steps to secure a nomination, which is a significant milestone towards achieving permanent residency.

FAQs on Nova Scotia PNP

Following are some of the frequently asked questions and the answers related to Nova Scotia PNP:

Q. What is the Nova Scotia PNP?
A. The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration initiative to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada. It attracts skilled individuals to contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy through various streams.

Q. Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia PNP?
A. Nova Scotia PNP eligibility varies by stream but generally includes factors like age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and a job offer in Nova Scotia.

Q. What are the different streams available within the Nova Scotia PNP?
A. The Nova Scotia PNP offers various streams, each designed for specific categories of applicants, such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and more.

Q. Is language proficiency required to apply for the Nova Scotia PNP?
A. Yes, language proficiency is generally required. Applicants may need to demonstrate language skills in English or French, depending on the stream and job categories. Meeting specific language benchmarks is essential for eligibility.

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