1. Overview of the Nova Scotia PNP

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration program designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to settle in Nova Scotia. Established in 2003, the program has significantly contributed to the province’s economic growth and labor market development. Nova Scotia welcomes over 7,000 new immigrants annually, with a retention rate exceeding 70%.

The NSNP offers both enhanced and base streams:

• Enhanced Streams are linked to Express Entry, providing 600 additional CRS points for faster permanent residency.
• Base Streams require applicants to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

2. Nova Scotia Immigration Streams

Nova Scotia offers multiple immigration pathways tailored to different applicant profiles:

• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Occupation In-Demand Stream
• International Graduates In-Demand
• Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Physician Stream

Each stream has specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that applicants meet the province’s economic and labor market needs.

3. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

This stream is designed for highly skilled workers who have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia. Applicants must:

• Be eligible for Express Entry under Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.
• Have full-time, paid work experience in Nova Scotia within the last three years.
• Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A, CLB 5 for NOC B).

Successful applicants receive 600 additional CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

4. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

This stream selects Express Entry candidates based on Nova Scotia’s labor market needs. The province issues Letters of Interest (LOI) to candidates who:

• Meet specific occupational requirements.
• Have relevant work experience.
• Fulfill language and education criteria.

Each draw has unique selection criteria, ensuring that Nova Scotia attracts skilled professionals in high-demand sectors.

5. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

This stream is tailored for general practitioners, family physicians, and specialists who have a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre. Applicants must:

• Receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) from Nova Scotia.
• Have an approved job offer in NOC 31102 (General Practitioners & Family Physicians) or 31100 (Specialists).
• Provide a signed Return for Service Agreement, committing to work in Nova Scotia for at least two years.

Successful applicants receive 600 CRS points, expediting their permanent residency process.

6. Skilled Worker Stream

This stream helps Nova Scotia employers recruit foreign workers and international graduates for in-demand occupations. Eligibility criteria include:

• A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
• One year of relevant work experience.
• Language proficiency (CLB 5 for skilled workers, CLB 4 for semi-skilled workers).
• Financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.

Processing time: 6 months Application fee: CAD $500

7. Occupation In-Demand Stream

This stream targets specific occupations experiencing labor shortages in Nova Scotia. Eligible occupations include:

• Nurse Aides (NOC 33102)
• Light Duty Cleaners (NOC 65310)
• Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
• Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)
• Construction Trades Helpers (NOC 75110)

Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer in Nova Scotia.

8. International Graduates In-Demand

This stream is for recent graduates with a job offer in high-demand occupations. Eligible fields include:

• Healthcare (Nurse Aides, Paramedical Occupations)
• Early Childhood Education
• Pharmacy Technicians

Applicants must have completed their studies within three years and meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 5).

9. Entrepreneur Stream

Designed for experienced business owners and senior managers, this stream requires applicants to:

• Have a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000.
• Invest at least CAD $150,000 in a Nova Scotia business.
• Own at least 33.33% of the business.
• Operate the business for one year before applying for permanent residency.

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet business establishment criteria.

10. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for graduates of Nova Scotia universities or colleges who have started or purchased a business in the province. Eligibility includes:

• Owning and operating a business for at least one year.
• Holding a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
• Meeting CLB 7 language proficiency.
• Receiving compensation from the business.

Applicants must submit an EOI and demonstrate active business management.

11. Physician Stream

This stream supports Nova Scotia’s healthcare system by recruiting internationally trained physicians. Applicants must:

• Have an approved job offer from NSHA or IWK Health Centre.
• Provide proof of medical education and training.
• Meet language proficiency requirements.
• Apply for permanent residency through IRCC.

Need Help? Contact Fourth Dimension Immigration!

Navigating the Nova Scotia Nominee Program can be complex, but Fourth Dimension Immigration and our expert team are here to assist you. Whether you need guidance on eligibility, application processes, or documentation, we provide personalized support to help you achieve your Canadian immigration goals.

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