Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to the province of Nova Scotia. Through this program, the province nominates individuals for permanent residency in Canada based on the economic needs of the province. NS PNP helps fill labor market gaps and contribute to the province’s economic development.

Key Streams of NS PNP

1. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream

This stream targets specific skills and occupations needed by the Nova Scotia labor market. The stream is for individuals with work experience in high-demand occupations, such as in healthcare, IT, and trades.

2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream

This stream is linked to the federal Express Entry system and is for skilled workers who have work experience in Nova Scotia and wish to stay and settle in the province. Applicants must have a valid Express Entry profile and meet the criteria of the stream.

3. Skilled Worker Stream

For foreign workers who have a permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. The employer must demonstrate the inability to find qualified Canadians or permanent residents for the job position. This stream helps address labor shortages in the province.

4. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for international graduates from Nova Scotia who want to start or buy a business in the province. To qualify, the applicant must have already started a business in Nova Scotia and meet certain investment and operational requirements.

5. Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for experienced business owners or senior managers who want to invest in or establish a business in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have a business plan and demonstrate the ability to manage and operate a business in the province.

6. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

This stream is specifically for physicians who have received a job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia. It addresses the healthcare needs in the province by attracting physicians to settle in the region.

General Requirements

  • Job Offer: Required for many of the employer-supported streams.
  • Education and Work Experience: Applicants must meet the qualifications and work experience for the job or business venture.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum language requirements (English or French) depending on the stream.
  • Settlement Plan: A plan outlining how applicants will integrate into Nova Scotia’s economy and community.
  • Intent to Reside in Nova Scotia: Applicants must demonstrate the intent to live and work in Nova Scotia.

Application Process

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the appropriate NS PNP stream.
  2. If selected, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination.
  3. Submit a complete application to the NS PNP.
  4. If nominated, apply for permanent residency through the federal immigration system (IRCC).

Benefits of NS PNP

  • Access to Nova Scotia’s growing economy and diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
  • High quality of life, with beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and a lower cost of living compared to other provinces.
  • Increased chances of obtaining permanent residency through provincial nomination.