On This Page You Will Find:
- What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?
- Overview of all 10 NSNP immigration streams
- Full eligibility requirements for each stream
- How to apply and what to expect
- Frequently asked questions
What Is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration program that nominates skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and medical professionals for Canadian permanent residence. It supports the province’s economic development and demographic needs through 10 distinct immigration streams.
Each stream targets a specific group of immigrants, from those with in-demand work experience to those who wish to start a business in Nova Scotia. The 10 streams are:
1) Skilled Worker
2) Occupations in Demand
3) Critical Construction Worker Pilot
4) International Graduates in Demand
5) Physician
6) Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
7) Labour Market Priorities
8) Experience: Express Entry
9) Entrepreneur
10) International Graduate Entrepreneur
NSNP Immigration Streams and Eligibility Criteria
1. Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker stream helps Nova Scotia employers hire foreign workers and international graduates for positions that cannot be filled locally.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience
- TEER 4 or 5 applicants must have 6 months’ experience with the same employer
- Age between 21 and 55
- High school diploma (Canadian or equivalent)
- Necessary training, skills, or accreditation for the job
- Language proficiency:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations
- CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations (test required even for native speakers)
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia
2. Occupations in Demand Stream
The Occupations in Demand stream targets TEER 3, 4, and 5 occupations experiencing labour shortages in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time, permanent job offer in one of these NOC codes:
- 33102 – Nurse Aides
- 65310 – Light Duty Cleaners
- 73300 – Transport Truck Drivers
- 73400 – Heavy Equipment Operators
- 75110 – Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers
- At least 1 year of related work experience
- Age between 21 and 55
- High school diploma
- Required training or certification
- CLB 4 in English or French (test results required)
- Proof of settlement funds
3. Critical Construction Worker Pilot – Job Offer Pathway
This stream supports employers in Nova Scotia’s construction industry (classified under NAICS 23) by recruiting skilled construction workers.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time, permanent job offer in one of the following NOCs:
(includes roles such as electricians, carpenters, heavy-duty mechanics, welders, roofers, crane operators, HVAC mechanics, construction managers, etc.) - At least 1 year of work experience in the relevant job
- High school diploma or completed construction-specific training
- Age between 21 and 55
- Language proficiency:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0–3
- CLB 4 for TEER 4–5
- Proof of settlement funds
4. International Graduates in Demand Stream
International Graduates in Demand is for international graduates with job offers in specific, high-demand healthcare and education occupations.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time, permanent job offer in one of these NOC codes:
- 32102 – Paramedical Occupations
- 32124 – Pharmacy Technicians
- 33102 – Nurse Aides
- 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
- Age between 19 and 55
- High school diploma
- Completed a relevant program at an eligible Nova Scotia post-secondary institution:
- Minimum 30 weeks (or 24 weeks for NOC 33102)
- At least 50% of studies completed in Nova Scotia
- Required credential by NOC:
- NOC 32102 or 32124 – diploma
- NOC 33102 – certificate, diploma, or degree
- NOC 42202 – diploma or degree
- Valid certification from Nova Scotia regulatory bodies (if applicable)
- CLB 5 in English or French
- Proof of settlement funds
5. Physician Stream
The Physicians stream facilitates the recruitment of general practitioners and specialists by Nova Scotia’s public health authorities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre in one of the following NOCs:
- 31102 – General Practitioners and Family Physicians
- 31100 – Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine
- 31101 – Specialists in Surgery
- Offer must be on official NSHA/IWK letterhead and:
- Be signed by both the employer and the physician
- Confirm eligibility for licensure and hospital privileges
- No language test required if already licensed and credentialed
- No settlement funds required if working directly with NSHA or IWK
6. Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Stream
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians targets Express Entry candidates who have an approved offer from NSHA or IWK.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid job offer in NOC 31100, 31101, or 31102 from NSHA or IWK
- Signed Return for Service Agreement (2-year commitment in Nova Scotia)
- Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Submit application within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Interest
- Meet federal Express Entry stream requirements
- Legal status in country of residence
- Proof of settlement funds
7. Labour Market Priorities Stream
Labour Market Priorities is for Express Entry candidates selected to meet current labour demands in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Letter of Interest from NSNP
- Submit full application within 30 calendar days of Letter of Interest
- Meet Express Entry work experience and language requirements
- Proof of settlement funds
- Legal status in country of residence
- Must meet any other criteria specified in the Letter of Interest
8. Experience: Express Entry Stream
Experience: Express Entry targets skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time work in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0–3 job
- Age between 21 and 55
- Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 occupations
- CLB 5 for TEER 2–3 occupations
- Active profile in the federal Express Entry system
9. Entrepreneur Stream
The Entrepreneur stream is for experienced business owners or senior managers looking to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age 21 or older
- Intend to live in Nova Scotia and manage the business actively
- Net worth of at least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 CAD if outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM))
- Investment of at least $150,000 CAD ($100,000 CAD if outside HRM)
- Minimum experience:
- 3 years as a business owner (at least 33.3% ownership) or
- 5+ years in a senior business management role
- CLB 5 in English or French
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receive an Invitation to Apply
10. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or college who have started a business in the province.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must intend to live in Nova Scotia and actively manage a business
- At least 1 year of continuous business ownership and operation (33.3% minimum ownership)
- Completed a degree or diploma through at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
- Valid post-graduation work permit
- CLB 7 in English or French
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receive an Invitation to Apply
FAQ
What is the main benefit of being nominated through NSNP?
A nomination from Nova Scotia gives you 600 additional points in the federal Express Entry system and greatly increases your chance of receiving an invitation for permanent residence.
Do I always need a job offer to apply through the NSNP?
Most streams require a job offer. However, some Express Entry-linked or entrepreneur streams may not require one if you meet other eligibility conditions and receive an invitation to apply.
What does CLB mean in language testing?
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmark, a standardized level used to measure English or French proficiency. Different streams have different minimum CLB requirements.
What qualifies as settlement funds?
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Nova Scotia. The amount depends on your household size and must be unencumbered.
What is HRM and why does it matter for entrepreneurs?
HRM stands for Halifax Regional Municipality. Entrepreneurs investing in businesses outside HRM have lower financial requirements, making it easier to start a business in smaller towns.
