What is Nova Scotia Immigration program?

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is an immigration program in Nova Scotia, Canada, meant to bring skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to the province. Here’s a breakdown of what the program offers:

1. Skilled Workers: If you have the skills and experience Nova Scotia needs, you can apply through the Skilled Worker stream. If accepted, you can then apply to the federal government for permanent residency. This helps employers find and keep workers with needed skills.
2. Entrepreneurs: People wanting to start or buy and run a business in Nova Scotia can use the Physician Entrepreneur or International Graduate Entrepreneur streams. This helps grow the province’s economy.
3. International Graduates: Graduates from Nova Scotia schools can apply through the International Graduates stream to become permanent residents, recognizing their contribution to the local economy.
4. In-Demand Occupations: Nova Scotia lists specific jobs that are needed. Skilled workers in these jobs can apply through the Occupations in Demand stream, which helps fill skill gaps in the province.
5. Critical Construction Workers Pilot: This is for people working in construction. It helps them get permanent residency if they work in certain essential construction jobs.
6. Express Entry: Nova Scotia is part of the federal Express Entry system. If you meet Express Entry criteria and want to move to Nova Scotia, you might get a provincial nomination through the NSNP. This increases your chances of getting permanent residency.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, entrepreneur, or recent graduate, NSNP offers a way to make Nova Scotia your new home.

Streams and Categories of NSNP:

Let’s explore the different streams and categories available through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP):

1. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (NSDEE):

This option is for skilled workers with experience in jobs that Nova Scotia needs. Candidates must have an active profile in the Express Entry system. If chosen, they get extra points in Express Entry, boosting their chances of getting invited to apply for permanent residency.

2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSDEE):

This stream is specifically designed for people who have already worked in Nova Scotia with a valid work permit. Applicants need to have at least one year of work experience in a skilled job. This stream also ties into the federal Express Entry system.

• Entrepreneur Stream:

This stream is for those who want to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia. To qualify, applicants need a certain net worth, business experience, and a commitment to run the business actively.

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

It is specified for recent graduates from Nova Scotia schools who want to launch or buy a business in the province. Graduates must have run their business for at least a year on a valid post-graduation work permit.

• Physician Stream:

Nova Scotia is looking to bring in international doctors to address healthcare needs of the province. This stream helps recruit foreign-trained physicians who agree to work in underserved areas of the Nova Scotia.

• Occupations in Demand Stream:

This pathway targets specific jobs facing shortages in Nova Scotia. Skilled workers in these fields can apply for provincial nomination.

• Critical Construction Workers Pilot:

This program works to ease labor shortages in construction, this pilot stream allows eligible construction workers to gain Canadian permanent residency.

Each of the above-mentioned streams has its own requirements, processing times, and paperwork. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines to ensure they qualify before applying. The NSNP offers various pathways for people to make Nova Scotia their home, contributing to the province’s growth and prosperity.

Eligibility Criteria for NSNP:

Stream/Category	Eligibility Criteria
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (NSDEE)	Active Express Entry profile. Skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation in Nova Scotia. Minimum education requirements.   Sufficient language proficiency (English or French).
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSDEE)	At least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia on a valid work permit. Skilled work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation. Sufficient language proficiency (English or French).
Entrepreneur Stream	Minimum net worth. Business experience. Commitment to settle and actively manage the business in Nova Scotia.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream	Recent graduate from a Nova Scotia educational institution. Operated a business for at least one year on a valid post-graduation work permit.
Physician Stream	Foreign-trained physician committed to working in underserved areas of Nova Scotia.
Occupations in Demand Stream	Skilled worker in specific occupations that are experiencing labor shortages in Nova Scotia.
Critical Construction Workers Pilot	Eligible construction worker in specific construction occupations.

This table details the eligibility criteria for each stream and category within the NSNP, including factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, connection to Nova Scotia, and ability to establish and operate a business in the province.

Application Process for Applying to NSNP:

Below is the step-by-step process for applying to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP):

1. Research and Self-Assessment:
   1. The first step for applying to the NSNP is to look into the different NSNP streams and categories to find the right fit for your skills and goals.
   1. Evaluate your eligibility based on factors like work experience, education, language skills, and ties to Nova Scotia.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
  • If required for your chosen stream, create an online profile with the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI).
  • Provide accurate details about your background, skills, and intention to settle in Nova Scotia.

• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
  • If your EOI meets the criteria, you may receive an ITA from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
  • After receiving an ITA, you have to submit a complete application for provincial nomination.

• Complete the Application Form:
  • Download the application form from the NSOI website and fill it out accurately.
  • Include information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.

• Gather Supporting Documents:
  • Collect all necessary documents, such as your passport, language test results, educational certificates, work experience letters, and proof of funds.

• Submit Your Application:
  • Send your completed application form and supporting documents to the NSOI.
  • Pay the required application fee as well.

• Application Assessment:
  • The NSOI will review your application and verify the information provided.
  • They may request additional documents or clarifications if needed.

• Nomination Decision:
  • If your application is approved, you’ll receive a provincial nomination certificate.
  • This certificate allows you to apply for permanent residency through the federal government program (Express Entry).

• Apply for Permanent Residency:
  • Use your provincial nomination certificate to create an Express Entry profile.
  • Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the federal government.
  • Submit your permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

1. Medical and Security Checks:
   1. IRCC will conduct medical and security checks as part of the application process.
   1. If you pass these checks, you’ll receive your permanent resident visa.

1. Arrival in Nova Scotia:
   1. After receiving your permanent resident visa, plan your move to Nova Scotia and there you go!

Express Entry System Integration:

Certain streams within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) are connected to the federal Express Entry system, in order to offer candidates better chances for Canadian permanent residency:

1. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (NSDEE):

• This stream is directly tied to the federal Express Entry pool.
  • Eligible candidates create an Express Entry profile and express interest in settling in Nova Scotia.
  • If their profile matches Nova Scotia’s job market needs, they may get a provincial nomination from NSNP.
  • The provincial nomination adds significant points to their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which boosts their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSDEE):

• Similar to NSDEE, this stream is also integrated with Express Entry.
  • Candidates who have worked in Nova Scotia on a valid work permit can apply.
  • Having at least one year of work experience in a skilled job in the province is a must.
  • A provincial nomination through this stream increases the individuals CRS score, fast-tracking their journey to permanent residency.

Benefits of Express Entry Integration:

There are a number of benefits of the Express Entry integration with the NSNP:

• Candidates enjoy a simplified application process by maintaining their Express Entry profile and meeting NSNP criteria.
• The provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points which almost guarantees an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
• Express Entry-linked streams speed up the path to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers and graduates.

Benefits of Immigrating to Nova Scotia:

There are several benefits of moving to Nova Scotia, Canada including:

1. High Quality of Life:
   1. Nova Scotia offers a well-rounded lifestyle with access to both urban conveniences and natural beauty.
   1. Immigrants enjoy fresh air, scenic coastlines, and outdoor activities throughout the year.
2. Affordable Housing:
   1. Compared to big cities, housing expenses in Nova Scotia are more budget-friendly.
3. Accessible Healthcare and Education:
   1. Nova Scotia boasts a strong healthcare system, ensuring top-notch medical care for residents.
   1. Outstanding educational institutions, including universities and colleges, provide diverse learning opportunities.
4. Diverse Cultural Experiences:
   1. Through festivals, music, art, and culinary delights, it celebrates its cultural richness.
   1. Historic landmarks, charming lighthouses, and vibrant communities reflect the province’s multicultural essence also contribute to the rapid integration of immigrants from diverse backgrounds.
5. Wide Job Opportunities:
   1. Thriving industries such as fisheries, tourism, technology, and healthcare offer promising career prospects for skilled immigrants.
   1. Nova Scotia actively seeks skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to contribute to its growth.
6. Scenic Beauty Everywhere:
   1. From the iconic Peggy’s Cove to the majestic Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia has breathtaking landscapes.
7. Culinary Delights:
   1. Freshest seafood delicacies, including lobster, scallops, and Digby clams attracts food lovers to the Nova Scotia.
   1. Nova Scotia’s culinary scene showcases a fusion of traditional Maritime flavors with global influences.

Conclusion:

In conclusion,

• The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a variety of pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to immigrate to Nova Scotia, Canada, and contribute to the province’s growth and prosperity.
• The program includes streams tailored to different categories of applicants, such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and healthcare professionals, each with its own set of eligibility criteria and application process.
• Integration with the federal Express Entry system provides additional benefits, fast-tracking the journey to permanent residency for eligible candidates.
• Moving to Nova Scotia offers numerous benefits, including high quality of life, affordable housing, accessible healthcare and education, diverse cultural experiences, wide job opportunities, scenic beauty, and culinary delights.
• The NSNP serves as a gateway for individuals from diverse backgrounds to make Nova Scotia their home and enhance the province’s cultural and economic landscape.