Stream

Criteria

Mandatory Requirements

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

For foreign workers in high-skilled occupations who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently.

• Valid Express Entry profile in the IRCC system

• One year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience in Nova Scotia (1,560 hours) in the last three years

• At least 51% of main duties as described in the applicable NOC

• Authorized to work in Canada during work experience

• Age 21-55

• Canadian high school credentials or equivalent

• CLB Level 7 for TEER 0 or 1, CLB Level 5 for TEER 2 or 3

• Intention to live in Nova Scotia

• Sufficient funds

Stream

Criteria

Mandatory Requirements

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

For foreign workers in the Express Entry system meeting Nova Scotia’s labour market needs.

• Valid Express Entry profile 

• Letter of Interest from NSNP

• Prior experience with at least 51% of NOC duties

• Sufficient funds

• Legal residential status

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

For foreign physicians in the Express Entry system with a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Centre.

• Valid Express Entry profile

• Letter of Interest from NSNP Approved job offer from NSHA or IWK Health Centre

• Signed agreement with NS Department of Health and Wellness

• Meet the minimum work experience requirements for the Express Entry stream

• Proof of language ability in English or French

• Sufficient funds

• Legal residential status

Stream

Criteria

Mandatory Requirements

Physician

For foreign general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians wishing to work and live in Nova Scotia.

• Signed job opportunity with NSHA or IWK Health Centre

• Opportunity signed and dated by an authorized person

• Eligibility for licensure with the Surgeons of NS and College of Physicians

• Medical Council of Canada valid education credential assessment 

• Ability to practice medicine in English or French

• Live and work in Nova Scotia for at least two years

• Proof of immigration status

Entrepreneur

For experienced business owners or senior business managers wishing to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia.

• Be 21 years or older

• Manage a business residing in the province

• Net worth of at least CAD $600,000

• At least CAD $150,000 investment in a Nova Scotia business

• At least three years of business ownership or five years in senior management

• CLB Level 5 in English or French

• Canadian high school diploma or equivalent

International Graduate Entrepreneur

For recent graduates from a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College who have started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least one year.

• Wish to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and managing a business

• One year of business ownership and management experience

• Education from a Nova Scotia instution

• Valid post-graduation work permit

• CLB Level 7 in English or French

• Receiving a salary meeting the minimum Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)

• Business must produce revenue and sufficient profits

Skilled Worker

For foreign skilled workers and recent graduates with a full-time job

• Permanent job offer

• One year of work experience related to the job

• Six months experience with the employer for semi- and low-skilled workers

• Employer operating in Nova Scotia for at least two years

• Ages 21-55

• High school diploma

• Appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation

• CLB Level 5 for skilled workers, CLB Level 4 for semi- and low-skilled workers

• Sufficient funds

Stream

Criteria

Mandatory Requirements

International Graduates in Demand

For recent international graduates matching NOC skill categories.

• Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in occupations such as Nurses aides, orderlies, patient service associates, early childhood educators, and assistants

• Relevant study program of at least 30 weeks, with at least 50% completed while living in Nova Scotia

• Ages 21-55

• High school diploma training, certifications, and skills

• CLB Level 5 in English or French

• Sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia

Stream

Criteria

Mandatory Requirements

Occupations in Demand

For foreign workers with skills in NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations in high demand in Nova Scotia.

• Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in occupations such as Nurses aides, orderlies, patient service associates, Transport truck drivers, Heavy equipment operators (except crane), Construction trades helpers and laborers

• One year of work experience related to the job

• Ages 21-55

• High school diploma, appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation

• CLB Level 4 in English or French

• Sufficient funds to settle in Nova Scotia

Step

Description

Confirm Eligibility

Meet the criteria for the stream.

Prepare Documents

Gather necessary documents, including proof of education, work experience, language proficiency, and financial resources.

Create Express Entry Profile (if applicable)

For Express Entry-aligned streams, create and submit a profile through the IRCC Express Entry system.

Submit Application

Complete and submit your application online through the Nova Scotia immigration portal.

Receive Nomination

If successful, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate.

Apply for Permanent Residence

Submit your application for permanent residence to IRCC using your nomination certificate.