Nova Scotia Provincial Program
Nova Scotia Provincial Program
Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s hidden gems that has incredible nature, relatively low housing prices, and welcoming communities. Luckily, it also has a provincial nominee program. Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program has 9 different streams catered to individuals of different skills and backgrounds, who are both, inside and outside Canada.
Some of the streams are focused on the individual’s occupation and work experience. The purpose of these programs is to ensure that immigrant can fill the gaps in the local labor market. Other streams exist to help international students and workers who have already spent time in the province to stay there permanently. The rest of the programs exist to attract entrepreneurs who have the potential to boost local economy and create jobs in Nova Scotia’s communities.
The abundance of programs can be overwhelming, although you can always review all of them in great detail on the provincial website. In short, the province’s website lists all streams and the instructions on how to apply for Nova Scotia provincial nominee program under each stream:
- Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities is done through the Express Entry system, which means you need to qualify for one of Express Entry streams. You can apply if you receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia, which will be based on whether your experience meets local labor market needs.
- Labor Market Priorities for Physicians is also done through the Express Entry system, but it also requires a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre in addition to the Letter of Interest from the province.
- Physician is a similar stream, but it only targets GPs, family doctors, and specialists. If you apply under this stream, you will need a job offer from approved health authorities in Nova Scotia. Review this quick guide to get a better idea of the process.
If you are a physician and you’re wondering which program is the best for you, review the comparative chart between Physician stream and Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities. While the Physician stream appears more straightforward and has fewer steps, the Labor Market Priorities stream has significantly lower processing times, only 6 months compared to 18 - 24 months it takes for the Physicians stream.
- Entrepreneur stream is perfect for individuals who have the potential to start their own business and create employment opportunities. It is open to experiences senior managers and business owners experience in managing their businesses. You will have to show you have significant net worth of $600,000 CAD and you will be required to invest into the business in Nova Scotia. You will also need to demonstrate that the business you establish is functional.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur is another stream for entrepreneurs, but it requires having obtained a credential from an educational institution in Nova Scotia and having a functioning business in the province that has existed for a year. It does not have net worth and investment requirements, which makes it really easy for eligible individuals with high language skills to apply.
- Skilled Worker is also a stream that is good for international students, and it also accommodates those who don’t have study experience in Nova Scotia. It has relatively low eligibility criteria pertaining to work experience and English language scores, but it requires a job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.
- Occupations in Demand is a perfect opportunity for trades persons who are either truck drivers or have experience in professions related to assisting nurses and patients. This pathway covers limited professions, but it is perfect for those who qualify. You also need 1 year of related experience to apply.
- Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry is yet another Express Entry-based stream that selects individuals who match the in-demand skill profile. Depending on your work experience, you may or may not need a job offer to be selected.
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry is similar to other Express Entry-based streams, with the exception that it looks at one’s work experience in the province, while Nova Scotia Demand does not require it. This stream has highly higher English or French language proficiency requirements and aims at higher skilled individuals than Occupations in Demand.
All in all, each program has additional requirements around age, language proficiency, and work experience that applicants need to meet. However, you should be able to decide which stream is a better fit for your situation. Refer to individual streams for instructions on Nova Scotia provincial nominee program eligibility, requirements, and the Nova Scotia provincial nominee program in-demand occupation list.
Having a provincial nomination can be hugely helpful for those who are no longer in their twenties and whose English language scores are not competitive enough for Express Entry. While in immigration there are no guarantees, you can be strategic about your studies and work in Canada in order to build a strong case for future immigration. Contact our team of Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants for an assessment and advice on the best immigration pathway for your situation.
Regards,
International Experience Club
