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Canada is a land of opportunities and stunning beauty. It won't take you five minutes in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia to know this is true. So let's begin by learning a bit more about what makes this province so great for the many residents that live here in Canada.
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's four Atlantic Provinces, primarily consisting of the peninsula but also with many offshore islands. Nova Scotia is famous for water sports in the summer, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, and is home to many cute puffins and seals.
The province also boasts the incredibly unique Bay of Fundy, one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations, famous for its extreme high and low tides and whale watching. The capital city of Halifax is known for its lively waterfront, star-shaped Citadel, and legendary ice hockey team, the Mooseheads.
A low cost of living and high quality of life make Nova Scotia an enjoyable and affordable place. As a result, the Nova Scotian government introduced organizations with a mandate to help new immigrants find jobs, improve their language skills, and enroll in university, making their integration easier.
The people of Nova Scotia are friendly and welcoming and live in safe communities. Their healthcare system puts people first, based on needs and not financial status. There are also numerous opportunities across various industries in the provincial labour market. Here's what you need to know about Nova Scotia's PNP.
Through the Nova Scotia PNP, prospective immigrants to Nova Scotia, who have the skills and experience targeted by the province, may be nominated for immigration. In addition, candidates, who receive a Nova Scotia Nomination certificate, may have their application fast-tracked, speeding up the immigration process. If you're unsure how the PNP system works, here's a handy breakdown:
You can take several routes to get a Provincial Nomination. Discover which of these programs is the right one for you below.
If You Have a Valid Job Offer In Nova Scotia:
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
You must first enter the federal Express Entry pool to be selected for this stream. The province will choose you from this pool if you meet the labour market needs of Nova Scotia at a particular time. You can only apply if you receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotian Office of Immigration.
| You Also Need to Meet the Following Requirements: |
|---|
| Issued a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program; |
| You must meet the work experience requirements of the Express Entry you qualified for; |
| You must have enough funds to successfully support and establish yourself and your dependents in the province; |
| You must have legal status in your country of residence; and |
| The last requirement will change depending on the needs of the province. For example, the previous round targeted registered and psychiatric nurses, and you had to have work experience in that occupation to qualify. |
Physicians Stream
This stream was created to hire general practitioners, family physicians, and specialists to work in the province. The Physician Stream enables trained medical professionals to become permanent residents of Nova Scotia with the help of two medical authorities:
- Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA); and the
- Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK)
The stream was created to help the province deal with its skilled and experienced medical practitioner shortage.
These occupations are eligible for this stream:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 31102 | Family physician |
| 31100 | Specialist physician |
If you don't know what a NOC code is or how it pertains to your immigration process, here's our NOC code guide.
Please note that you must have a signed Approved Opportunities with the province's IWK or NSHA. An Approved Opportunity must :
- Be signed and dated by you and by the person who has authorized it, from either the NSHA or IWK;
- Show that you can apply for a license with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the province; and
- Show that you can apply for credentials through the NSHA and IWK
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
This new stream selects physicians to apply through the Express Entry system. The eligibility criteria for the stream are the same, and the most significant benefit of this stream is that you could have permanent residency in approximately six months. In contrast, there is a processing time of 18-24 months for the Physicians stream. However, the downside to the Express Entry stream is that it is a lot more administratively intensive.
Learn more about the Express Entry Eligibility criteria here.
Skilled Worker Stream
This stream helps employers find and employ foreign workers and recent graduates. This stream was created to deal with a shortage of skilled workers, where local Canadians did not have the required skills to handle these jobs. You can apply for permanent residency through this stream as a skilled (TEER 0, 1 or 2), semi-skilled (TEER 3 or 4) or low-skilled worker (TEER 5) as long as you meet the following requirements:
| You Must: |
|---|
| Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotian employer; |
| Have at least one year of work experience related to the job; |
| Be 21 to 55 years old; |
| Have a high school diploma; |
| Have the proper training, skills, and accreditation for the job; |
| Score at least a 5 for the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English or French if you are a skilled worker; or |
| Score at least a 4 for the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English or French if you are a semi-skilled or low-skilled worker; and |
| Prove you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have at least CAD$11,000 and an additional CAD$2,000 per dependent. |
The Occupations in Demand Stream
This stream targets semi-skilled (TEER 3 and 4) positions in high demand in Nova Scotia. These occupations are subject to change depending on the labour demands of the province. At present, the occupations eligible for this stream are:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 33102 | Nurse Aides |
| 65200 | Food and beverage servers |
| 65201 | Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations |
| 65310 | Light duty cleaners |
| 73300 | Transport truck drivers |
| 73400 | Heavy equipment operators |
| 75110 | Construction trades helpers and labourers |
The eligibility criteria for this stream are as follows:
| To be Eligible, You Must: |
|---|
| Have a full-time offer of employment in one of the occupations listed above; |
| Have at least one year of experience in the same field; |
| Be between the ages of 21 and 55; |
| Have the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma; and |
| Have the appropriate training or experience for the job offered; |
| Achieve at least a four on the Canadian Language Benchmark test; |
| Have the minimum specified balance to move and settle in Nova Scotia |
If You've Studied in Nova Scotia:
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for international graduate entrepreneurs from a college or university in Nova Scotia. You must have already bought or started your own business operating for at least one business year.
You must intend to settle in the province and spend most of your time in Nova Scotia while operating your business. This stream allows successful candidates to apply for permanent residence when they get a nomination from the province.
| To Apply, You Must: |
|---|
| Be interested in living permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and directly running a business in the province; |
| Have at least one year of experience in owning and managing your current Nova Scotian business; |
| Have completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time study at a university or community college in Nova Scotia; |
| Have a valid post-graduation work permit; |
| Have at least a score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French. |
| Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI); and |
| Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration |
International Graduate In Demand Stream
The International Graduates in Demand stream is a new program designed to help recent graduates who have obtained their qualification in one of the following job categories:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 33102 | Nurse Aides |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
To be eligible for this program, you will need to meet the following requirements:
| You Must: |
|---|
| Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotian employer; |
| Have at least one year of work experience related to the job; |
| Be 21 to 55 years old; |
| Have a high school diploma; |
| Have a certificate, diploma or degree (NOC33102) or diploma or degree (NOC42202); |
| Have met the requirements for completing a course of study within three years of your application. The program must've been at least 30 weeks in length, and you must have completed at least 50 percent of the program in Nova Scotia.; |
| Score at least a 5 for the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English or French if you are a skilled worker; or |
| Have certifications issued by NS regulatory bodies required for the job; and |
| Prove you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have at least CAD$11,000 and an additional CAD$2,000 per dependent. |
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
This stream chooses applicants with at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation in the province. In addition, this stream lets you become a permanent resident of Nova Scotia. Please note that this stream is specifically for applicants who have studied in Nova Scotia.
| To Apply, You Must: |
|---|
| Have at least one year of full-time/part-time work experience in Nova Scotia for a skilled job three years before you apply; |
| Have gained legal work experience in the province through, for example, a work permit; |
| Be 21 to 55 years old; |
| Have you completed a Canadian high school degree or have a degree that is equal to this qualification; or |
| Have completed an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) and have a degree that a recognized institution acknowledges; |
| Have the funds needed to support yourself and your dependents in the province; |
| Have the intention to live in the province permanently; |
| Prove your language ability in English or French with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 for TEER 0 and 1, or score a CLB of 5 for TEER 2 and 3. Please note that acceptance tests are the CELPIP and IELTS General Test and TEF; and |
| Have a profile registered with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry system. |
If You Want to Start a Business in Nova Scotia:
Entrepreneur Stream
The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners and managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. You can start a business or buy an existing one. Then, after you have continued to manage your company for longer than one year actively, you may be nominated for permanent residence in the province.
| To Qualify, You Must: |
|---|
| Be 21 years of age or older; |
| Be interested in living permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively running a business in the province; |
| Have a net worth of at least $600,000; |
| They can invest at least $150,000 of their own money to establish a business in Nova Scotia. |
| Have at least three years of experience in actively managing and owning a business or five years of experience in a senior management position; |
| Have at least a score of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, and writing in English or French; |
| Have completed a diploma from a Canadian high school or have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which is not older than five years; |
| Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI); and |
| Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotian Office of Immigration |
Experience
You need the following work experience to qualify. In addition, you must have the following:
- Worked for a Nova Scotian employer;
- Applied within three years of your application with the NSOI and IRCC;
- Worked at least one year or 1,560 hours as either a full-time or part-time worker;
- Worked a job that falls within TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3; and
- Proved that you meet all the primary duties of the above Skill Type you applied with
Be aware that work experience gained by self-employment, volunteer work, unpaid internship and co-op programs do not count towards good work experience. However, suppose you want to ensure your work experience is valid for one of these programs. In that case, you'll want a complete evaluation by a certified immigration consultant like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can fully evaluate you to help you find the program where you will most likely succeed.
Why Move to Nova Scotia?
There are many great reasons to consider moving to Nova Scotia. Known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly communities, and strong economy, Nova Scotia offers much to those looking for a new place to call home. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider moving to Nova Scotia:
Beautiful Scenery
Nova Scotia is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged coastline to the rolling hills and lush forests. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, or simply taking in the view, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore in Nova Scotia.
Friendly Communities
Nova Scotia is home to some of the friendliest people in Canada. With a strong sense of community, welcoming locals, and a diverse population, you will feel right at home in Nova Scotia. Learn more about Nova Scotia's community here.
Strong Economy
With a thriving tourism industry, a growing tech sector, and a rich history of fishing and forestry, Nova Scotia's economy is strong and diverse. This means there are plenty of job opportunities and a low cost of living compared to other parts of Canada. Learn more about Canada's economy here.
Cultural Attractions
Nova Scotia has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. From the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there is plenty of cultural attractions in Nova Scotia.
Delicious Food
Nova Scotia is known for its delicious seafood, including lobster, scallops, and mussels. But the province also has a thriving culinary scene, with many locally sourced ingredients and talented chefs creating delicious meals across the province.
Affordable Housing
Compared to other parts of Canada, housing in Nova Scotia is relatively affordable. This means you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Quality Education
Nova Scotia has a robust education system, with many excellent schools and universities across the province. Whether looking for primary, secondary, or post-secondary education, Nova Scotia has many options. Learn more about Canada's world-class education here.
Nova Scotia is a beautiful, friendly, and economically strong province with plenty of cultural attractions, delicious food, and affordable housing. So whether you're looking for a change of scenery or a new place to call home, Nova Scotia is worth considering.
FAQs
How do I Find A Job in Nova Scotia?
There are various ways to find a job in Nova Scotia. One way is to check job search websites like Indeed, Monster, and Job Bank. These websites allow you to search for job opportunities by location, industry, and title. You can also check the careers section of companies' websites that interest you.
Another option is to visit the Nova Scotia Job Board, which provides free information on job opportunities, educational requirements, duties, wage rates, salaries, and current employment trends.
Additionally, you can explore options in the public service sector by visiting the Nova Scotia Government's Careers website, which provides information on how to apply, what is required, and the skills they are looking for in applicants.
Finally, you can check with recruitment agencies or attend job fairs and networking events.
Learn more about finding a job in Canada here.
Are There Any Other Programs Designed to Help You Move to Nova Scotia?
You can immigrate to Nova Scotia via the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). The pilot program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian university who want to work and live in one of the Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia. In addition, the program is designed to help employers in the Atlantic region recruit and retain foreign workers to meet their labour market needs.
Through the program, eligible candidates can apply for permanent residence in Canada after working for a designated employer in the Atlantic region for at least one year.
Therefore, if you are a skilled foreign worker or an international graduate, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program could be an excellent option for you to immigrate to Nova Scotia. Find out how you can immigrate with the AIP here.
Find a New Home in Nova Scotia
Now that you know about the fantastic opportunities to move to Nova Scotia, it's time to start your process. One of the best ways to ensure your procedure goes over quickly and efficiently is to utilize the services and experience of an RCIC. An RCIC can help you get a provincial nomination in Nova Scotia by assessing your eligibility for the NSNP. They can also assist you in preparing and submitting your application, ensuring that all required documents are included and completed accurately.
An RCIC can also advise you on improving your chances of being nominated by reviewing your work experience, education, and language skills and suggesting ways to enhance these areas. Additionally, they can guide you through the entire immigration process, providing support and answering any questions you may have along the way.
