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Nova Scotia

Capital: Halifax

Population: 1,002,586

Climate: Summer temperatures will hit highs of 25° C, winters can range between 0° to -10°.

Must see: Cape Breton Island, Lunenberg, Fishermans Cove

Known for: Peggy's Cove lighthouse, Fishing and Seafood!

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Learn more at www.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia is the most populated Maritime province, but still holds much opportunity for a laid back lifestyle. You can enjoy the bustle of Halifax then a short drive to the 200 year old restored fishing village, 

Fisherman's Cove. While small Nova Scotia still holds surprising sights such as the isolated and remote Cape Sable Island, filled with white sandy beaches and around 500 wild horses. Nova Scotia Economic Development is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and attracting capital investment to the province. New projects like the Centre for Ocean Venture and Entrepreneurship (COVE) are building on the unique strengths this small province holds to develop disruptive technology in areas like ocean and marine technology.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers several pathways for those looking to settle in this province. targeting the exact professions in need and those who already have local work experience. In addition to the below programs, the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream offers select candidates in the federal express entry program who meet provincial labour market needs a Letter of Interest so they may apply for nomination.

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Nova Scotia immigration starting guide

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

This stream is for Physicians (NOCs 3112 and 3111) who have a profile number in the federal express entry system, and have received a signed approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority, or the IWK Health Centre. Candidates for this stream will receive a Letter of Interest once the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration is notified of the profile.

Additional requirements include:

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  1. complete the language test and Education Credential Assessment required for express entry

  2. provide a copy of a signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia department of health and wellness, showing commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum of two years.

  3. meet the minimum work experience requirements of the express entry stream for which you have qualified

  4. proof of enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family

  5. hold legal status in your current country of residence

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Processing time is estimated at approximately 6 months, but subject to change

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Physician - non-express entry

This stream is for Physicians (NOCs 3112 and 3111) who hold signed approved opportunities from the Nova Scotia Health Authority, or the IWK Health Centre. Candidates must be able to provide proof of education and medical training.

The approved opportunity must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead, and must:

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  1. be signed and dated by a person authorized to hire physicians at the NSHA or IWK

  2. be signed and dated by the applicant who is accepting the opportunity

  3. indicate eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia

  4. indicate that the applicant is eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA and the IWK

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Processing time is estimated at approximately 18-24 months and is subject to change.

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Entrepreneur

This stream is for serious business owners or senior business managers, who want to establish a business in Nova Scotia. Candidates must either start a new business, or buy an existing business, and actively participate in the day-to-day management. Application to this stream is by invitation only. After operating for one year, the entrepreneur may be invited to apply for permanent resident status.

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To participate in this category you must complete an online Expression of Interest, and receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

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Eligibility requirements include:

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  1. be 21 years of age or older.

  2. proof of intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.

  3. have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD.

  4. be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money to establish a business in Nova Scotia.

  5. have at least three years experience actively managing and owning a business (1/3 ownership minimum) OR more than five years experience in a senior business management role.​

  6. valid language test scores with a minimum of CLB 5 for French or English

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International Graduate Entrepreneur

This stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College, who have started or bought a business in Nova Scotia. The business must have been operating for at least one year. Application to this stream is by invitation only.

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To participate in this category you must complete an online Expression of Interest, and receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

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Eligibility requirements include:

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  1. minimum one year continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business.

  2. at least 33.33% ownership in your current Nova Scotia business

  3. proof of intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.

  4. hold a valid PGWP

  5. have completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia, or the Nova Scotia Community College.

  6. valid language test scores with a minimum of CLB 7 for French or English

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International Graduates in Demand

This stream is for recent international graduates whose skills and education match eligible NOC job categories. Currently the stream is open to NOC 3413 (nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates), and NOC 4214 (early childhood educators and assistants).

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Eligibility requirements include:

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  1. have a permanent full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a job category listed above that corresponds with your recent field of study.

  2. be 21 to 55 years old

  3. have a high school diploma

  4. completed an eligible program at least 30 weeks in length with at least 50% of the program completed in Nova Scotia. This must have been completed within three years of your application submission date.

  5. have certifications issued by Nova Scotia regulatory bodies required for the job.

  6. valid language test scores with a minimum of CLB 5 for French or English

  7. proof of enough funds to successfully settle in Nova Scotia

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Skilled Worker

This stream helps employers hire foreign workers when they have been unable to fill positions with permanent residents or Canadian citizens.​ Occupations must have competitive wages for their industry or sector.

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Eligibility requirements include:

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  1. have a permanent full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.

  2. have one year work experience related to the job. Semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must already have six months experience with the employer.

  3. be 21 to 55 years old

  4. have a high school diploma

  5. have the appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.

  6. valid language test scores reflecting the following for French or English: Skilled worker positions - minimum CLB 5, semi-skilled and low-skilled positions - minimum CLB 4.

  7. proof of enough funds to successfully settle in Nova Scotia

Occupations in Demand

This stream targets NOC C and D occupations that are in demand in the province. Eligible occupations are subject to change, currently they are:​

  • NOC 3413 - Nurse aides, orderlies and patient services associates)

  • NOC 6513 - Food and beverage servers

  • NOC 6711 - Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations

  • NOC 6731 - Light duty cleaners

  • NOC 7511 - Transport truck drivers

  • NOC 7521 - Heavy equipment operators (except crane)

  • NOC 7611 - Construction trades helpers and labourers

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Eligibility requirements include:

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  1. have a permanent full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in on of the above NOCs.

  2. have one year of work experience related to the job.

  3. be 21 to 55 years old

  4. have a high school diploma

  5. have the appropriate training, skills or accreditation for the job.

  6. valid language test scores with a minimum of CLB 4 for French or English

  7. proof of enough funds to successfully settle in Nova Scotia

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Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

If you have one year work experience in Nova Scotia in a high skilled occupation, and a valid express entry profile, this stream may work for you.

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Eligibility requirements include:

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  1. have minimum one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.

  2. be 21 to 55 years old.

  3. have a high school diploma (equivalent to Canadian).

  4. have a profile registered in the federal express entry system.

  5. valid language test scores for French or English reflecting the following:

  • minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A experience

  • minimum CLB 5 for NOB B experience

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Atlantic Immigration Program

AIP is a federally run program and extends to all four Atlantic provinces which helps employers fill employments gaps with international qualified candidates. Employers  apply for designation which then allows them to endorse a foreign national.

Requirements for the Work Permit Stream are:

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  1. Either have the equivalent of 1 year work experience (1,560 hours) in the past 5 years. Experience must be paid, legally obtained, not self-employed an in NOC 0, A, B or C. Or - be an international graduate from a minimum 2 year program in a recognized post-secondary institution in an Atlantic province. Applicant must have held the appropriate permit, been a full-time student for entire length of studies and lived in the Atlantic province for at least 16 months. 

  2. meet the educational requirements; for job offers at NOC 0 or A level post secondary education, for job offers at NOC B or C high school diploma

  3. valid language test results at minimum of CLB/NCLC 5 for NOC 0, A or B job offers, and CLB/NCLC 4 for NOC C job offers

  4. enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family*

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*if you are already living and working in Canada on a valid work permit you do not need to show proof of funds

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