Why Apply for the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)?

The Nova Scotia PNP gives UAE residents a quick route to permanent residency through immigration streams that fit the province's job market. Located on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia has lively cities and stunning nature, making it a great place for skilled workers and their families.

• In 2024, NSNP sent out more than 8,000 invites through its Express Entry and base streams.
• Most applications are looked at within 3 to 6 months by the province.
• To be selected, applicants need to hit a 67-point score on Nova Scotia's assessment grid.
• There has been an increase in skilled workers arrivals, particularly in healthcare and IT.
• It offers a pathway for Canadian PR and support for work, housing, and family services.
   

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What is the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)?

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) helps people move to Canada by letting Nova Scotia pick candidates for permanent residency based on their skills and experience. This program is all about bringing in skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international grads to help with the province's economy.

The NSNP focuses on filling economic and job gaps in Nova Scotia by nominating individuals who can make a difference. If you meet the specific requirements, you can get a nomination and apply for Canada PR or permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Types of Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)

Nova Scotia offers multiple options for immigration. They have got streams set up for Express Entry, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs, so there's something for everyone. Here are a few of the main ones:

• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream
• Occupations in Demand Stream
• International Graduates in Demand Stream
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream is part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), aimed at skilled workers in the Canada Express Entry pool. Its goal is to meet specific job needs in the province by inviting candidates from the federal Express Entry system who fit the in-demand roles and support the local economy.

Here are the main features of this stream:

• Express Entry Connection: It picks candidates who already have a valid profile in the federal Express Entry system, which includes the
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
• Targeted Draws: The stream focuses on occupations that are currently in high demand in Nova Scotia. For example, previous draws have looked for healthcare workers, tradespeople, and social and community service workers.
• Letter of Interest: If selected, candidates will get a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
• Nomination Application: After receiving the LOI, candidates usually have about 30 days to send in a complete nomination application to the NSNP.
• Meeting Requirements: Candidates need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for their Express Entry stream, have enough money to settle, and be legally residing in their current country.
• Language Proficiency: Good language skills in English or French are often important, with higher levels preferred.
• No Job Offer Requirement: Unlike some other NSNP streams, you don’t always need a job offer for the Labour Market Priorities stream.

 

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream was a part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) aimed at bringing skilled workers to the province. It worked with the federal Express Entry system to find people whose skills matched jobs that were in demand in Nova Scotia.

Here are the primary features about the stream:

• Express Entry Link: This stream used the federal Express Entry system to pick and nominate candidates.
• In-Demand Occupations: It focused on individuals with skills in specific jobs that were needed in Nova Scotia.

Two Categories: There were two categories for applicants:

• Category A: Required a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
• Category B: Welcomed candidates with experience in in-demand jobs, even if they didn’t have a job offer.

*Looking to apply for Canada Work Visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

 

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is a way for skilled workers who have experience in Nova Scotia to get permanent residency in Canada. It’s part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and is connected to the federal Express Entry system. This stream lets the province pick people from the federal Express Entry pool who meet certain criteria, mainly about their work experience in Nova Scotia.

The key features of the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream are given below.

• Connection to Express Entry: Applicants need to have an active profile in the federal Express Entry pool and qualify for one of the three federal immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.
• Nova Scotia Work Experience: A main requirement is that you must have at least one year of full-time (or the same amount part-time) paid work experience in Nova Scotia in the past three years, and it should be done with the right permissions (like a work permit).
• NOC Requirements: Your work experience should fall under a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B.
• Language Proficiency: You need to show you have enough ability in English or French, and the specific requirements will vary based on your NOC level.
• Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 55 years old.
• No Job Offer Needed: Unlike some other programs, you don’t need a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer to apply.
• 600 CRS Points: If you get accepted, you will receive a boost of 600 points in your Express Entry profile, which means you'll likely get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

 

Occupations in Demand Stream

The Occupations In-Demand stream is all about jobs that need more workers right now. This can be because of things like new technology, an older population, or changes in what society needs. These streams can differ from place to place and are often linked to immigration programs in different provinces or territories, like Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Some examples include healthcare jobs, like nurses and medical techs, skilled trades such as construction or electrical work, and tech-related positions like cybersecurity and software development.

Here are some key points about Occupations in Demand streams:

• Regional Focus: They are designed to meet the specific job needs of a province or territory.
• Immigration Pathways: They give skilled workers a way to move to a region where there's a labor shortage.
• Specific Jobs: The jobs that qualify are listed clearly, usually using National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes to categorize them.
• Growth Potential: Jobs in these streams tend to offer good future prospects and chances for career growth.

 

International Graduates in Demand Stream

The International Graduates in Demand stream helps recent international grads get permanent residency in Nova Scotia, Canada, by working in certain in-demand jobs. It's for graduates whose skills match the National Occupational Classifications (NOCs), like Continuing Care Assistant (NOC 33102) and Early Childhood Education (NOC 42202). To qualify, applicants need a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of those NOCs.

 

Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Entrepreneur Stream is meant for people who have a solid background in business ownership or management and want to start a business in Nova Scotia. The main goal is to eventually get Canadian permanent residency. To qualify, you need to have a certain net worth, relevant business experience, good language skills, and a plan to invest in and run a business in the province.

 

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (IGES) is part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). It's aimed at recent grads from Nova Scotia schools who have started or bought a business in the area and run it for at least a year. If you qualify, you can get a nomination for permanent residence in Canada.

 

Benefits of the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)

The benefits of the Nova Scotia PNP are given below.

• Getting a provincial nomination can fast-track your PR approval through Express Entry.
• You get a guaranteed boost in your CRS score (an extra 600 points), which pretty much guarantees you’ll get an ITA.
• The provincial streams really cater to local job needs, especially in healthcare, IT, and trades.
• Costs are lower here, and there are no big fees, except for the entrepreneur and graduate entrepreneur streams.
• Access public services and a friendly lifestyle in this beautiful province.

Eligibility Criteria for the Nova Scotia PNP

The eligibility criteria for Nova Scotia are given below,

• You must be between 18 and 55 years old.
• You should have the required level of proficiency in either English or French, with at least a CLB 7 for Express Entry streams and CLB 4-5 for others.
• You must have one year of work experience, or something related to the stream you are applying for.
• You should have at least a high school diploma; if your credentials are from outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment.
• You must have genuine intent to plan on living and working in Nova Scotia.

 

Nova Scotia PNP Requirements

The documents required to apply for Nova Scotia PNP are given below.

• Duly filled out application form for the chosen stream
• Valid Express Entry profile
• Language test results to demonstrate proficiency in English or French
• ECA for international degrees
• Job offer letters, employment contracts, LMIA (if required)
• Proof of adequate funds to support yourself in Nova Scotia
• Police clearance
• Medical exam results
• Business plan, net worth, and financial proof for entrepreneur applicants

 

Nova Scotia PNP Application Process for UAE Residents

The detailed procedure to apply for Nova Scotia PNP is given below,

Step 1: Check if you qualify for the stream (like Express Entry, Skilled Worker, or Entrepreneur). 

Step 2: Gather your documents: language test results, Education Credential Assessment, job offer or business plan, and proof of funds. 

Step 3: Apply for an Expression of Interest or wait to get a Letter of Interest through Express Entry. 

Step 4: Once you get the invite, submit your full application to the province along with your EOI and documents. 

Step 5: If you get nominated, go ahead and apply for permanent residency with IRCC, either through Express Entry or a direct federal route.

Nova Scotia PNP Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times for Nova Scotia PNP are given below.

NSNP Stream	Average Processing Time
Express Entry–aligned streams	3–6 months
Skilled Worker & Occupations‑in‑Demand streams	6–12 months
Entrepreneur & International Graduate Entrepreneur streams	6–12 months

 

 

Nova Scotia PNP Fees

Detailed information about the processing fees for the Nova Scotia PNP is given below.

Stream	Provincial Fee (CAD)
Labour Priorities, Experience EE, Demand, Skilled Worker, Physician	CAD 0
Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur	CAD 250

 

Can a Dependant Join Me Under the Nova Scotia PNP?

Yes, a dependant can join the primary candidate under Nova Scotia PNP. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and your kids in your PR application. Dependents get all the same benefits as Canadian PR holders, like the ability to work, study, and access healthcare.

 

Can I Transition to Permanent Residency After a Nova Scotia PNP Visa?

Yes, you can apply for Canada PR after a Nova Scotia PNP Visa. If you get an NSPNP nomination, you can apply for PR using federal options. The streams that align with Express Entry usually get processed quicker, while those using the base stream follow a direct federal route.

 

Recent Nova Scotia PNP Draws

The recent draws for Nova Scotia PNP are given in the table below.

Date (2025)	Stream	Invitations Issued	Profile Date Range	Min Score / Criteria
March 10, 2025	Physicians Labour Market Priorities	278	NA	CLB 9+, 3 years’ physicians
NA	No draws reported (Feb–Apr 2025)	NA	NA	Due to pause in key sectors

 

How Can Y‑Axis Help You?

Y-Axis has a great immigration team for Canada. We’ll help you get your application sorted with the right documents, giving you a better shot at success.

Our team will help you assess your chances and support you through the entire NSNP application process.