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Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

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Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration program designed to attract skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to Nova Scotia, a province known for its stunning landscapes and thriving economy. The NSNP includes various streams, including the Express Entry Stream, which is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system, allowing Nova Scotia to select candidates who meet the province’s labour market needs. The Skilled Worker Stream targets individuals with a valid job offer in Nova Scotia, while the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream is for candidates who have work experience in high-demand occupations. The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream supports international graduates from Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who wish to start or purchase a business in the province. The Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at experienced business owners or managers who want to invest in a business in Nova Scotia. Eligibility requirements vary by stream but typically include factors like job offers, work experience, education, language proficiency, and the intent to live in Nova Scotia. With a provincial nomination from the NSNP, candidates gain additional points in the Express Entry system, enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The NSNP offers a fast pathway to permanent residency while granting access to Nova Scotia’s diverse economy, which includes sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology.

Key Highlight

About

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream is designed for highly skilled individuals who wish to immigrate to Nova Scotia and meet the province's labor market needs. This stream is aligned with Canada's Express Entry system, allowing for expedited processing of applications. Candidates must have a valid job offer in a high-demand occupation and meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. The application process involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the NSNP portal, after which selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and can submit a full application for provincial nomination.

Eligibility

  • Express Entry Profile
    • Must have an active Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • Job Offer
    • A valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer is required.
  • Work Experience
    • At least one year of continuous paid work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
  • Language Proficiency
    • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 in English or French.
  • Education
    • Minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Age
    • Generally, between 21 and 55 years at the time of application; exceptions may apply in certain cases.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream, candidates must first create a profile in the Express Entry system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If eligible, applicants are selected from the Express Entry pool and invited by Nova Scotia to apply for a provincial nomination. After receiving the provincial nomination, applicants can apply for permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system. The stream is intended for candidates who meet the skills and experience requirements needed in Nova Scotia's labor market. Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and provide accurate documentation when submitting their application.

Documents Required:

  • Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code
    • Proof of active profile in the IRCC Express Entry system.
  • Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
    • Assessment report verifying the Canadian equivalency of foreign education.
  • Language Test Results
    • Valid results demonstrating CLB Level 7 proficiency.
  • Work Experience Documents
    • Employment records or reference letters verifying work experience.
  • Job Offer Letter
    • Confirmation of employment from a Nova Scotia employer.
  • Proof of Funds
    • Evidence of sufficient funds to support settlement in Nova Scotia.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream is CAD 300, which must be paid at the time of submission. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Additional fees will apply once the applicant receives the provincial nomination and submits their permanent residency application to IRCC. It's important to check the latest fee information on the official Nova Scotia immigration website, as fees may change over time. Applicants should be prepared for potential additional costs related to medical exams, police checks, and language testing.

Processing Time

The processing time for the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream is typically between 6 to 12 months, depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the completeness of the submitted documentation. After receiving a provincial nomination, candidates proceed to the federal Express Entry system, where additional processing time of 6 to 8 months is required. The total time for processing will vary depending on how quickly the federal authorities process the permanent residency application after nomination. Keeping the application documents up to date and clear can help minimize delays.

Advantages

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream provides a streamlined pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Being nominated by Nova Scotia increases a candidate's chances of being selected for permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system. This program allows candidates to settle in a province known for its rich culture, coastal beauty, and growing economy. The streamlined process minimizes wait times compared to other immigration pathways, offering quicker access to permanent residency. Additionally, applicants can benefit from the province’s strong healthcare system, educational opportunities, and high standard of living.

other important FAQs

What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is an immigration pathway designed to assist the province of Nova Scotia in attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who possess the skills, work experience, and education that will contribute to the power of the Nova Scotia economy. Individuals who meet the criteria of one of the program's streams may be nominated by Nova Scotia for permanent residency in Canada. Applications submitted by the candidate who receives the provincial nomination may be considered under permanent residency programs of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. NSNP has four streams: Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Skilled Worker Stream, Entrepreneur Stream, and International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
How do I apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
To apply under the NSNP, first, you have to determine appropriate streams for your qualifications and experience and, if you have an offer of employment, then how to apply. Most streams require creating an online profile on the Nova Scotia Immigration website and then submitting an EOI. The system uses a points-based application process for selecting candidates who best meet the needs of the labour market in the province. It is the final stage where an invitation to apply is received from the EOI pool. Then, you can apply with a full application along with necessary supporting documents. If successful, you are given a provincial nomination and will be able to apply for permanent residency through this nomination in the immigration system of the country.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream?
The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream is designed for individuals who are already in the federal Express Entry pool and have work experience in Nova Scotia. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements: • Be between the ages of 21 and 55 • Have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) • Demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in either English or French (minimum CLB 7) • Have the intention and ability to settle in Nova Scotia Once selected, applicants will receive a provincial nomination, which can help them earn additional points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
What is the process for applying under the Skilled Worker Stream of the NSNP?
For the Skilled Worker Stream, skilled workers have to obtain a job offer from the employer in Nova Scotia. To get into the stream, applicants have to undergo permanent fulltime employment according to the NOC 0, A, or B occupation. The applicants have to meet the required conditions for this stream. These include: work experience relevant to the requested occupation; English or French language ability; and educational qualifications required for the job. Additionally, an employer nomination for the application should be made by the employer. The applicant, following a nomination from the province, is permitted to apply through the federal government for permanent residence. This stream is suitable for foreign workers with a job opportunity in Nova Scotia and would wish to stay to work within the province.
What is the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream under the NSNP?
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is the pathway for an international graduate of a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution who wishes to start or purchase a business in the province. To be qualified, applicants should have completed at least one year of full-time study at a recognized post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia. They must also have started or purchased a business in Nova Scotia and operated it for at least one year before applying. Applicants must demonstrate their business's success, provide a viable business plan, and show they can financially support themselves. This stream provides an excellent opportunity for graduates who want to remain in Nova Scotia and contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship.
What are the language requirements for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
Language proficiency is a factor for most streams under the NSNP. For most streams, the applicants have to present language test results from an accepted testing agency. For instance, IELTS for English or TEF for French. For the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream, a minimum CLB of 7 is required for English or NCLC 7 for French. Other streams, for example, the Skilled Worker Stream, will require applicants to have a minimum CLB of 4 or 5 depending on the occupation. Applicants need to demonstrate that they have the language skills needed to integrate into the labour market and daily life in Nova Scotia. The required language standards must be met to qualify for the NSNP.
How long does it take to process an application under the NSNP?
The processing time for the NSNP can vary depending on the stream you are applying under and the volume of applications being processed at the time. For the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream, processing times may be shorter as applicants are already in the federal Express Entry pool. However, for other streams like the Skilled Worker Stream, processing times can be longer, especially if additional documentation or verification is required. Generally, the NSNP recommends allowing several months for processing, and it is important to ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately and on time to avoid delays.
Can I apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) without a job offer?
Yes, you can apply under the NSNP even without a job offer, depending on which stream you are applying to. In fact, one of those streams is the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream, and it doesn't require you to have secured a job offer if you can first prove you meet the other criteria. International graduates from Nova Scotia institutions can also apply under the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream if they have started or purchased a business in the province. In general, however, having a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer can strengthen your application significantly under the Skilled Worker Stream or other employer-driven pathways.
Can I apply for the NSNP if I have a job offer, but it’s not in a high-demand occupation in Nova Scotia?
Yes, you can still apply for the NSNP even if your job offer is not in a high-demand occupation, but your application may be evaluated differently. The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream may still be an option if you have a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer and meet other eligibility criteria, including language proficiency and work experience. However, Nova Scotia's Priority Occupations List will play a role in certain stream applications. If your job is outside of these in-demand categories, it might be more challenging, but not impossible. The key is ensuring that you meet all other requirements and demonstrate that your work experience and skills align with the province’s long-term labour needs.
How KGraph helps in the case of NSNP in Canada?
At KGraph immigration, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and maximize your chances of success. As IRCC-registered immigration consultants, our role is to ensure that you are well-informed and prepared at each stage of the process. For example, if you have a job offer in Nova Scotia but it’s not in a high-demand occupation, we help you understand how the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream and other applicable streams work. Our consultants will guide you on how to present your application, ensuring it aligns with the requirements of the specific stream you're applying for, even if your occupation isn’t on the in-demand list. If you’ve previously been refused by another provincial nominee program (PNP), we can help you assess the reasons for the refusal and guide you on how to strengthen your new application for NSNP. We provide advice on how to address any issues from previous refusals, gather the right documentation, and present your case in the best possible light.

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