The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) enables the province to select foreign workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs with the skills and experience needed in the local labour market. Through this program, Nova Scotia nominates candidates for Canadian permanent residency, supporting both provincial economic growth and federal immigration goals. Successful applicants benefit from faster PR pathways, especially when aligned with Express Entry.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration pathway that allows Nova Scotia to nominate individuals whose skills, work experience, and education align with the province’s labour market and demographic needs. The program is managed by Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The NSNP is part of Canada’s broader immigration system, where provinces and territories play a role in selecting newcomers to meet regional priorities. Once nominated by Nova Scotia, applicants can apply to IRCC for permanent residency, either through Express Entry–aligned streams or non-Express Entry pathways. This two-step process ensures both provincial and federal approval for immigration.
Benefits of the Nova Scotia PNP for Applicants
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The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a variety of immigration streams designed to attract skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs who can help meet the province’s economic and labour market needs. Each stream has its own requirements but all provide a pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
This stream is aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system. It targets skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Applicants must have an active Express Entry profile, meet minimum language requirements (CLB 5–7 depending on the occupation), and intend to live in Nova Scotia. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly improving the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Through this stream, Nova Scotia selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool by issuing a Letter of Interest (LOI) to those who match current provincial labour needs. The eligibility criteria vary with each draw and often focus on priority sectors such as healthcare and social services. Candidates must apply within 30 days of receiving an LOI. This stream gives the province flexibility to respond quickly to changing labour shortages.
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When applying to the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), applicants must provide a complete set of documents to support their eligibility. The exact checklist depends on the stream, but typically includes:
Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Stream
Review the Nova Scotia PNP streams (e.g., Skilled Worker, Labour Market Priorities, Experience: Express Entry, Entrepreneur) and select the one that matches your profile and goals.
Step 2: Prepare Your Profile and Documents
Depending on the stream, create an Express Entry profile (for EE-aligned streams) or prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) (for Entrepreneur streams). Gather required documents, such as passport, education credentials, language test results, work experience letters, and settlement funds proof.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online through the official Nova Scotia Immigration portal. For streams like Labour Market Priorities, you must apply within 30 days of receiving a provincial Letter of Interest (LOI). Entrepreneur applicants submit their EOI and wait for an invitation before filing the full application.
Step 4: Receive Provincial Nomination
If your application is successful, Nova Scotia will issue a Provincial Nomination Certificate. For Express Entry–aligned streams, you must accept the nomination in your Express Entry account, which adds 600 CRS points.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence with IRCC
With the provincial nomination, submit your complete permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Pay the required PR fees, provide biometrics, police certificates, and medical exam results. IRCC makes the final decision on granting permanent residency.
When applying through the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), applicants benefit from the fact that the province does not charge any application or nomination fees. This makes Nova Scotia one of the more affordable provinces for immigration compared to others that levy provincial charges.
However, once you receive a nomination, you must pay the required federal fees to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of your permanent residence (PR) application. These include processing fees, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), and biometrics charges.
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee (CAD) | RPRF (CAD) | Total (CAD) |
| Principal applicant | $950 | $575 | $1,525 |
| Spouse/partner | $950 | $575 | $1,525 |
| Dependent child | $260 | N/A | $260 |
| Biometrics | $85 per person | N/A | $85 |
| Biometrics (family max) | $170 | N/A | $170 |
Note: These fees are paid directly to IRCC during the PR application stage and must be settled before your application can be processed.
The typical processing time for Nova Scotia PNP applications is a few months at the provincial stage, followed by approximately 9 to 12 months at the federal stage with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Processing times can vary depending on the stream, application volume, and whether the profile falls under priority occupations. In general, the Nova Scotia government reviews applications first and issues a provincial nomination, after which applicants submit a permanent residence application to IRCC. The two-step process ensures both provincial selection and federal approval before granting permanent residency.
| Factor | Nova Scotia PNP | Other Provincial Nominee Programs |
| Application Fees | No provincial application or nomination fee, making it cost-effective. | Many provinces charge fees ranging from a few hundred to over CAD $1,500. |
| CRS Score Requirements | Labour Market Priorities Stream can select candidates from Express Entry with relatively moderate CRS scores; nomination adds +600 CRS points. | Some provinces require higher CRS scores or specific job offers to qualify. |
| Targeted Occupations | Dedicated streams for healthcare, social assistance, and construction (e.g., Occupations in Demand, Critical Construction Worker Pilot). | Other provinces may not have as many sector-specific pilots or may focus only on high-demand jobs. |
| Lifestyle & Cost of Living | Lower cost of living compared to major provinces like Ontario or British Columbia; balanced lifestyle with strong community support. | Larger provinces often have higher living costs, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. |
UK citizens can apply to the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) through the same streams as other international applicants. Key factors to consider include:
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The Nova Scotia PNP focuses on high-demand occupations in sectors where the province faces labor shortages. These occupations include roles in healthcare, information technology (IT), engineering, skilled trades, construction, and nursing. Specific jobs like software developers, nurses, civil engineers, and electricians are prioritized under certain streams. The Occupation in Demand Stream targets workers with experience in these high-need fields. Applicants with relevant skills and qualifications in these sectors are more likely to be considered for provincial nomination.
Yes, you can apply for the Nova Scotia PNP with a valid job offer through the Skilled Worker and Occupation in Demand streams. A job offer from a Nova Scotia employer is a key requirement for these streams. The job offer must be full-time, permanent, and in a position that aligns with the province’s labor market needs. This increases your chances of being nominated, as the job offer demonstrates your immediate ability to contribute to the local economy and workforce.
The processing time for the Nova Scotia PNP depends on the stream you are applying for. For example:
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP), also known as Nova Scotia PNP, is the province’s immigration pathway that allows Nova Scotia to nominate candidates for Canadian permanent residence. It is designed to meet local labour market and economic needs by attracting newcomers with the right skills, education, and experience. Through this program, candidates can receive a provincial nomination that strengthens their permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals are among those who may be eligible to apply, depending on the stream chosen.
Nova Scotia offers several streams under its nominee program, divided into Express Entry–aligned streams and base (non-Express Entry) streams. Major pathways include:
A job offer is required for many streams under the Nova Scotia PNP. For example, the Skilled Worker stream requires a full-time, permanent job offer, and the Occupations in Demand and Physician streams also mandate valid offers of employment. However, some Express Entry–aligned streams, such as Labour Market Priorities, do not necessarily require a job offer. In those cases, candidates are selected directly from the Express Entry pool if their profile matches Nova Scotia’s labour needs. It is important to review the eligibility criteria for the specific stream you plan to apply under.
Language requirements depend on the stream and the skill level of the occupation. For skilled work in higher-level occupations, a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 is typically required, demonstrated through an approved language test. For intermediate-skilled jobs, such as those in the Occupations in Demand stream, the requirement may be lower, such as CLB 4 or 5. Regardless of the stream, applicants must provide valid test results from approved English or French language exams. Stronger language skills not only meet the minimum requirement but also improve competitiveness in the Express Entry system.
The processing times for the Nova Scotia PNP vary depending on the stream, the volume of applications, and the completeness of the submission. On average, provincial processing can take between three to six months. Once nominated, applicants must then apply for permanent residence with IRCC, which may add another six to twelve months depending on federal processing times. Altogether, the entire process from provincial nomination to permanent residence can take anywhere from six months to over a year. Timelines may be longer if there are missing documents, additional checks, or high demand in specific streams.
Nova Scotia does not charge a provincial application fee for any of its nominee program streams. This makes it different from some other provinces that require applicants to pay fees when submitting their PNP application. However, once you receive a nomination, you will need to pay the federal immigration processing fees to IRCC. These fees include the application processing fee, the right of permanent residence fee, biometrics fee, and any other charges that may apply to your situation. Applicants should plan for these federal costs when budgeting for the immigration process.
If you're an international graduate aiming to apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) under the International Graduates in Demand (IGiD) stream, follow these steps:
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream, you must meet the following criteria:
To apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Skilled Worker stream, follow these steps:
Step 1: Secure a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
Step 2: Have your employer complete the NSNP 200 Employer Information Form and provide a detailed job offer letter.
Step 3: Gather required documents, including passport, educational credentials, work experience proof, language test results, police certificates, medical exam results, and proof of financial resources.
Step 4: Submit your application and documents online through the eNSNP portal.
Step 5: Wait for the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration to assess your application and issue a nomination certificate if approved.
Step 6: Apply for permanent residency with IRCC within six months of receiving the nomination.
Step 7: Request a Letter of Support for a new work permit if your current permit is expiring.
Step 8: Notify NSOI within 30 days of arrival in Nova Scotia with your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and contact details.
Here is a comparison of the primary streams within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP):
| Stream | Eligibility Highlights |
| Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry | Requires at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia; CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0–1, CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2–3; active Express Entry profile. |
| Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities | Targets candidates with specific skills needed in Nova Scotia; requires a Letter of Interest from NSOI; must apply within 30 days. |
| Skilled Worker | Requires a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer; employer must demonstrate inability to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. |
| International Graduates in Demand | For international graduates from Nova Scotia institutions with a job offer in specific in-demand NOC codes; no work experience required. |
| Occupations in Demand | Targets workers with a full-time, permanent job offer in high-demand NOC occupations; requires relevant work experience. |
| Entrepreneur | For experienced business owners or senior managers intending to start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia, it requires a minimum investment and active management. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | For international graduates from Nova Scotia institutions who have operated a business in the province for at least one year; requires active business management. |
| Physician | Requires a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia health organization; must meet licensing requirements; includes a Return for Service Agreement. |
The Nova Scotia PNP can help you find a job in Nova Scotia by connecting you with employers looking for skilled workers, providing access to Letters of Interest that match your profile with in-demand occupations, and offering guidance on preparing a strong job application. The program also helps international graduates and skilled workers understand local labor market requirements, ensuring your qualifications and experience align with Nova Scotia’s needs.
