Nova Scotia PNP program is one of the best pathways for foreign workers and international students to immigrate to Canada. This program is also known as the Nova Scotia Nominee Program which has several streams you can choose from to take your first step towards gaining permanent residency status in Canada.

In this PNP program selected candidates get the invitation to apply (ITA) which makes them eligible to live and work permanently in the province. The best part of this program is its processing time, as most of the Nova Scotia applications get processed in less than six months.

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through provincial nomination programs, then I would like to recommend you check their official websites regularly to apply at on right time as when they reach their quota (# of invitation) which usually set annually, they close giving invitation for the period of time.

What are the benefits of the Provincial Nomination Program?

Provincial Nomination Programs are the best pathway to immigrate to Canada as there are several benefits of applying through the PNP program. We are listing below some of the key benefits of applying through these programs:

• Increase CRS score: One of the best benefits of the PNP program is it makes you eligible to get 600 additional points. These 600 points can be life-changing for you to decide your success in getting an ITA to apply for permanent residency.
• Less CLB requirement: Some provincial program doesn’t require high language score to qualify for the program. You can apply for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) with a band score as low as 4.5 only.
• Low points requirements: Another benefit of applying through the PNP program is their low points requirement in comparison to the Express Entry stream.
• Processing time: If you apply your application through provincial nomination then it’s most likely you’ll get your PR approval sooner than express entry stream.

What are the options do we have to get the NSNP nomination?

There are two different ways to get the Nova Scotia PNP certificate.

• Candidates can directly submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Nova Scotia e-filing portal.https://accesstobusiness.snsmr.gov.ns.ca/a2b_web/immigration/startUp.jsf Candidates will then be assessed according to a points grid, and eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the program. Once nominated they can then create a Canada Express Entry profile and submit their nomination details.
• The other option for prospective immigrants interested in moving to Nova Scotia is to create an Express Entry profile and use the online immigration system to indicate an interest in the province. 

Types of categories under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program

As we have mentioned in the beginning that Nova Scotia PNP has several streams you can apply from, so in this section, we’ll cover the type of categories which will help you to decide the best option to apply for provincial nomination.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program has nine main categories and each category is divided into several other categories:

• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Skilled Worker
• Occupations in Demand
• International Graduate Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneur
• Physician
• Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

This program is designed for employers to meet their human resource needs by recruiting highly skilled individuals depending on market needs.

The Nova Scotia Demand Express Entry has two streams and to get the invitation for Nova Scotia PNP you must meet the set requirements which are outlined in their eligibility criteria.

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry has two categories.

Category A: In this category, candidates must have a valid job offer.

Category B: In this category job offer is not required, though candidates must have experience in the demand list of occupations.

Note: If you’re one of the applicants who wish to apply for Nova Scotia PNP through category B, then it is highly recommended checking the official website as the nomination in Category B opens and closes throughout the year.

Eligibility

To apply underCategory A, You must:

• have 1 year of skilled work experience in the demand list of occupations.
• have a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer which should be valid at least one-year post your permanent residency visa issued.
• score 67 points or more to get the invitation.
• have Canadian high school credentials or equivalent.
• score CLB 7 to prove proficiency in English or French
• show financial resources to support your stay in Canada.
• have Express Entry Profile registered on the IRCC website.

To apply underCategory B, You must:

• be in one of the target occupations in the Nova Scotia Demand list.
• have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in one of the target occupations.
• score 67 points or more to get the invitation.
• have Canadian high school credentials or equivalent.
• score CLB 7 to prove proficiency in English or French
• show financial resources to support your stay in Canada.
• have Express Entry Profile registered on the IRCC website. 

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

This stream is for highly skilled professionals who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. To get the invitation in the category, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a high skilled occupation.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• be 21 to 55 years old
• have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia
• have Canadian high school credentials or equivalent
• prove your language proficiency (English or French) by scoring CLB 7 for skilled work in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 0 & A. You need CLB 5 for NOC B level jobs.
• have your profile registered on the IRCC website.

Skilled Worker

The stream helps Canadian employers to recruit skilled foreign workers and international students as per their demand in Nova Scotia. In the skilled worker stream, an employer can only hire foreign nationals if they are unable to fill the positions with permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

Eligibility

 To apply under this category, you must:

• be 21 to 55 years old
• have a full-time permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia
• have at least 1 year of work experience related to the job
• have a high school diploma
• have the appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job
• prove your language proficiency (English or French) by scoring CLB 5 for skilled work in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 0 & A.
• have CLB 4 along with the test results if you’re a Semi-Skilled and Low-Skilled worker.
• show financial resources to support your stay in Canada.

Occupations in Demand

This Nova Scotia PNP stream targets only National Occupation Classification C, which means individuals who are working in the intermediate-skilled occupations only eligible to apply and get the notification in this stream.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• be 21 to 55 years old
• have a full-time permanent job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia in either NOC 3413 or NOC 7511
• have at least 1 year of work experience related to the job
• have a high school diploma
• have the appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job
• Prove your language proficiency equal to CLB 4 even you’re native of English-speaking or French-speaking countries.
• show financial resources to support your stay in Canada

International Graduate Entrepreneur

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. If you’re one of those who have started or brought a business that is helping to grow the labor market in Nova Scotia and getting operate from last one year, then this PNP stream is for you as it makes you eligible to apply for permanent residency in Nova Scotia.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• live permanently in Nova Scotia and actively managing your business. 
• Have at least one-year continuous experience in managing your business (your ownership in the business should be a minimum of 33.33%
• Have completed your degree and diploma with at least 2 academic years full time at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community college
• Have a post-graduation work permit
• Have at least CLB 7 in all four sections (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing) in English or French

Entrepreneur

If you’re an experienced business owner or Senior business manager, then this Entrepreneur stream is for you. This stream attracts individuals who are planning to settle in Nova Scotia and ready to participate in the growth of the province.

Individuals planning to start or buying an existing business and ready to manage the day to day activity of their business can apply for this stream to gain permanent residency status in the Province.

To apply for this stream, you must be managing your business for a year. Also, the application to this stream is by invitation only. You will be notified by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration to apply for the Nomination.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• be 21 years of age or older
• want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a business
• be able to invest at least CAD 150,000
• have a net worth of at least CAD 600,000
• have at least three years of experience in managing and owning a business (1/3 ownership minimum)
• have more than five years of experience in a senior business management role
• have at least CLB 5 in all four sections (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing) in English or French 

Physician

This stream is for Doctors or Physicians as this stream assists Nova Scotia’s public health authorities to hire general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians. If your working as a physician, then this stream is for you as you can apply under this stream to gain permanent residency status.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• The Physician Stream is only for general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3112) and specialist physicians (NOC 3111) with signed approved opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority
• The approved opportunity must be on official Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) letterhead
• Indicate eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

This stream selects physicians to apply for nomination through the federal Express Entry system. You must have an offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority and an invitation to apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• have an approved opportunity from the NSHA or IWK
• receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program
• provide a copy of a signed Return for Service Agreement indicating a commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum period of two years
• submit your application within 30 calendar days of the date on which your invitation was issued
• have enough funds to support you and your family after landing in Nova Scotia
• meet the minimum work-experience requirements of the Express Entry stream

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

This Nova Scotia PNP stream selects candidates from the federal Express Entry system who meet the provincial labor market needs to apply for nomination. To apply for the nomination, you must be invited by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

Eligibility

To apply under this category, you must:

• receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia PNP within the Express Entry system
• submit your application within 30 calendar days of the date on which your invitation was issued
• meet the work experience requirement
• have enough funds to support you and your family after landing in Nova Scotia

Language Testing Organizations

Applicant’s language test must be from one of the following language testing organization:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) to test proficiency in French
• Test de Connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) to test proficiency in French

Application Cost

There is no provincial application fee under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Belowfeesare in CAD (Canadian Dollars) and based on one person in the application. These fees will vary depending on the number of applicants applying or included in the application.    

• Provincial Nomination: $0
• Permanent Residence Fee: $550
• Right of Permanent residence fee: $490

Note: Getting a nomination from any Provincial program plays a crucial role in the success of your permanent residency application as it will increase your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score by 600 points which is more than enough to get the invitation to apply for residency status in Canada.

We hope this article will help you to know about the Nova Scotia PNP and and takes you a step closer to your dream of working and settling in Nova Scotia.

At Blogimmi, we help applicants to travel, study, and settle abroad by connecting them to their preferred destinations. We eliminate the frustration with complex application procedures by streamlining the process with our fully online on-demand consulting.

Our advisors are ready to answer your queries 24/7. If you have any questions, feel free to reach us by email or phone call.

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