Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) in 2025

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) is a key pathway for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates seeking permanent residency (PR) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Designed to address the province’s economic and labor market needs, the NSNP nominates candidates who can contribute to Nova Scotia’s growth and settle permanently in the province. With its stunning coastal landscapes, affordable living, and vibrant communities, Nova Scotia is an attractive destination for newcomers. This SEO-friendly guide provides detailed insights into the NSNP’s streams, eligibility criteria, application processes, and recent updates for 2025, ensuring you have all the information needed to pursue your Canadian dream.

Overview of the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)

Launched in 2003, the NSNP has significantly increased immigration to Nova Scotia, tripling the province’s annual newcomer intake to over 7,000 permanent residents. Alongside the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the NSNP has boosted Nova Scotia’s retention rate to over 70%, thanks to its focus on matching candidates with academic and employment opportunities. Administered by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), the NSNP operates under the federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) framework, offering 10 distinct streams tailored to various applicant profiles, from skilled workers to business owners.
The NSNP includes both enhanced streams (aligned with the federal Express Entry system, awarding 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points) and base streams (requiring direct PR applications to IRCC). In 2025, the program continues to evolve, reflecting changes in provincial labor needs and federal immigration policies, such as the 50% reduction in PNP allocations announced in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which caps PNP admissions at 55,000 for 2025.

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) Streams in 2025

The NSNP offers 10 immigration streams, each targeting specific groups. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stream, including eligibility, requirements, and application processes.
1. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
  • Best For: Skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
  • Eligibility:

    • At least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in Nova Scotia in the last five years in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). Note: As of May 2022, NOC 62020 (food service supervisors) is ineligible.

    • Work experience must be gained with proper authorization (e.g., work permit) and not through self-employment, full-time study, or unpaid internships.
    • Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
    • Language proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for TEER 0 or 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 in English or French.
    • Active Express Entry profile with IRCC.
    • Sufficient settlement funds (e.g., CAD $11,000 for a single applicant, plus CAD $2,000 per dependent).
    • Intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia.
  • Process:
    1. Create an Express Entry profile with IRCC.
    2. Apply online via the NSOI website, uploading all required documents.
    3. If nominated, receive a provincial nomination certificate by email and 600 CRS points in Express Entry.
    4. Accept the nomination in Express Entry within 30 days and apply for PR within 60 days of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

  • Processing Time: 3–6 months for NSOI assessment; Express Entry PR applications typically take 6–12 months.

  • Note: This stream is ideal for temporary workers or post-graduation work permit holders in Nova Scotia.

2. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

  • Best For: Express Entry candidates with skills in high-demand occupations (e.g., early childhood educators, pharmacists).
  • Eligibility:
    • Valid Express Entry profile.
    • Letter of Interest (LOI) from NSOI, issued based on provincial labor market priorities.

    • Work experience in a targeted occupation (e.g., NOC 4214 for early childhood educators or NOC 31301 for pharmacists in the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot).

    • CLB 7 or higher in English or French.
    • Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (with ECA if foreign-educated).
    • Sufficient settlement funds and legal status in current country of residence.
  • Process:
    1. Register in the Express Entry pool and indicate interest in Nova Scotia.
    2. Receive an LOI from NSOI via your Express Entry account.
    3. Submit an NSNP application within 30 days, including proof of work experience and funds.
    4. If nominated, receive 600 CRS points and apply for PR through Express Entry.

  • Processing Time: 3–6 months for NSOI assessment.

  • Note: Targeted occupations vary; check NSOI’s archived draw criteria for updates. Recent draws include pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (August 28, 2024).

3. Skilled Worker Stream

  • Best For: Foreign workers with a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
  • Eligibility:
    • Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 occupations. TEER 4 and 5 require six months of work with the supporting employer.
    • At least one year of relevant work experience (or six months with the employer for TEER 4 or 5).
    • Age 21–55.
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3; CLB 4 for TEER 4 or 5.
    • Sufficient settlement funds.

    • Employer must demonstrate recruitment efforts and compliance with labor standards (e.g., competitive wages, no labor disputes).

  • Process:
    1. Secure a job offer, possibly requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless exempt.
    2. Submit an online application to NSOI with required documents (e.g., job offer, work experience proof).
    3. If nominated, apply for PR directly to IRCC within six months.

  • Processing Time: 6–12 months for NSOI assessment; PR processing varies.

  • Note: As of April 17, 2024, applications in the Accommodation and Food Services sector are paused due to a backlog.

4. Occupations in Demand

  • Best For: Workers with job offers in specific in-demand TEER 3, 4, or 5 occupations.
  • Eligibility:
    • Full-time, permanent job offer in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
      • NOC 3413: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates.
      • NOC 7511: Transport truck drivers.
      • NOC 7521: Heavy equipment operators (except crane).

      • NOC 7611: Construction trades helpers and laborers.

    • At least one year of relevant work experience.
    • Age 21–55.
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • CLB 4 in English or French.
    • Sufficient settlement funds.
    • Employer compliance with labor standards.
  • Process:
    1. Secure a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
    2. Apply online to NSOI with supporting documents.
    3. If nominated, apply for PR directly to IRCC.

  • Processing Time: 6–12 months.

  • Note: This stream targets lower-skilled roles with persistent labor shortages. The pause on Accommodation and Food Services applications also applies.

5. Critical Construction Worker Pilot – Job Offer Pathway

  • Best For: Skilled construction workers with a job offer in Nova Scotia.
  • Eligibility:

    • Full-time, permanent job offer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in one of the following NOCs: electricians, carpenters, heavy-duty mechanics, welders, roofers, crane operators, HVAC mechanics, construction managers, etc.

    • At least one year of relevant work experience.
    • High school diploma or construction-specific training.
    • CLB 5 in English or French.
    • Sufficient settlement funds.
  • Process:
    1. Secure a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
    2. Apply online to NSOI.
    3. If nominated, apply for PR directly to IRCC.

  • Processing Time: 6–12 months.

  • Note: This pilot addresses Nova Scotia’s construction sector needs, supporting infrastructure growth.

6. International Graduates in Demand

  • Best For: International graduates with job offers in high-demand healthcare or education roles.
  • Eligibility:
    • Full-time, permanent job offer in one of the following NOCs:
      • NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates.

      • NOC 42202: Early childhood educators and assistants.

    • Completed a two-year full-time post-secondary program in Nova Scotia within the last three years.
    • CLB 5 in English or French.
    • Intention to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.
  • Process:
    1. Secure a job offer in a targeted occupation.
    2. Apply online to NSOI.
    3. If nominated, apply for PR directly to IRCC.

  • Processing Time: 6–12 months.

  • Note: This stream supports Nova Scotia’s healthcare and education sectors.

7. Physicians Stream

  • Best For: Doctors with job offers from Nova Scotia health authorities.
  • Eligibility:
    • Job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre as:
      • NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians.

      • NOC 31100, 31101: Specialist physicians.

    • Commitment to work in Nova Scotia for at least two years.
    • Required education, training, and licensing for the role.
    • Legal status in current country of residence.
  • Process:
    1. Obtain a signed Approved Opportunities document from NSHA or IWK.
    2. Apply online to NSOI.
    3. If nominated, apply for PR directly to IRCC.

  • Processing Time: Approximately 6 months.

  • Note: This stream addresses critical shortages in Nova Scotia’s healthcare system.

8. Entrepreneur Stream

  • Best For: Experienced business owners or senior managers willing to invest in a Nova Scotia business.
  • Eligibility:
    • Minimum net worth of CAD $600,000 (CAD $400,000 outside Halifax Regional Municipality), verified by NSOI-designated professionals.
    • Minimum investment of CAD $150,000 (CAD $100,000 outside HRM) in a new or existing Nova Scotia business.
    • At least three years of business ownership (33.33% ownership) or five years of senior management experience in the last 10 years.
    • CLB 5 in English or French.
    • High school diploma or equivalent.

    • Score at least 85 points on the NSNP points grid (based on language, education, experience, and business plan).

    • Intention to settle permanently in Nova Scotia and actively manage the business.

    • Business must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (not a relative).

  • Process:

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to NSOI, scored on a points grid (up to 150 points).

    2. If invited, submit a formal application, including a Business Establishment Plan and Net Worth Verification Report (within 180 days).

    3. Attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia within 60 days.
    4. Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) detailing investment and business operations.
    5. Apply for a two-year work permit with IRCC, arrive in Nova Scotia within six months, and operate the business for at least one year.
    6. Request a nomination from NSOI and apply for PR with IRCC.

  • Processing Time: 6–12 months for NSOI assessment; work permit and PR processing vary.

  • Note: For existing businesses, the business must have operated for five years under the same owner, be purchased at fair market value, and retain existing staff.

9. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

  • Best For: Nova Scotia graduates who have started or bought a business.
  • Eligibility:
    • Completed at least two years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College.
    • Owned and operated a Nova Scotia business for at least one year, actively participating in daily management.
    • Minimum net worth of CAD $50,000.
    • CLB 7 in English or French.
    • Intention to settle permanently in Nova Scotia.
  • Process:
    1. Submit an EOI to NSOI.
    2. If invited, submit a formal application.
    3. If nominated, apply for PR directly to IRCC.

  • Processing Time: 6–12 months.

  • Note: This stream is by invitation only and supports entrepreneurial graduates.

10. Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot

  • Best For: Healthcare workers in specific roles (e.g., pharmacists, pharmacy technicians).
  • Eligibility:
    • Work experience in targeted healthcare occupations (e.g., NOC 31301 for pharmacists, NOC 32124 for pharmacy technicians).
    • Valid Express Entry profile.

    • LOI from NSOI for the pilot (e.g., issued on August 28, 2024).

    • CLB 7 or higher in English or French.
    • Sufficient settlement funds and legal status.
  • Process:
    1. Register in Express Entry and receive an LOI from NSOI.
    2. Submit an application to NSOI within 30 days.
    3. If nominated, apply for PR through Express Entry.

  • Processing Time: 3–6 months for NSOI assessment.

  • Note: Contact IEHP-IMM@novascotia.ca for pilot-specific inquiries. 

General Eligibility Requirements for NSNP

While each stream has specific criteria, common requirements include:

  • Language Proficiency: CLB 4–7, depending on the stream and occupation, tested via IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF (French). Some streams require CLB 8 for competitive Express Entry profiles.

  • Education: Minimum high school diploma; foreign credentials require an ECA from IRCC-designated organizations.
  • Work Experience: At least one year in a relevant occupation, with proper authorization for Nova Scotia-based experience.
  • Settlement Funds: Proof of funds to support yourself and dependents (e.g., CAD $11,000 for a single applicant), unless employed in Canada.
  • Intention to Settle: Demonstrated commitment to living permanently in Nova Scotia.
  • Legal Status: Valid status in your current country of residence.
Application Process for NSNP
  1. Determine Eligibility:
  2. Gather Documents:
    • Passport, language test results, ECA (if applicable), work experience letters, job offer (if required), proof of funds (e.g., bank statements), and police certificates.

    • For entrepreneur streams, include a Business Establishment Plan and Net Worth Verification Report.

  3. Submit an EOI (if applicable):

    • Streams like Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur require an EOI, scored on a points grid.

    • For Labour Market Priorities, wait for an LOI via Express Entry.
  4. Apply to NSOI:

    • Submit applications online via the NSOI portal for most streams.

    • Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
  5. Receive Nomination:

    • If approved, receive a nomination certificate. For enhanced streams, accept the nomination in Express Entry within 30 days to gain 600 CRS points.

    • For base streams, apply directly to IRCC within six months.
  6. Apply for PR with IRCC:
    • Submit a PR application within 60 days (Express Entry) or six months (base streams), including medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.

    • Provide a copy of your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) to NSOI within 30 business days.

  7. Settle in Nova Scotia:
Recent Updates and Challenges in 2025

  • Reduced PNP Allocations: The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan cut PNP admissions by 50% to 55,000 for 2025, down from 120,000 planned for 2025 in 2023. This makes NSNP streams more competitive.

  • Accommodation and Food Services Pause: As of April 17, 2024, NSOI paused applications in this sector due to a backlog, affecting Skilled Worker and Occupations in Demand streams. This pause remains in effect as of May 2025.

  • Express Entry Changes: On March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for job offers, increasing the importance of provincial nominations for boosting scores.
  • High CRS Cutoffs: Recent Express Entry draws show competitive thresholds (e.g., 706 for PNP on May 12, 2025; 547 for CEC on May 13, 2025), emphasizing the value of NSNP’s 600-point boost.web:previous_user_input

  • Processing Times: NSOI processing varies by stream (3–6 months for Express Entry streams, 6–12 months for base streams). IRCC PR processing may take 6–12 months, depending on the stream.

In-Demand Occupations in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s labor market prioritizes sectors like healthcare, education, construction, and technology. Key in-demand occupations for 2025 include:
  • Healthcare: Nurse aides (NOC 33102), pharmacists (NOC 31301), pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124), general practitioners (NOC 31102), specialist physicians (NOC 31100, 31101).
  • Education: Early childhood educators (NOC 42202).
  • Construction: Electricians, carpenters, welders, construction laborers (NOC 7611).
  • Transportation: Transport truck drivers (NOC 7511).
  • Other: Heavy equipment operators (NOC 7521).
Check the NSOI website for updated occupation lists, as priorities shift based on economic needs.

Tips for a Successful NSNP Application

  1. Secure a Job Offer:

    • Many streams require a job offer. Use job boards like CareerBeacon or contact designated employers for AIP and NSNP streams.

    • High-demand sectors include healthcare, construction, and education.
  2. Maximize Your CRS Score:

    • For Express Entry streams, improve language scores (aim for CLB 9) or pursue additional education to compete in draws (e.g., CRS 706 for PNP in May 2025).web:previous_user_input

  3. Work with Professionals:
  4. Prepare a Strong Business Plan:

    • For Entrepreneur streams, create a detailed Business Establishment Plan demonstrating market viability and economic benefits to Nova Scotia.

  5. Stay Informed:
  6. Leverage Settlement Services:

    • Connect with ISANS for free language training, job search support, and community integration.

      Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program

Why Choose Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia offers a compelling case for immigration:
  • Affordable Living: Average home prices are $399,900, well below the national average of $709,218 (2023 data).web:previous_user_input

  • Economic Opportunities: Halifax is a hub for ocean technology, healthcare, and education, with a vibrant job market.

  • Natural Beauty: From the Bay of Fundy’s high tides to Cape Breton’s scenic trails, Nova Scotia is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Welcoming Communities: Nova Scotia’s friendly culture and robust settlement services ensure a smooth transition.

  • High Retention Rate: Over 70% of newcomers stay, thanks to strong employment and community ties.

Conclusion

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program in 2025 offers diverse pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to achieve permanent residency in one of Canada’s most picturesque and opportunity-rich provinces. Despite challenges like reduced PNP allocations and competitive Express Entry draws, the NSNP’s 600-point CRS boost for enhanced streams and employer-driven base streams make it a fast and effective route to PR. By aligning your skills with Nova Scotia’s labor market needs, securing a job offer, or investing in a business, you can unlock a vibrant future in Halifax, Sydney, or beyond.
Start your journey by exploring eligibility on the Live in NS website or contacting ISANS for settlement support. For personalized guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional to navigate the NSNP’s requirements and maximize your chances of success. Nova Scotia is calling—take the first step toward your new home in 2025!
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