Nova Scotia Nominee Program

For centuries, Nova Scotia has been welcoming new arrivals with open arms. This tradition has led to our diverse culture and warm reputation, and has enriched our businesses and our communities. This beautiful province continues to attract those seeking a better life for themselves and their families – when quality of life is the real measure of fulfillment. In Nova Scotia, new arrivals often become lifelong residents, contributing to the businesses they work for and economic development in the province.

We are proud to continue this tradition by offering skilled immigrants the opportunity to work and live here through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a quicker entry into Canada for qualified workers and experienced entrepreneurs who wish to settle in Nova Scotia and become permanent residents of Canada.

 

The program is managed by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the federal department responsible for immigration.

It allows Nova Scotia to recruit and select immigrants who can contribute to meeting the labour market and economic needs of the province. Individuals nominated by Nova Scotia, together with their spouse/partner and dependent children, are eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa under the federal Economic Class known as the Provincial Nominee Class.

How it Works

The NSNP is a two-step application process for permanent resident status in Canada.

Step one - Apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program:
Once you decide that you want to settle and work permanently in Nova Scotia, you should review the NSNP categories to see if you meet the criteria set by the province for nomination. If you do and you choose to apply, you must complete the required application forms, attach all supporting documentation and forward the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration for assessment.

If you are approved by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration as meeting the NSNP selection criteria, you will receive a Letter of Nomination. A Certificate of Nomination will be issued by the Office of Immigration directly to the appropriate CIC visa office.

A nomination by the province does not guarantee that you will be granted permanent residency. This final decision rests solely with CIC.

Step two - Apply to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office

If you are nominated by the province, you must then submit your NSNP and federal immigration application package directly to the appropriate CIC visa office within 90 days of nominee certificate issuance.

CIC will conduct criminal, security and health checks on your application. It may also request an interview or additional information. CIC will make the final selection decision on whether you will be issued a permanent
resident visa.

NSNP Program Streams:

Skilled Worker Stream - there are specific sectors in Nova Scotia that have many opportunities for skilled immigrants. This stream fast-tracks applicants who have the needed skills and permanent full-time job offers.

Family Business Worker Stream - this helps family-owned businesses to hire close relatives who have skills that couldn't be found in Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Community Identified Stream - aimed at individuals who are employable, have strong established connections to a Nova Scotia community, and can contribute to the labour market and economy of that specific community.

Economic Stream - for experienced managers and business owners. Please Note: The province is not currently accepting any new applications under the economic stream. The stream will be redesigned in fall of 2007.

International Graduate Stream - helps employers hire and retain recent international graduates whose skills may be in limited supply in the province. This stream targets international graduates who have established strong ties to Nova Scotia and intend to live, work, and establish their careers in this province.

For Economic Stream Permanent Residents Only:

Business Mentor Program - new immigrants need a place in the workforce to start. This program helps permanent residents nominated under the Economic Stream obtain an employment contract, and a business mentorship with a Nova Scotia company.