How to Immigrate to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is known as one of Canada’s Atlantic Provinces and is the country’s 7th most populous region. This resource-based economy is driven to grow its other sectors and join the rest of the country in growing its GDP. The capital, Halifax, combines the best of hidden ocean coves with a lush and walkable cityscape that makes commuting and traveling a breeze. Discover how to immigrate to Nova Scotia where you can start a new life for yourself and your family. 

In terms of immigration, Nova Scotia participates in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program which allows the Atlantic Provinces to invite candidates who can fill specific labour market shortages in the region. This program has proven so popular that it’s been extended for another two years in hopes of continuing to boost the influx of immigrants in these provinces. This is in line with the government’s plans to welcome over a million foreign nationals into the workforce within the next three years. 

Why Nova Scotia?

92% of the population of the province is English-speaking, while other languages spoken include French, Arabic, and Mandarin. Residents enjoy warm summers and snowy winters with plenty of access to the outdoors, seeing puffins and seals, or playing water sports. Life is well-rounded for residents here who can easily commute to work while also enjoying the best of Canada’s natural splendor. Other perks of making the decision to immigrate to Nova Scotia include free education and free public healthcare. The median family income in this region is $70, 336 (very close to the national median income of $76, 000) along with a lower cost of living than is found nationally. With houses going for an average of $249, 000, it’s certain that this area offers a high quality of living to those who want to immigrate to Nova Scotia.

Biggest Sectors - Nova Scotia Economy
Sector	No. Jobs
Trade	36, 400
Healthcare & Social Assistance	31, 800
Professional Services	19, 000
Education	17, 400
Public Admin	15, 800

Best Ways to Immigrate

There are quite a few ways to immigrate to Nova Scotia as an unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled worker, either through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Express Entry system, which are the most popular routes towards settling in Canada.  

Express Entry System

The Canadian Express Entry system was created in 2015 and umbrellas the three federal programs in a fast-track process that takes as little as six months. These programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. To apply for one of these programs, candidates need to create an online profile through Express Entry which will then be scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If eligible, candidates will then be entered into the Express Entry pool from where the highest-scoring candidates will then be drawn, typically every two weeks. These successful applicants are issued with Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. CRS Criteria Awards Points For:

• Age
• CLB Language proficiency (English and French)
• Level of Education (In and outside Canada)
• Work Experience (In and outside Canada)
• Arranged employment
• Provincial Nomination achieved
• Siblings living in Canada as permanent residents/citizens
• Your spouse’s profile (if married)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

11 out of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories participate in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) which was designed to address labour market opportunities that are specific to the local economies. Read below to see what streams are offered by the Nova Scotia PNP.

Provincial Nominee Programs
Stream	Description
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry	For candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool and meet an in-demand occupation listed by the province.
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry	For candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool and have experience or qualifications in a skilled occupation or trade.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities	For candidates who already in the Express Entry pool and meet labour market needs in the province.
Skilled Worker Stream	For candidates who are skilled, semi-skilled, or low-skilled in an occupation or trade and have obtained a job offer from a local employer.
Entrepreneur Stream	For candidates who are looking to establish, co-own or purchase a business in the province.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream	For candidates who have graduated in the last three years who are looking to establish, co-own or purchase a business in the province.
Physician Stream	For healthcare professionals who are recognized by the province’s medical bodies.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program	For candidates who meet a labour market shortage from a recognized employer in the Atlantic Provinces.

Let Us Help You Move to Nova Scotia, Canada

We are three Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who have all been through the application period ourselves. We can help you to develop a personalized immigration strategy based on your background as well as give you advice about what pathways to take on your road to permanent residence in Canada. Think of this service as a helping hand in making phone calls to immigration officers as well as gathering the correct documents and submitting them on time. Give yourself the best chance of being eligible for one of these immigration streams by getting evaluated by a professional. 

Sign up with our service and let us help you to immigrate to Nova Scotia or one of Canada’s other 13 provinces and territories. We can help you to find out which of the over 60 different immigration programs you are best suited for according to your qualifications and work experience.