Nova Scotia Nominee Program

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

The NSNP offers seven streams for skilled and semi-skilled workers who want to become a permanent resident in Nova Scotia. Each pathway contains different categories you can apply under, depending on your occupation skill level, job, or international student status. The seven streams are:

• Nova Scotia labour market priorities: For Canada’s Express Entry system applicants who meet provincial labour market needs and who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system.
• Labour market priorities for physicians: For physicians registered in Canada’s Express Entry system and who have received an approved job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
• Physician: The Physician Stream is only open to general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3112) and specialist physicians (NOC 3111) with signed approved opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
• Skilled Worker: The Skilled Worker stream helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia.
• Occupations in Demand: The Occupations in Demand stream targets specific intermediate-skilled occupations that are in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia. (either NOC 3413 Nurse aides or NOC 7511 truck drivers).
• Scotia Demand: Express Entry: The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. To be eligible you must have a profile in Canada’s Express Entry system and an offer of full-time employment from an employer in Nova Scotia.

NSNP Application Process

A broad overview of the process to apply to the NSNP is below.

Stage 1: Invitation/Letter of Interest Certain categories require an invitation from the NSNP before you can apply, or in the case of Express Entry Stream applicants a Letter of Interest.

---

Stage 2: Application Submit an online application to the NSNP

---

Stage 3: Nomination If your application is approved you will receive a confirmation of nomination as a provincial nominee from the NSNP

---

Stage 4: Permanent Residence After receiving a NSNP confirmation of nomination, you must submit an application for permanent residence.

---

Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Fees and Processing Times

• Main Applicant-Processing fee $825 and right of permanent residence fee $500
• Spouse or Partner-Processing fee $820 and right of permanent residence fee $500
• Each Dependent Child- Processing Fee of $225

The processing time for an applicant with an Express Entry profile and who has applied to a provincial Express Entry stream is 6 months. The processing time for all other applicants is approximately 18 months.

Proof of Funds

You must show that you have sufficient funds to successfully establish yourself and your family in Canada and to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses (if applicable) at the time of your application for permanent residency to IRCC (as well as at Express Entry profile submission stage). The amount of money you need to s determined by the size of your family, as shown below.

The funds must be in your name or in the name of your accompanying spouse. These funds must be unencumbered by debts or obligations transferable and available to you. Funds must be liquid (i.e. not real estate) and cannot be borrowed. You normally do not have to show that you have these funds if:

• You have a valid job offer (offer of arranged employment) in AND
• You are currently working or authorized to work in Canada

How can a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Help?

In addition to making sure the application is complete there are three main areas where an RCIC can help.

Immigration Strategy and Option: An RCIC can advise you on the different options that are available to you to obtain permanent residence in Canada and explain the pros and cons of each option. It is important you choose the best immigration program from the start as this will likely save you time and money in the long run.

Professional Representation: If you do not have a representative assisting you then you will probably only submit the required documentation listed on the IRCC document checklist. Submitting only these documents may be enough to result in a favorable decision. However, submitting only those documents sometimes is not enough to make your case and to satisfy the visa officer you meet the requirements of the visa. Generally, it is wise to submit as much evidence as you can above and beyond the minimum required by IRCC. Your representative can assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application to IRCC by identifying the weaknesses in your application and advising you how to strengthen your application.

Submission letter: An RCIC will prepare and submit a submission letter on behalf of the applicant along with the application. The submission letter is an important part of the application which summarizes and more importantly demonstrates why you meet the requirements of the visa.

Ready to apply to the OINP?

• Review your information and develop a strategy to apply
• Submit your profile in the Express Entry system
• Prepare and submit your application for nomination to the OINP
• Prepare and submit your permanent resident visa application to IRCC
• Act as your authorized representative to the OINP and IRCC.

If you want to apply for permanent residence through the OINP we are here to help! Please complete our free assessment form or contact us and one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will revert to you within 48 hours