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Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker stream helps Nova Scotia employers recruit foreign workers and international graduates for positions they have been unable to fill with local residents. This employer-driven pathway provides a direct route to provincial nomination for permanent residence.

Stay

Leads to permanent residence

Processing

3–6 months (provincial stage)

Fees

1,000 CAD (provincial application fee effective September 1, 2026)

Work rights

Successful nominees may apply for a work permit while awaiting permanent residence; spouse may be eligible for an open work permit.

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Overview

The Skilled Worker stream is designed to address labor shortages by connecting Nova Scotia employers with qualified international talent. It is an employer-driven program, meaning you must secure a job offer before applying. The stream is open to workers in various skill levels, provided the employer can demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the role.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. You need at least one year of relevant work experience (or six months for TEER 4/5 occupations with the same employer). You must be between 21 and 55 years old, hold at least a high school diploma, and meet language requirements (CLB 5 for TEER 0-3; CLB 4 for TEER 4-5).

Application steps

  1. 1

    Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

    Obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from a qualified Nova Scotia employer.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

    Register your profile in the NSNP online EOI system.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Receive Invitation

    If selected, you will receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Submit Application and Fee

    Submit your formal application and pay the $1,000 CAD provincial fee within the required timeframe.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Provincial Nomination

    If approved, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

    Submit your application for permanent residence to the federal government (IRCC).

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of education (high school diploma or higher)
  • Language test results (if applicable)
  • Job offer letter from a Nova Scotia employer
  • Proof of work experience
  • Proof of financial resources

PR, family, language & arrival

Path to longer stay / PR

This program leads directly to permanent residence, allowing you to live and work in Nova Scotia indefinitely.

Family options

Spouses and dependent children may be included in the permanent residence application.

Language notes

Language testing is mandatory for all applicants. Even if English or French is your first language, workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations must provide test results.

After arrival

Upon receiving your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, you must contact the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration within 30 days of arrival.

Common pitfalls

  • Submitting an EOI without a confirmed job offer
  • Incomplete documentation leading to application closure
  • Failing to meet the specific language requirements for your TEER level
  • Missing the deadline to pay the application fee after selection

FAQs about Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream

Who is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream for?+

Foreign workers and international graduates who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer and meet specific skill and experience requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements for Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream?+

To qualify, you must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. You need at least one year of relevant work experience (or six months for TEER 4/5 occupations with the same employer). You must be between 21 and 55 years old, hold at least a high school diploma, and meet language requirements (CLB 5 for TEER 0-3; CLB 4 for TEER 4-5).

How much does the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream cost?+

Typical fees listed for Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream: 1,000 CAD (provincial application fee effective September 1, 2026). Always confirm on the official government site.

How long does Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream processing take?+

ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: 3–6 months (provincial stage).

How long can I stay on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream?+

Leads to permanent residence

Can I work on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream?+

Successful nominees may apply for a work permit while awaiting permanent residence; spouse may be eligible for an open work permit.

Does Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream lead to permanent residence in Canada?+

This program leads directly to permanent residence, allowing you to live and work in Nova Scotia indefinitely.

What are common mistakes with Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) - Skilled Worker Stream?+

Submitting an EOI without a confirmed job offer Incomplete documentation leading to application closure Failing to meet the specific language requirements for your TEER level

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