NSNP Express Entry – Nova Scotia Experience

The NSNP Express Entry – Nova Scotia Experience stream offers a route to permanent residence for highly skilled candidates who have worked for an employer in Nova Scotia for at least one year.

Candidates must also be eligible for the federalExpress Entrypool through one of the three federal economic immigration programmes:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

There are two ways to apply to the Nova Scotia Experience Express Entry stream. Candidates may apply directly to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), or they may be selected by the NSOI from the Express Entry pool. To be considered for this stream, candidates must hold an active profile in the online Express Entry system ofImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)in order to submit a complete application to the NSOI.

Minimum requirements of the NSNP Express Entry – Nova Scotia Experience stream

To qualify for the Nova Scotia Experience Express Entry stream, a candidate must:

• Hold a registered profile in the Express Entry pool;
• Be aged between 21 and 55;
• Have at least 12 months of paid, full-time work experience (or the equivalent hours part time) in highly skilled work in Nova Scotia in the three years before applying;
  • The work experience must not have been accumulated through self-employment or while studying full time.
  • Voluntary work, unpaid internships, co-op terms and the like do not count.
  • The work experience must be in an occupation atNational Occupational Classification (NOC)skill type 0, level A or B.
• Have accumulated the experience in the province of Nova Scotia while holding a valid permit (a work permit, etc.);
• Have completed a Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational credential; OR
• Have completed a foreign educational credential from a recognised institution/body AND hold aneducational credential assessment (ECA)report issued by an organisation designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);
• Demonstrate sufficient language ability in all four skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening);
  • The level required isCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB)7 for NOC 0 and A, and CLB 5 for NOC B.
  • Language test results must come from one of the following designated testing bodies:
    • IELTS General TrainingorCELPIP General
    • TEForTCF
• Demonstrate that they will become economically established in Nova Scotia and intend to live in the province permanently.

Interview

If requested, candidates may have to attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia. Candidates are notified if an interview is required.

Those not eligible

Candidates should not apply if they:

• Are individuals whose 12 months of full-time work experience (or the equivalent hours part time) in highly skilled work in the three years before applying was not gained in Nova Scotia;
• Intend to work in an occupation at NOC level C or D;
• Are the grandparent, parent, spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• Are applying on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, are refugee claimants or failed refugee claimants;
• Are in Canada unlawfully, are subject to a removal order, or are inadmissible to enter or remain in Canada;
• Are not lawfully present in their country of residence;
• Are individuals without legal status;
• Are international students currently studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution;
• Are international graduates who studied in Canada whose programme was funded by an agency or government and who are contractually obliged to return to their country of origin;
• Hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit issued on the basis of study in a province other than Nova Scotia.
• Hold a valid federal Post-Graduation Work Permit for an occupation at NOC skill level C or D;
• Are individuals with unresolved child custody or child support disputes concerning any dependant;
• Are in Canada and taking part in a Caregiver Programme;
• Intend to start a business and/or be self-employed in Nova Scotia; or
• Are passive investors (individuals intending to invest in a business in Nova Scotia with very limited or no involvement in its day-to-day management).