Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

If you are working in Nova Scotia, you may have skills and experience that Nova Scotia immigration authorities hope to retain. Newcomers who have already contributed to the economy and society of Nova Scotia, and have settled in to life in a new home, are among the top candidates for immigration to Nova Scotia.

As the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, successful applicants will obtain 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) leading to an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent resident status in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for nomination online on by mail to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is currently open and has been so for a long time. Indications are that Nova Scotia immigration authorities want to allow eligible candidates to apply whenever they are able to. However, Nova Scotia has stated that this is a pilot project and is liable to change, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest news.

Check out the exclusive Moving2Canada PNP Live Tracker to get regular updates on changes to this and other Canadian immigration programs and categories.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry eligibility

Potential candidates must have at least 12 months of work experience in a skilled occupation (a job at Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities (TEER) level 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification, or NOC) in Nova Scotia in the three years preceding the application. The work experience can be gained as part-time employment of an equivalent duration, as long as it was obtained in the last three years (for example, if you have worked 15 hours per week for 24 months, this adds up to the required amount of time).

There are some further requirements. Applicants must:

• be aged between 21 and 55 years old,
• hold a Canadian high school credential or equivalent,
• demonstrate language ability of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or better (for applicants working in TEER 0 and 1 occupations) or CLB 5 or better (for applicants working in TEER 2 and 3 occupations) in English or French,
• have a valid profile registered in the Express Entry system, and
• submit a settlement plan detailing their intention to reside in Nova Scotia permanently.

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream may be particularly appealing to international students. However, it should be noted that international students are not eligible to apply until they have graduated, even if they have obtained the required work experience during their studies. Work experience gained while on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be eligible, but the position must be at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

How to apply

The application can be submitted online or by mail to Nova Scotia immigration authorities at the NSOI. Interested candidates are required to create an Express Entry profile before applying to the NSNP.

Among other documents, the application requires a settlement plan in the applicant’s own words, outlining how the applicant intends to establish themselves in Nova Scotia permanently. This can include a plan for factors such as accommodation, budget, schooling, employment, leisure activities, transportation, or any details that the applicant thinks will showcase his or her genuine intent to live in Nova Scotia permanently.

Nova Scotia immigration authorities will then evaluate your application for eligibility and completeness before assessment. If your application is successful, the NSOI will send an email notifying you of your nomination, and they will also confirm the nomination with IRCC. You need to accept a nomination with 30 days, and you can then sit back and await your ITA.

An application may be considered for refusal – this generally means the NSOI needs further information. If you receive notification that your application may be refused, you will have 10 days to submit any further information before your application will be reassessed.

Receiving the ITA and settling in Nova Scotia

This is a momentous step in anyone’s Canadian immigration journey. Once you have received the ITA in an Express Entry draw, you can continue to apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status for you and your family.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to apply under the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream, you can apply online here.

PNP Live Tracker

The NSOI has clarified that the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is a pilot program, and therefore liable to change at any time. Make sure to stay up to date with all the latest developments in this and other categories using the exclusive Moving2Canada PNP Live Tracker.