NSNP Occupations in Demand Stream

The NSNP Occupations in Demand Stream targets candidates with an eligible job offer in targeted intermediate-skilled occupations that are in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand Stream is one of several immigration streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) operated by the province of Nova Scotia. The NSNP Occupations in Demand Stream targets the workers holding a job offer from a Nova Scotian employer in intermediate-skilled occupations that are in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia.

Occupations targeted through the stream are subject to change as labour market needs in the province evolve. The stream is currently open to eligible candidates with a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the following two occupations, both of which are considered Skill Level C under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC):

• NOC 3413 — Nurses aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• NOC 7511 — Transport truck drivers

Nova Scotia has announced that this stream will be run as a three-year pilot program, during which the eligible occupations will change. Targeted professions will change based on the province’s labour needs.

Eligibility Requirement

Job Offer

Candidates must have a valid offer of employment from a Nova Scotia employer for a position in NOC 3413 (nurses aides, orderlies and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 (transport truck drivers). The offer must for a permanent, full-time position.

To be considered a valid offer of employment, the employer must demonstrate that sufficient efforts were made to recruit a Canadian for the position. This can be shown by obtaining an LMIA, an LMIA-exemption, or by showing that the position was posted on three Canadian job boards for at least four consecutive weeks.

Language Proficiency

The candidate must have language test results demonstrating proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 (CLB 4).

Level of Education

To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand stream, applicants must have completed a minimum level of education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.

Work Experience

The candidate must have work experience of 12 complete calendar months within the last five years and a minimum of 1,560 hours related to the position and skills for the job. Volunteer work and unpaid internships are not eligible.

Settlement Fund

Candidate must demonstrate that you have sufficient settlement supports and financial resources to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses (if applicable) and to successfully establish yourself and your family (if applicable) in Nova Scotia. Federal guidelines generally recommend that immigrants arrive with a minimum of $11,000, plus $2,000 for each dependent. This recommended amount is reduced in the case of a principal applicant who is already living in Nova Scotia or has arranged employment.

Application Procedure

Applications for the Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand category are accepted at all times, provided that an applicant meets program requirements. Applicants may apply using the online portal on the Nova Scotia immigration website. Successful applicants will be issued a provincial nomination for permanent residence from Nova Scotia. Once an applicant has been nominated, they will be issued a Letter of Support, allowing them to apply for a temporary work permit so they can travel to Nova Scotia to begin work.

After receiving a provincial nomination an applicant has six months to submit a federal application for Canadian permanent residence. Applicants in this program must complete and submit a paper-based application for permanent residence and submit it by mail to the appropriate application centre. Paper-based PNP applications for permanent residence are generally processed within 18 months.