Nova Scotia Express Entry Labour Market Priorities
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for Express Entry candidates who meet specified labour market needs in the province.
This unique stream is flexible and the specified occupations and criteria could vary from draw to draw, depending on Nova Scotia's labour market and social needs.
This stream's inaugural draw is scheduled for August 8 and will target Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 4214).
Candidates interested in applying under this stream must have a valid federal Express Entry profile under one of the three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC); and
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a provincial nomination under Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities stream, candidates in the Express Entry pool must:
- receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) in their Express Entry profile;
- meet draw-specific eligibility criteria outlined in the draw announcement posted by the NSOI;
- demonstrate that they meet the work experience requirements for their Express Entry class;
- have the required supporting documentation / letters of reference from employers to demonstrate work experience;
- show sufficient funds to successfully settle in Nova Scotia alone or with accompanying family members and pay the required immigration costs and travel expenses; and
- have legal status in their country of residence when applying for the stream.
600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points
Candidates in the Express Entry pool who receive a provincial nomination certificate from Nova Scotia will be awarded an additional 600 points towards their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Draw-specific Eligibility Requirements
Express Entry candidates may be invited to apply for a nomination certificate based on criteria specified by the NSOI in the draw announcement. The NSOI says eligibility criteria may be different for each draw and depends on Nova Scotia's labour market needs.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are encouraged to review the criteria specified on the NSOI’s website.
Work experience requirements
All applicants to Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream must demonstrate that they meet the work experience requirements for their Express Entry class.
Applicants also will be required to demonstrate that they have the required work experience in a priority occupation specified by the NSOI and provide the required supporting documentation.
The NSOI says that Express Entry candidates must show that their work experience matches the description listed in the federal government's National Occupational Classification (NOC) that is specified in the draw announcement.
Application Process
To apply under the Labour Market Priorities stream, Express Entry candidates must first receive a Letter of Interest through their federal Express Entry profile. Candidates with a Letter of Interest from the Government of Nova Scotia will have 30 days to submit a complete application with required supporting documents online to the NSOI.
Draw-specific supporting documents list
The NSOI will provide a list of required documents with every occupation-specific draw announcement. Candidates who receive a Letter of Interest in their Express Entry profile will have 30 days to provide all the supporting documents along with their complete application for a provincial nomination.
Candidates will need to provide the letters of reference to support the work experience listed in the Express Entry profile as well as the requirements outlined by the NSOI.
Other documents include official banking statements to show proof of settlement funds and a copy of a valid passport or temporary resident visa if the applicant is not a citizen of their country of residence (including Canada).
The first step to applying to this NSNP stream is to register a profile in the federal government’s Express Entry selection system.