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Wanderlust gets the better of most of us sometimes, but why miss out? Move to Nova Scotia today with the help of Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program. It sounds complicated but it really isn’t. With eight streams within this program to choose from, you’re bound to find one that will better suit all your needs as well as expectations.
What is the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was created to close the gap that COVID-19 left in the labour market in Canada. This program allows Canadian provinces to nominate skilled workers to immigrate to Canada if they have a skill set that is in high demand or a valid job offer from one of the Provinces. Nova Scotia is one of the provinces that offer this program for prospective immigrants who have the sought-after skills and experiences that the province is looking for. These candidates, if successful, will receive a Nova Scotia Nomination certificate that will assist in speeding up the application process.
5 Facts To Know About Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
Here are five things to know about the NSNP and what they all entail.
1. Nova Scotia PNP streams
Nova Scotia has eight different streams offered by the Nova Scotia PNP.
| Nova Scotia PNP Streams | |
|---|---|
| Stream | Details |
| Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry | This will benefit those who are already in the Express Entry Pool and have qualifications in a certain trade or occupation. |
| Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry | This will assist candidates who are in the Express Entry pool and is applying for a occupation that the province has listed. |
| Entrepreneur Stream | This stream caters to applicants who wish to purchase a pre-owned or co-owned business within the province. |
| Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities | Candidates who meet the labour market needs in the province and are in the Express Entry pool will benefit from this stream. |
| Skilled Worker Stream | This stream assist candidates who are low-skilled, semi-skilled, or skilled in a occupation and have been offered a job by a Canadian employer. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Candidates who have completed their studies and are looking to create their own business, or co-own one. |
| Physician Stream | This stream is specifically for health care workers/professionals who are recognized by the province. |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program | This program is for applicants who meet the labour market shortage from any employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces. |
2. The cost of living in Nova Scotia
Many people choose to immigrate to Nova Scotia because the cost of living is lower than other provinces, and use the PNP stream to do so because it would work as the fastest way, saving funds in the long run.
| Cost Of Living | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cost |
| Provincial Taxes | About 15% |
| Grocery Cost per one Person | $250 |
| Housing | $1218 for a one bedroom apartment |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $589 / Monthly |
| Car Insurance | $891/ annually |
| Transportation | $82.50/ Month |
| Entertainment | $192 |
| Communication (phone and internet) | $90 |
| Health and Fitness | $57 (membership fee) |
3. Small Businesses in Nova Scotia
Starting a business in Nova Scotia is one of the best decisions you can make if you wish to work in Nova Scotia. This is one of the fastest growing provinces in Canada where entrepreneurship and small businesses are flourishing at a rapid speed. If you wish to become an entrepreneur then the Entrepreneur stream would definitely be for you.
4. Immigration Costs to Nova Scotia
Settlement fees are tricky to get past, but once you know what you’re letting yourself in for it becomes a lot more simple. The processing fee is about $500. Your permanent residency fees are as follows:
- For yourself: Processing fee - $825 + resident fee - $500 = $1,325
- Including partner/spouse: processing fee - $825 + resident fee - $500 = $1,325
- Child = $225
5. Settlement funds
The amount of funds you need to move to Nova Scotia through PNP will vary depending on how many people go with you. The more family members you take with you the more your settlement fund will have to reflect. Below is a table of hor settlement funds work based on the amount of people you take with.
| Settlement funds | |
|---|---|
| Number of family members | Funds 6 months/12 months |
| Every family member will add about $3,492 | 6,984 |
| 1 | $12,960/$25,920 |
| 2 | $16,135/$32,270 |
| 3 | $19,836/$39,672 |
| 4 | $24,083/$48,166 |
| 5 | $27,315/$54,630 |
| 6 | $30,806/$61,612 |
| 7 | $34,299/$68,598 |
How to apply for a PNP
Step 1: Choose a program. If you want to apply for the PNP you will have to choose which stream in the above-mentioned table would best cater to your needs.
Step 2: Find out if you’re eligible: Check the requirements to make sure you will have the best shot at getting into your program of choice.
Step 3: Fill out a Provincial Nominee Program application: Once you have established if you meet the requirements, you need to apply and submit your application online.
Step 4: Acquire your Provincial Nomination certificate: When your application is complete and submitted, you will receive an official Provincial Nomination certificate if you are eligible which will enable you to move on to the next step.
Step 5: Apply for permanent residency. Apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residency. PNPs always differ. Some work on a first come first serve basis but other programs have completely different methods of registration and will sometimes register based on an expression of interest.
FAQS
What jobs are in high demand in Nova Scotia?
If you’re looking for jobs before you immigrate to Canada, here are some of the top in demand jobs in Canada that could possibly be up your alley:
- Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 7611)
- Transport truck drivers (NOC 7511)
- Carpenters (NOC 7271)
- Heavy equipment operators, except crane (NOC 7521)
- Home Support Workers, Housekeepers and Related Occupations (NOC 4412)
- Delivery and courier service drivers (NOC 7514)
- Civil engineers (NOC 2131)
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012)
- Social and community service workers (NOC 4212)
- Administrative assistants (NOC 1241)
- College and other instructors (NOC 4021)
- Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233)
- Accounting and related clerks (NOC 1311)
Who is responsible for the costs associated with bringing foreign workers to Nova scotia?
Employers aren’t responsible for covering costs that are affiliated with immigration. Applicants have to cover those costs themselves, but on occasion, employers do offer assistance to some extent. Employers are, however, responsible for the cost of recruitment of the applicant. When the applicant applies to the NSNP for a nomination there is no cost involved.
What must be included in a job offer for a foreign worker?
The business offering the job should be registered, and the work permit should be limited to one specific individual for one specific job position. There are certain requirements needed when receiving a job offer. It should have:
- The contact information of the company
- Job title and description
- Specific start and end dates
- Experience to prove you are qualified for the job
- The wage you will be earning and what benefits are included.
Ready to move to Nova Scotia? If it’s not the low cost of living that caught you, it could be the idea of starting your own business. Let us help you pave your way to your immigration journey and on to your new life with the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program.
