The Nova Scotia Nominee program is limited to 150 incoming applicants per year, and in 2014 that target was met by the end of April. Â No new applications can be received until the following year once that target has been hit.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the first step in a two-step application process for a permanent resident visa to Canada. It allows the Government of Nova Scotia to recruit and select immigrants who intend to settle in the province, and have the skills, education, and work experience needed to make an immediate contribution to labour market and economic needs.
- STEP 1: APPLY TO THE NOVA SCOTIA NOMINEE PROGRAM
- Once you’ve decided you want to live and work permanently in Nova Scotia, review the different NSNP streams to determine if you qualify:
- Skilled Worker
- Regional Labour Market Demand Stream
- Family Business Worker
- To apply, complete the required application forms, attach all supporting documentation and submit your application package to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration for review. The processing time for eligible applications can be up to three (3) months or more.
- STEP 2: APPLY TO CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA FOR A PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA
- Within six (6) months of receiving your nominee certificate, apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for your permanent resident visa. You, your spouse and dependents must meet requirements for medical, security and criminal admissibility, and in some cases you may be asked to go for an interview. CIC has the final authority to issue a permanent resident visa.
Nova Scotia’s Immigration Policies have been criticized in recent years, with many believing that more needs to be done to grow the population of the province through this method.