Back to NSNP Overview
Job Offer Required

NSNP Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream is designed for workers who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. This stream targets skilled workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 occupations who can contribute to the province's economic growth.

6-8 mo
Processing Time
CLB 5+
Language Required
1 Year
Experience Required
TEER 0-4
Eligible NOCs

New EOI System Effective November 2025

All Skilled Worker Stream applications must now go through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Submit your EOI profile and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your ranking score. Factors include education, work experience, language proficiency, and connection to Nova Scotia.

Eligibility Requirements

Job Offer Requirements

  • Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
  • Position must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupation
  • Employer must demonstrate recruitment efforts
  • Job must meet prevailing wage standards

Work Experience

  • Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience
  • Experience must be in the same NOC as job offer
  • Experience gained in the last 5 years
  • Full-time equivalent hours (30+ hours/week)

Education

  • Minimum high school diploma (Canadian equivalent)
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) required
  • Higher education improves EOI ranking
  • Trade certification accepted for skilled trades

Language Proficiency

  • Minimum CLB 5 in English or French
  • IELTS General or CELPIP accepted for English
  • TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French
  • Test results valid for 2 years

Pro Tip

Having a higher CLB score (7+) and post-secondary education significantly improves your EOI ranking and increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. Consider improving your language scores before submitting your EOI.

Application Process

1

Secure a Job Offer

Obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a TEER 0-4 occupation. The employer must be willing to support your nomination application and demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts.

2

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create an EOI profile in the Nova Scotia immigration portal. Your profile will be scored based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and connection to Nova Scotia.

3

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI score is competitive, you will receive an ITA from Nova Scotia. Invitations are issued through regular draws based on provincial labour market needs.

4

Submit Complete Application

Once invited, submit your complete application with all supporting documents within the specified deadline (typically 60-90 days). Ensure all documents are accurate and complete.

5

Receive Provincial Nomination

If approved, you'll receive a provincial nomination certificate. This adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score or allows you to apply for PR through the paper-based PNP stream.

6

Apply for Permanent Residence

Submit your PR application to IRCC within 6 months of receiving your nomination. Processing typically takes 6-12 months depending on the stream chosen.

Required Documents

Valid passport (all pages)
Job offer letter from NS employer
Educational credentials & ECA report
Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
Employment reference letters
Resume/CV
Proof of legal status (if in Canada)
Proof of settlement funds
Employer business documents
Passport-sized photographs

Important Note

All foreign documents must be accompanied by certified English or French translations. Ensure your employment reference letters include job title, duties, hours worked, and salary on company letterhead.

Ready to Apply for the Skilled Worker Stream?

Our immigration experts can help you prepare a strong application and improve your chances of success.

Book Free Assessment