Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP): Complete Requirements Guide

Stream-Specific Requirements

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

This stream targets candidates already in the Express Entry pool with Nova Scotia work experience.

Core Requirements:

• Active Express Entry profile with valid Job Seeker Validation Code
• Minimum one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Current full-time job offer from Nova Scotia employer (permanent position)
• Language proficiency: CLB 7 in English or French
• Educational credentials assessed by designated organization

What this means for you: Your Nova Scotia work experience must be in a skilled occupation. Entry-level positions or jobs not requiring specialized training typically don’t qualify, even if you’ve worked there for years.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants often assume any work experience in Nova Scotia qualifies. The position must align with your education and demonstrate skill progression. Working as a cashier with an engineering degree won’t meet requirements, even if you’ve been employed for two years.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: If your current job offer is from the same employer where you gained your Nova Scotia experience, include a letter explaining your career progression and increased responsibilities. This strengthens your application by showing genuine employer investment.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

This stream operates through periodic draws targeting specific occupations and Express Entry candidates.

Core Requirements:

• Active Express Entry profile created within 12 months
• Minimum CLB 7 in English across all four language abilities
• Educational credentials assessed and equivalent to Canadian secondary school
• Skilled work experience in targeted occupation (varies by draw)
• Intention to live and work in Nova Scotia

If you’re applying from India, Philippines, or other high-volume countries: Competition is intense for this stream. Ensure your Express Entry profile is optimized before Nova Scotia draws occur. Higher CRS scores and in-demand occupations receive priority.

What really happens behind the scenes: Nova Scotia reviews federal Express Entry pools and invites candidates whose profiles match current labour market needs. These needs change frequently based on economic priorities and existing nomination allocations.

Real insight from AVID experts: Don’t wait for an invitation to optimize your profile. Language test results, credential assessments, and work experience documentation should be ready before draws occur. The invitation response window is typically 30 days—insufficient time to gather missing documents.

Nova Scotia Skilled Worker

This stream is for skilled workers with job offers who are not in the Express Entry system.

Core Requirements:

• Permanent, full-time job offer from Nova Scotia employer
• Minimum one year of skilled work experience related to job offer
• Educational credentials equivalent to Canadian high school
• Language proficiency: CLB 5 in English or French
• Settlement funds to support yourself and family

Documentation spotlight: Your job offer must include specific details about salary, job duties, and employment conditions. Generic offer letters frequently lead to application delays or refusals.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants often accept job offers without ensuring the employer understands NSNP requirements. Your employer must demonstrate recruitment efforts and explain why hiring internationally serves their business needs.

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: Include additional documentation showing your genuine intention to settle in Nova Scotia. This might include property research, family connections, or community involvement plans.

International Graduate Entrepreneur

This stream targets recent graduates with business proposals for Nova Scotia.

Core Requirements:

• Graduate degree from recognized Nova Scotia university (within 36 months)
• Minimum one year of business ownership and management experience
• Business plan for Nova Scotia venture
• Personal net worth of CAD $100,000
• Investment of CAD $50,000 in the proposed business
• Language proficiency: CLB 7 in English or French

What this means for you: Your business experience can be gained anywhere, but it must demonstrate genuine entrepreneurial capability. Passive investments or family business involvement without management responsibility typically don’t qualify.

Real insight from AVID experts: The business plan is the most critical component. It must demonstrate market research, financial projections, and clear job creation potential for Nova Scotia residents. Generic business plans consistently fail.

Optional—but strongly recommended: Include letters of support from potential suppliers, customers, or industry associations in Nova Scotia. These show you’ve conducted genuine market research and have realistic business prospects.

Entrepreneur Stream

This stream targets experienced entrepreneurs ready to establish businesses in Nova Scotia.

Core Requirements:

• Minimum three years of business ownership and management experience
• Personal net worth of CAD $600,000
• Investment of CAD $150,000 in Nova Scotia business
• High school education or equivalent
• Language proficiency: CLB 5 in English or French
• Attend mandatory business exploration trip

Financial verification spotlight: Net worth verification requires extensive documentation. Bank statements, property valuations, business financial statements, and third-party verification may be required.

What really happens behind the scenes: The business exploration trip is mandatory and must be completed before application submission. This isn’t a tourist visit—you’ll meet with government officials, potential partners, and industry representatives.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants often underestimate the business exploration requirements. You must demonstrate genuine engagement with Nova Scotia’s business community and have concrete plans for your venture.

General Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements

What this means for you: While there’s no maximum age limit for NSNP streams, age affects your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if applying through Express Entry-linked streams. Optimal ages for maximum points are 20-29 years.

Real insight from AVID experts: Age isn’t just about points—it affects your ability to demonstrate long-term commitment to Nova Scotia. Applicants over 45 should emphasize their established career expertise and settlement intentions.

Education Credentials

All streams require educational credential assessment (ECA) from designated organizations. Your credentials must be equivalent to Canadian standards.

Documentation requirements:

• Official transcripts from educational institutions
• Degree certificates or diplomas
• Professional licenses (if applicable)
• Translation of documents not in English or French

If you’re applying from countries with document verification challenges: Allow extra time for credential assessment. Some countries require additional verification steps that can extend processing by several months.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Don’t assume your degree automatically qualifies. Professional degrees like medicine, law, or engineering may require additional licensing or certification in Canada. Research regulatory requirements early in your planning process.

Language Proficiency

Language requirements vary by stream but generally require:

• CLB 5 (basic proficiency) for Skilled Worker and Entrepreneur streams
• CLB 7 (intermediate proficiency) for Express Entry and Graduate Entrepreneur streams

Accepted tests:

• IELTS General Training (English)
• CELPIP General (English)
• TEF Canada (French)
• TCF Canada (French)

What this means for you: Test results must be valid at the time of application submission and permanent residence application. Most tests are valid for two years from the test date.

Real insight from AVID experts: Don’t take language tests until you’re ready to score at the required level. Multiple test attempts can become expensive, and some applicants see score fluctuations between tests.

Work Experience

Work experience requirements vary by stream but generally require:

• Skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
• Full-time equivalent experience (minimum 30 hours per week)
• Paid work experience (volunteer work doesn’t count)
• Within specified timeframes (usually within 10 years)

Verification requirements:

• Employment letters on company letterhead
• Job descriptions matching NOC requirements
• Pay stubs or tax documents
• Employment contracts (if available)

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Job descriptions must align with NOC occupation descriptions. Generic descriptions or mismatched duties frequently lead to application refusals.

Documentation Requirements

Required Documents by Stream

Universal Requirements (All Streams):

• Passport or travel document
• Language test results
• Educational credential assessment
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical examinations (if required)
• Proof of funds
• Settlement plan for Nova Scotia

Express Entry Streams Additional Requirements:

• Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code
• Provincial nomination certificate (after receiving invitation)

Entrepreneur Streams Additional Requirements:

• Business plan and financial projections
• Net worth verification documents
• Investment fund documentation
• Business exploration trip report

Employment-Based Streams Additional Requirements:

• Job offer letter with specific requirements
• Employment contracts or agreements
• Employer recruitment documentation
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (if required)

Verification Processes

What really happens behind the scenes: Nova Scotia conducts thorough verification of submitted documents. This includes contacting employers, educational institutions, and third-party verification services.

Document authentication requirements:

• Notarization may be required for certain documents
• Translation by certified translators for non-English/French documents
• Apostille or diplomatic certification for international documents

Real insight from AVID experts: Document verification delays are common. Prepare complete, authentic documentation from the start rather than trying to supplement incomplete applications later.

Common Documentation Deficiencies

Most frequent issues we see:

• Incomplete employment letters missing required information
• Outdated language test results
• Insufficient proof of funds documentation
• Missing or incorrect educational credential assessments
• Inadequate business plan detail for entrepreneur streams

What this means for you: Each document serves a specific purpose in demonstrating your eligibility. Generic or incomplete documentation frequently leads to application delays or refusals.

Financial Requirements

Proof of Funds

Minimum requirements (2024):

• 1 person: CAD $13,757
• 2 people: CAD $17,127
• 3 people: CAD $21,055
• 4 people: CAD $25,564
• 5 people: CAD $28,994
• 6 people: CAD $32,700
• 7+ people: CAD $36,407

What this means for you: Funds must be readily available and transferable to Canada. Investments, property, or business assets don’t count toward proof of funds unless they can be easily liquidated.

Acceptable documentation:

• Bank statements (last 6 months)
• Investment portfolio statements
• Term deposit certificates
• Certified bank letters confirming account balances

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Borrowed funds don’t qualify as proof of funds. Sudden large deposits in your account may require explanation and source documentation.

Settlement Funds

Beyond minimum proof of funds, consider realistic settlement costs:

• Housing deposits and first month’s rent
• Transportation costs
• Initial living expenses
• Professional license fees (if applicable)
• Job search expenses

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Maintain 25-30% above minimum requirements to demonstrate financial stability and preparation for Canadian living costs.

Business Investment Requirements

Entrepreneur Stream:

• Minimum CAD $150,000 investment
• Funds must be legally obtained
• Investment must create jobs for Nova Scotia residents

International Graduate Entrepreneur:

• Minimum CAD $50,000 investment
• Lower threshold reflects recent graduate status
• Business must demonstrate growth potential

If you’re applying from countries with currency restrictions: Plan for fund transfer requirements early. Some countries have restrictions on international money transfers that could affect your application timeline.

Requirements Compliance

Meeting Minimum Thresholds

What this means for you: Meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee selection. The NSNP is competitive, and stronger applications receive priority consideration.

Scoring factors beyond minimums:

• Higher language proficiency scores
• Advanced educational credentials
• Extensive work experience in priority occupations
• Strong ties to Nova Scotia
• Employer support and recruitment efforts

Real insight from AVID experts: Treat minimum requirements as starting points, not targets. Competitive applications typically exceed minimum thresholds in multiple areas.

Maintaining Eligibility Throughout Process

Critical compliance requirements:

• Maintain employment if you have a job offer
• Keep language test results valid
• Preserve proof of funds
• Update Nova Scotia of any changes to your circumstances
• Maintain legal status in your current country of residence

What really happens behind the scenes: Nova Scotia can withdraw nominations if circumstances change materially. This includes job loss, marriage, divorce, or other factors affecting your original application.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants sometimes assume they can relax requirements after receiving nomination. Federal processing continues to verify eligibility, and changes must be reported immediately.

Update Obligations

Required updates:

• Changes in employment status
• Family composition changes (marriage, divorce, birth of children)
• Changes in contact information
• Material changes to business plans (entrepreneur streams)

Timeline for updates: Notify Nova Scotia within 30 days of any material changes. Delays in reporting changes can result in application refusal or nomination withdrawal.

If you’re applying from countries with ongoing political or economic instability: Consider how changing conditions might affect your application. Have contingency plans for document access and timeline adjustments.

Resources from AVID

📎 NSNP Requirements Checker

Interactive tool to verify your eligibility across all NSNP streams

• Stream-specific requirements assessment
• Document readiness evaluation
• Timeline planning assistance
• Competitive scoring analysis

📝 NSNP Document Checklist

Comprehensive requirements list by stream

• Complete documentation requirements
• Verification procedures
• Common deficiency prevention
• Timeline for document gathering

📄 NSNP Financial Calculator

Proof of funds and investment calculator

• Minimum requirements by family size
• Settlement cost estimates
• Currency conversion assistance
• Fund transfer planning

🧠 NSNP Compliance Guide

Maintaining eligibility through processing

• Ongoing obligations
• Update requirements
• Change notification procedures
• Compliance monitoring

💬 Common NSNP FAQs

Expert answers to frequently asked questions

• Stream selection guidance
• Processing timeline expectations
• Document preparation tips
• Troubleshooting common issues