Experience

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream targets workers who already call the province home and have proven their value in local workplaces. If you’ve logged one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Nova Scotia, this route converts that experience into a fast-track nomination worth 600 CRS points - virtually guaranteeing federal permanent residency.

Let’s break down every requirement, deadline, and strategy you need in 2025.

1. Why the Experience Stream Matters to Nova Scotia

1.1 Express Entry Speed Advantage

Because the stream is Express Entry-aligned, federal processing often wraps up 4–6 months faster than paper-based PNP applications.

2. Current Intake Pause for Accommodation & Food Services

2.1 What the April 17 2024 Notice Means

As of April 17 2024, Nova Scotia paused new Experience-stream files from the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72) to clear a backlog.

Good to know: If you work as a chef or food-service supervisor for an employer classified outside NAICS 72, you can still apply.

2.2 Alternatives for NAICS 72 Workers

Options include:

• The federal Atlantic Immigration Program
• Employer-specific work-permit extensions while you wait for intake to reopen

3. Full Eligibility Checklist

4. TEER 0-1 vs. TEER 2-3: CLB Rules Explained

• TEER 0–1 (management & professional): IELTS 6 / CELPIP 7 across all skills (CLB 7).
• TEER 2–3 (technical & skilled trades): IELTS 5 for listening, 4 for reading, etc. -overall CLB 5.

5. Settlement-Funds Table & Exemptions

(IRCC table, January 2025) – CEC candidates with 12 months of Canadian work inside Nova Scotia are exempt.

6. Step-by-Step Application Timeline

6.1 Build a Winning Express Entry Profile

• Upload language scores (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF).
• Order an Educational Credential Assessment if educated abroad.
• Enter Nova Scotia work history accurately (NOC, hours, pay).

6.2 Gather Documents & Apply Online

• Signed reference letters matching NOC duties
• Pay stubs and T4s confirming hours
• Passport bio pages and status docs

Submit through the NSNP portal; the Experience stream fee is CAD 0. Average provincial review: 4–6 weeks.

7. Document Prep: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

7.1 Work-Experience Letters

Must list: company letterhead, supervisor signature, job duties, start/end dates, hours per week, and salary.

7.2 Educational Credential Assessment

Use approved bodies (WES, IQAS, CES). Processing times average 4–8 weeks—plan early.

8. Maximizing Your CRS Score

8.1 Language Boosters

Jumping from CLB 7 to CLB 9 can net +50 CRS points plus another +50 in skill-transferability.

8.2 Provincial Nomination’s 600-Point Bonus

Once nominated, your CRS skyrockets beyond recent Express Entry cut-offs (520–540), guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply at the next draw.

9. Conclusion & Next Steps

With just one year of Nova Scotia work, you can convert local experience into a provincial nomination and permanent residency through the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream.

Assemble airtight reference letters, keep your Express Entry profile pristine, and watch for sector-specific pauses like the NAICS 72 freeze.