Labour Market Priorities

1. How the Stream Works

Only candidates who first receive a Letter of Interest (LOI) through their Express Entry account can apply. The LOI signals that Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) wants you to represent Nova Scotia in the next draw.

1.1 Letter of Interest (LOI) Mechanism

Miss the 30-day window and your LOI lapses, forcing you to wait for another draw.

1.2 Role of Your Express Entry Profile

A valid profile number is mandatory; you must also meet IRCC requirements for at least one economic class (FSW, FST, or CEC).

2. Comprehensive Eligibility Requirements

Below is a quick-reference table summarizing the must-meets:

2.1 LOI & 30-Day Deadline

Submit your complete online form - with all PDFs - within 30 calendar days. No extensions are granted.

2.2 Work-Experience Criteria

Your claimed occupation must match the NOC used in your Express Entry profile and satisfy either FSW’s one year continuous rule or CEC’s 12 months in Canada standard.

2.2.1 Federal Skilled Worker

Requires one year of full-time equivalent work in the last ten years at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

2.2.2 Canadian Experience Class

At least twelve months of skilled work in Canada within the past three years.

2.3 Settlement-Funds Test

For a family of three you need CAD 22 483 in unencumbered savings (January 2025 update).

2.4 Legal-Status Condition

If you currently live in another country, you must show a valid visa, work permit, or residency card.

3. Step-by-Step Application Timeline

3.1 Create Your Express Entry Profile

Upload language scores (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF), an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if required, and detailed employment history.

3.2 Receive & Act on the LOI

Log into the NSNP portal, pay the CAD 0 fee (yes, it’s free), and attach your documents. Expect a nomination decision in 2-4 weeks.

4. Preparing Supporting Documents the Smart Way

4.1 Proof of Work Experience

Collect reference letters on company letterhead stating duties, hours, and pay - matching your Express Entry NOC description.

4.2 Proof of Funds

Bank letters must list account numbers, balances for the past six months, and be signed by an officer.

4.3 ID & Civil Documents

Scan passports, marriage certificates, and children’s birth certificates—translations must include an affidavit from the translator.

5. Common Occupation Draws to Watch

Because Labour Market Priorities draws change, past invitations give clues:

5.1 Health-Care Roles

Nurses, LPNs, and continuing-care assistants often feature when hospital staffing gaps widen.

5.2 Tech & Digital Media

Halifax’s booming startup scene drives demand for AI engineers, full-stack developers, and UI/UX specialists.

5.3 Skilled Trades

Shipbuilding upgrades in Halifax and rural construction push electricians, welders, and carpenters onto priority lists.

6. Maximizing Your CRS Score

6.1 Language Strategies

Boosting from CLB 7 to CLB 9 can net up to 50 CRS points on its own and unlock another 50 in skill-transferability.

6.2 Education & the 600-Point Bonus

Completing a Canadian master’s degree adds 30 CRS points - then the provincial nomination slaps on a game-changing 600 points, rocketing most candidates above the latest 530-point cut-off.

7. Conclusion & Next Steps

Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities stream pairs provincial flexibility with Express Entry speed, giving qualified candidates a golden 600-point boost and a clear path to permanent residency.

Build a strong Express Entry profile, watch for your Letter of Interest, and be ready with airtight documents - your future on Canada’s Atlantic coast could arrive in just 12 months.