Skilled Worker

Overview

Nova Scotia’s Skilled Worker Stream helps employers recruit skilled foreign workers or recent international graduates with in-demand expertise - especially when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available

Sector Pause: As of 12:00 ADT on April 17, 2024, applications in the Accommodation & Food Services sector are suspended due to high

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer (minimum 30 hrs/week, no end date).
2. Be aged 21–55 with at least a high school diploma.
3. Hold 1 year (1,560 hrs) of relevant paid work in the last 5 years; TEER 4–5 jobs require 6 months experience with that employer.
4. For TEER 0–3 jobs: demonstrate CLB  5 (English/French). For TEER 4–5: must show CLB  4, regardless of mother tongue.
5. Have proof of legal status in current country and settlement funds to support themselves.

Who Can't Apply

• Refugee claimants or live-in caregivers
• Applicants with removal orders
• Those who have applied for NSNP or AIP in last 12 months
• Self-employed or those starting a business
• Commission-only sales
• Trainees/fellowship-only roles
• Misrepresentation cases

How to Apply

1. Provincial (NSNP) Application

• Submit the eNSNP 100 form via novascotia.ca/ensnp.
• Describe your intention to settle in Nova Scotia and include residential and career details.

No NSNP application fee but budget for translation, credential assessment, and language testing.

2. Nomination & Work Permit

• If approved, you’ll get a nomination certificate (valid 12 months; one extension possible).
• Request a letter of support to apply for a Temporary Work Permit through IRCC.

3. Apply for Permanent Resident

• Apply to IRCC within 12 months of your nomination.
• After landing, inform NSNP with your PR and contact details.

Employer Requirements

• Must have operated in NS for ≥ 2 years.
• Must prove efforts to hire local workers via job advertising or LMIA exemption.
• Must offer competitive wages meeting provincial standards.
• Maintain compliance with labor laws and not charge relocation costs.

Pause in Food & Accommodation Sector

• Effective April 17, 2024 (noon ADT), NSNP suspended new applications in Accommodation & Food Services due to surging volume.
• Other sectors - particularly health care and construction - remain open.

Required Documents

Include (as applicable):

• Valid passports & status proof
• Job offer letter & employer documents
• Proof of education & credentials
• Language test results (if required)
• Work experience records (letters, pay stubs)
• Settlement proofs (bank statements)
• Family documents (marriage, birth, etc.)

Additional Details

• The nomination certificate is valid for 12 months with potential 6-month extension.
• Misrepresentation results in a 5-year ban from NSNP streams.
• NSNP reserves the right to pause or close streams without notice.

Summary

The NSNP Skilled Worker stream offers solid opportunities for skilled workers with permanent, full-time job offers. Be sure you meet all eligibility criteria - especially regarding work experience, language, and financial stability - and check if your occupation falls under the current sector pause.