Nova Scotia Immigration Guide
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Nova Scotia, home to Halifax and Dalhousie University, is one of Canada's fastest-growing provinces thanks to aggressive immigration targeting. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is particularly powerful here — employers can support candidates directly without an LMIA, with processing as fast as 4 months.
Provincial Nominee Program
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Typical minimum CRS: 300+
Available PNP Streams
- →Skilled Worker stream
- →Labour Market Priorities stream
- →Physician stream
- →Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – NS employers
- →International Graduate Entrepreneur stream
- →Innovation Skills stream
In-Demand Occupations
Why Immigrate to Nova Scotia
- ✓
Atlantic Immigration Program: LMIA-exempt pathways through designated NS employers
- ✓
Physician stream: dedicated fast-track for physicians willing to commit to NS
- ✓
Innovation Skills stream: for highly skilled workers in tech and innovation roles
- ✓
Halifax: fastest-growing major city in Atlantic Canada (>5% annual population growth)
- ✓
Ocean economy: NS is a world leader in marine technology and aquaculture
General Requirements
- 1
Nova Scotia job offer from a designated AIP employer (for AIP pathway)
- 2
Language proficiency: CLB 4–7 depending on occupation
- 3
Minimum 1 year of work experience in the relevant occupation
- 4
Commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia
- 5
Health exam and security background clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal program for designated employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland. Designated employers can support foreign workers and international graduates directly without needing an LMIA. The employer provides a job offer and settlement supports. Processing is typically 4–6 months for permanent residency.
Is Nova Scotia a good province for healthcare workers?
Excellent. Nova Scotia has a dedicated Physician Stream through the NSNP and actively recruits nurses, healthcare aides, and allied health professionals through the Atlantic Immigration Program. The healthcare system serves an aging population with chronic shortages. Healthcare workers can receive provincial nominations within weeks of applying.