Already worked in Nova Scotia? You may not need a job offer.

This stream consolidates three former pathways, Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities, and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians, into one. It is built for people already contributing to the provincial economy, and for physicians and candidates the province approaches directly.

Because it is an enhanced stream, aligned with IRCC's Express Entry system, a nomination carries 600 Comprehensive Ranking System points. In practice that places a candidate at the top of the pool at the next round. The invitation and the permanent residence decision remain with IRCC.

Most guidance describes only the first. All three are live.

A · Skilled work experience in Nova Scotia

• Work experience. A total of 1,560 hours in Nova Scotia accumulated within the 3 years before your submission, full-time at 30 hours a week for 12 months, or part-time at 15 hours a week for 24 months, at one or more jobs.
• Occupation. NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, where you performed the lead statement and a substantial share of the main duties, including all essential duties.
• Authorisation. You must have been authorised to work in Canada when you gained the experience.
• What does not count. Self-employment, work done while a full-time student, co-op work terms, unpaid internships and volunteer work.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit experience. Counts only where your credential is from an institution located in Nova Scotia. Experience that depends on a PGWP issued for studies outside Nova Scotia does not qualify.

B · Physicians with an approved opportunity

General practitioners, family physicians and specialists with a signed, approved opportunity from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre, alongside an Express Entry profile.

C · Letter or Notice of Interest from Nova Scotia

The province can approach candidates directly through the Express Entry system. If a Notice of Interest appears in your Express Entry portal account, Nova Scotia directs you to its Critical Vacancies page and the instructions there, that notice is time-sensitive and route-specific, and it is worth getting advice quickly rather than treating it as ordinary correspondence.

• Express Entry profile. An active profile registered in IRCC's Express Entry system, indicating your interest in Nova Scotia.
• Language. CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3. Test results are required even if your first language is English or French, and must be issued within 2 years of your submission.
• Education. A Canadian high school credential or equivalent.
• Age. 21 to 55.
• Intention. You intend to live in Nova Scotia, and can show you will be able to support yourself and your family.

• You have been found to have committed misrepresentation on an immigration application in the last 5 years.
• Your qualifying work experience depends on a federal Post-Graduation Work Permit issued for studies outside Nova Scotia.
• You have received a nomination or endorsement, NSNP or Atlantic Immigration Program, within the last 12 months.
• You are currently living in a country where you are not legally allowed to live.
• You are in Canada under the Live-In Caregiver Program.
• You plan to work in a job classified under NOC TEER 4 or 5.
• You have applied to immigrate on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or have claimed refugee status.

1. Confirm the hours and the classificationWe test your Nova Scotia experience against the 1,560-hour rule and the 3-year window, and confirm the NOC classification and duties will hold up on the evidence you can actually produce.
2. Confirm the federal profileYour Express Entry profile must be active, accurate and current, with Nova Scotia indicated.
3. Expression of InterestA complete, documented EOI, free to submit and valid for 12 months.
4. Selection and assessmentFrom 1 September 2026, a $1,000 fee is payable within 7 calendar days of the selection notification.
5. Nomination, then the federal stageA nomination adds 600 CRS points to your profile. We carry the federal permanent residence application through IRCC from there.