PR in Nova Scotia for International Students

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PR in Nova Scotia

A PR in Nova Scotia attracts bright foreign workers and international graduates, who can contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy. An applicant can apply for PR in Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Currently, under any of the eight streams, an applicant may apply.

Before we delve deeper into the know-hows of applying for PR in Nova Scotia, let’s learn more about Nova Scotia (New Scotland).

Nova Scotia at a glance:

Nova Scotia is a Maritime province in Canada and one of North America’s foremost eastern seacoast destinations. Studying in Nova Scotia will provide you with the experience of a recreational paradise, along with academic innovation and tradition. This province, located on the Atlantic Coast, is blessed with spectacular lakes and forests and more than 7,000 kilometers of coastline.

Nova Scotia at a glance

Over the years, Nova Scotia has repositioned itself as a prosperous province, by attracting world-class industries. Most industries succeed here due to the Nova Scotian government’s highly educated workforce and support system. Geographically, this province has an advantage in that it is less than a two-hour flight from Boston, New York and Montréal; and, of course, the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. It is also less than a 6-hour flight to Europe (Iceland and the U.K.).

Student Scholarship:

The provincial government of Nova Scotia awards scholarships each year to students. Most scholarships offered are for domestic students.

Top Growing Industries in Nova Scotia:

These industries will create more jobs in Nova Scotia in the coming years. So, graduating with a relevant degree in any of the domains will provide you an upper hand in securing a well-paying job and later apply for PR in Nova Scotia.

Business Resources
Businesses of Diversity
Oceans & Seafood
Information Communications Technology
Agrifood
Advanced Manufacturing
Naval Defence
Financial Services
Digital Media
Clean Technology
Life Sciences

Interesting facts about Nova Scotia:

Halifax is an important international seaport and transportation center as well as the economic and cultural hub of the region.
French Colonists established their first permanent European settlement in 1605, at Port Royal, known then as Acadia. Some Nova Scotians of Acadian heritage still speak 'French' to this day.
The British later took control of Nova Scotia from the French and established Halifax as capital in 1749.
The name Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland.
The weather of Nova Scotia is moderate and has four distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
The Cabot Trail has been voted as one of the world’s most scenic drives in the world. It offers jaw-dropping coastal views with 298km of highway and 26 breathtaking hiking trails.
Halifax is home to more per capita pubs than any other city in Canada.
The Titanic was 700 nautical miles away from Halifax when she was struck by an iceberg. While the Cunard liner Carpathia transported the survivors to New York, the dead were taken to Halifax. About 150 Titanic victims were buried in three Halifax cemeteries.
Peggy’s Cove is home to the world’s most photographed lighthouse; a mere 45 minute drive from Halifax.

Top Universities or Colleges in Nova Scotia:

Top universities or colleges in Nova Scotia
Name	Town
Dalhousie University	Halifax
Acadia University	Wolfville
Saint Mary University	Halifax
St. Francis Xavier University	Antigonish
Mount Saint Vincent University	Halifax
Cape Breton University	Sydney
NSCAD University	Halifax
University of King’s College	Halifax
Université Sainte-Anne	Pointe De I’Eglise

Cheapest Universities or Colleges in Nova Scotia:

Université Sainte-Anne (Pointe De I’Eglise)
Nova Scotia Community College
Mount Saint Vincent University
Cape Breton University
Dalhousie University
St. Francis Xavier University
Acadia University
University of King’s College
Saint Mary’s University
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design/ NSCAD University

PR in Nova Scotia:

The Nova Scotia PR process varies from stream to stream. Through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) program, international students can apply for PR in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia wants to attract prospective immigrants who have skills and experience to boost Nova Scotia’s Economy. There are eight streams that you can apply to:

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
Physician
Entrepreneur
International Graduate Entrepreneur
International Graduates In Demand
Skilled Worker
Occupations in Demand
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

1. Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities:

This stream selects candidates in the Federal Express Entry System, who meet provincial labour market needs, to apply for nomination and later apply for PR in Nova Scotia. You can apply specifically for this stream if you receive a letter of interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

To apply, you must:

Have received a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system;
Within 30 days of approval of your letter of interest, you must submit your application.
Fulfill the minimum work-experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you have qualified;
Demonstrate sufficient financial ability to establish you and your family in Nova Scotia. This also includes paying for travel expenses and immigration costs.
Legally reside in your current country.
Meet all eligibility criteria when a letter of interest is issued.
Meet all IRCC requirements for the Express Entry Pool and have a valid Express Entry number.

2. Labor Market Priorities for Physicians:

A candidate can apply for PR in Nova Scotia under this stream through the Federal Express Entry stream. Candidates who received a letter of interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and an approved offer from either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Center.

To apply, you must:

have an approved opportunity from the NSHA or IWK as either a general practitioner and family physician (NOC 3112) or a specialist physician (NOC 3111);
provide a copy of a signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness indicating commitment to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum period of two years;
have received approval from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system by receiving a Letter of Interest.
Within 30 days of approval of your letter of interest, you must submit your application.
meet the minimum work-experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you have qualified;
Demonstrate sufficient financial ability to establish you and your family in Nova Scotia. This also includes paying for travel expenses and immigration costs.
Legally reside in your current country.

3. Physicians:

This stream assists Nova Scotia’s public health authorities -the Nova Scotia Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Center (IWK) to hire general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to work and settle in Nova Scotia.

4. Entrepreneur:

This stream is specifically for experienced business owners or business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia and apply for PR in Nova Scotia. They must either start a new business or buy an existing one. The entrepreneur must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business and can only apply after operating the business for one year.

Before you can apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Be between 21 to 55 years of age;
Settle permanently in Nova Scotia while managing and owning a business in Nova Scotia;
have a minimum net worth of at least $600,000;
Ability to invest at least $150,000 of your own money in establishing a business in Nova Scotia;
have at least three years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (1/3 ownership minimum) OR more than five years’ experience in a senior business management role;
have a score of at least five in either French or English on the Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB’s speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Fulfill Expression of Interest online.
Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur:

An applicant who graduated from any Nova Scotia University or a Nova Scotia Community College can apply to this stream. International students can apply for PR in Nova Scotia after they successfully complete them. Before you can apply, you need solid experience in maintaining the business for one year. You can either buy the business or start a new one. To apply, you must:

Settle permanently in Nova Scotia while managing and owning a business in Nova Scotia.
A minimum of 1-year of continuous work experience in managing and owning your business. You need at least a 33.33% ownership stake.
Complete a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time on campus at any university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College;
have a valid post-graduation work permit;
A score of at least seven in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark CLB’s speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Fulfill an online Expression of Interest.
Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.

6. International Graduates in Demand:

This stream is open for recent international graduates whose education and skills match specific NOC job categories. As of June, 2021, it is open for NOC 3413 and NOC 4214.
To apply you must:
have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a job category listed above that corresponds with your recent field of study;
be 21 to 55 years old;
have a high school diploma;
have met requirements for completing a course of study within three years of your application. The program must have been at least 30 weeks in length. You must have completed at least 50% of the program in Nova Scotia.
If you are applying under NOC 3413, your program must grant a certificate, diploma, or degree.
If you are applying under NOC 4214, your program must grant a diploma or a degree.
have certifications issued by NS regulatory bodies required for the job;
prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 even if your first language is English or French;
show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

7. Skilled Worker Stream:

This stream is specifically for employers interested in recruiting foreign workers and international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia. International students can apply for PR in Nova Scotia, after they successfully complete their studies, under this stream. To apply, you must:
have permanent and a full-time position from a Nova Scotia employer;
A minimum of one year of work experience related to the job (Low and semi-skilled workers need to have at least six-months experience with the employer);
At least be between 21 to 55 of age.
Have equivalent to a high school diploma and appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job;
Language expertise in either French or English with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 is a skilled worker or CLB 4 if you are semi-skilled or low-skilled.
Demonstrate financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.

8. Occupations in Demand:

Occupation in-demand stream targets specific NOC C intermediate skilled occupations with high labour market demand in Nova Scotia. In demand, occupations are based on labour market information identified by the Office of Immigration, and eligible occupations are subject to change every year. To apply, you must:
have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in either NOC 3413 (Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 (Transport truck drivers);
A minimum of one year of work experience related to the job;
Be between 21 to 55 years of age.
Have equivalent to a high school diploma and appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job;
Language expertise in either French or English with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.
Demonstrate financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.

9. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry:

Express Entry Nova Scotia Experience is for highly skilled individuals who wish to live permanently in Nova Scotia and later apply for PR in Nova Scotia. You must need to have at least one year of experience working in Nova Scotia in a Highly Skilled occupation.
To apply, you must need to have:
Minimum one-year work experience in Nova Scotia.
Be 21 to 55 years of age.
Minimum of the equivalent to a Canadian high school credential.
Demonstrate language skills in either English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). A score of at least seven is required in CLB for skilled work in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0 and A. For NOC B positions, you need CLB 5.
Already have a registered profile with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system.
There’s another stream known as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Click here to know more.

Helpful Resources to know more about Nova Scotia and its Immigration Process:

Discover Nova Scotia

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Note: Though these documents are for Canadian Study permit application, you can get a gist of possible documents required for your student visa application. Customize these documents based on your own need.