The Nova Scotia Express Entry Stream allows the province to select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who have skills needed in the provincial labour market.

The stream includes three main eligibility pathways:

1. Skilled Work Experience in Nova Scotia

For applicants who already have at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia.

2. Physicians

For general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians who have a job opportunity from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.

3. Letter of Interest Candidates

For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool who receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia during targeted selection rounds based on labour market priorities.

Selections are made through the Expression of Interest pool, and invitations depend on provincial labour market needs and available nomination allocations.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply under the Nova Scotia Express Entry Stream, candidates must meet the core requirements and the criteria for one of the program pathways.

Core Requirements

All applicants must:

• Have a profile in the federal Express Entry system

• Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia

• Have work experience that matches National Occupational Classification TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3

• Demonstrate language ability in English or French

• Provide proof of education (minimum high school or equivalent)

• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds for themselves and their family

• Show legal status in their current country of residence

• Provide supporting documents such as employer reference letters, education documents, and identity documents

Skilled Work Experience in Nova Scotia

You may qualify if you have at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia.

Requirements include:

• At least 1,560 hours of work experience within the last three years

• Work experience must be:

  • Full-time (30 hours per week for 12 months), or

  • Part-time equivalent

• Work must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation

• Work experience must have been obtained while authorized to work in Canada

• The work cannot include:

  • Self-employment

  • Work while studying full-time

  • Unpaid internships or volunteer work

  • Work based on a post-graduation work permit from studies outside Nova Scotia

Language Requirements

• TEER 0 or 1 occupations: Canadian Language Benchmark level 7

• TEER 2 or 3 occupations: Canadian Language Benchmark level 5

Language test results must be less than two years old.

Physicians Pathway

This pathway targets physicians who receive job opportunities from Nova Scotia healthcare institutions.

Eligible occupations include:

• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)

• Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)

• General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)

Requirements include:

• Approved job opportunity from Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre

• Signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness

• Valid Education Credential Assessment from the Medical Council of Canada or Canadian medical training

• Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia in the Express Entry system

• Demonstration of settlement funds and legal immigration status

Applicants must submit their Expression of Interest within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Interest.

Letter of Interest Pathway

Nova Scotia may invite candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who match provincial labour market priorities.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia in their Express Entry profile

• Meet the eligibility criteria specified in the invitation round

• Have a minimum age of 21 years

• Demonstrate language ability in English or French

• Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent

• Meet the requirements of the federal Express Entry program they qualify under

Applicants must also commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for at least two years.