The Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Stream uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Applicants submit their information to an EOI pool, and the province periodically selects candidates based on labour market priorities and program capacity.

Key characteristics of the updated program include:

• Applicants must secure a permanent full-time job offer (minimum 30 hours per week) from a Nova Scotia employer.

• Candidates submit an EOI first, not a full application.

• Selected candidates may receive a provincial nomination, which allows them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

• Employers must demonstrate they attempted to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before hiring a foreign worker. 

The stream is designed to support Nova Scotia employers facing labour shortages while providing skilled workers with a pathway to permanent residence in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

Core Requirements (Applies to All Categories)

All applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• Have a permanent full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.

• Have the skills, qualifications, or experience required for the job.

• Have legal status in their country of residence.

• Intend to live and work in Nova Scotia.

• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to settle in the province.

• The employer must be a legitimate Nova Scotia employer operating for at least two years. 

Additional requirements depend on the specific category under which the applicant applies.

Skilled Worker Category

The Skilled Worker category targets foreign workers with job offers in occupations across multiple skill levels.

Applicants must:

• Have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.

• Have at least one year of related work experience.

• Be 21 to 55 years old.

• Have a high school diploma.

• Demonstrate the skills, training, or accreditation required for the job.

• Meet language requirements:

  • CLB 5 for occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

  • CLB 4 for occupations in TEER 4 or 5.

• Workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations must have at least six months of experience with the Nova Scotia employer offering the job.

• Show proof of settlement funds.

Note: Post-Graduation Work Permit holders working in TEER 5 occupations are not eligible under this category.

Construction Category

The Construction category helps employers in the construction industry recruit workers for critical trades.

Applicants must:

• Have a permanent full-time job offer in the construction sector (NAICS 23).

• Have one year of related work experience.

• Be 21 to 55 years old.

• Have a high school diploma or proof of construction industry training.

• Meet language requirements:

  • CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations

  • CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations

• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds.

Eligible occupations include:

• Construction managers

• Electrical trade supervisors

• Carpenters

• Welders

• Electricians

• Heavy equipment mechanics

• HVAC mechanics

• Crane operators

• Roofers

• Heavy equipment operators

• Construction labourers

These occupations are defined using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

Physician Category

The Physician category allows Nova Scotia’s public health authorities to recruit doctors when local recruitment efforts are unsuccessful.

Eligible applicants must:

• Have a signed approved opportunity from either:

  • Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), or

  • Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK).

• Work as one of the following occupations:

  • Specialist physicians (NOC 31100)

  • Surgeons (NOC 31101)

  • General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102).

• Be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.

• Be eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with NSHA or IWK.

• Commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for at least two years.

Occupations in Demand Category

The Occupations in Demand category targets specific occupations experiencing labour shortages in Nova Scotia.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a permanent full-time job offer in an occupation identified as in demand by the province.

• Have at least one year of related work experience.

• Be 21 to 55 years old.

• Have a high school diploma.

• Demonstrate the training or accreditation required for the job.

• Meet a minimum language level of CLB 4.

• Show sufficient settlement funds.

Currently, no occupations are listed in this category, but the list may change based on labour market needs.