Job Offer Required

NSNP Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker stream is for workers who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation. Since 18 February 2026 it also contains the Construction (formerly Critical Construction Worker), Physician and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories.

CAD 1,000

Application Fee

CLB 4 to 5

Language, by TEER

12 Months

Experience Required

TEER 0-5

Eligible NOCs

Expression of Interest System, Formalised 28 November 2025

Skilled Worker candidates are selected from the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool. Submitting an EOI is free. Since 1 May 2026 an EOI is valid for 12 months, and transition measures apply to EOIs already in the pool: EOIs submitted before May 2024 closed on 1 May 2026, and EOIs submitted from May 2024 to April 2026 stay active until 30 April 2027. Selection is not first come, first served. If you are selected, you have 7 calendar days to review your file, upload updated documents and pay the non-refundable CAD 1,000 application fee.

Eligibility Requirements

Job Offer Requirements

Full-time (at least 30 hours a week, year-round), permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
Position in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 occupation; a TEER 4 or 5 offer also needs 6 months of paid work with the employer making the offer
Employer operating in Nova Scotia for at least 2 years, with a permanent establishment in the province
Recruitment shown by a positive LMIA naming you, LMIA-exempt status, or qualifying job advertisements; wages must meet the Job Bank range

Work Experience

12 complete calendar months of related, paid work
At least 1,560 hours in total
Experience gained in the last 5 years
Work must be related to the job offered

Education

High school diploma (Canadian equivalent) required
Age 21 to 55 (physicians are exempt from the age range)
An ECA is not required, except for physicians who do not prove licensing criteria directly
Any licence or certificate the job requires

Language Proficiency

CLB 5 for TEER 0 to 3 jobs; CLB 4 for TEER 4 or 5 jobs, where a test is required even for native speakers
IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core for English
TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French
Test results issued within 2 years of EOI submission

How Selection Works

The official Skilled Worker guide does not describe a points grid. It says selection may be guided by provincial priorities, remaining allocation, the volume of EOIs in the pool and program integrity considerations. A complete EOI with consistent job offer and employment evidence is the practical priority. Applicants in maintained status (formerly implied status) cannot submit an EOI.

Application Process

Secure a Job Offer

Obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation. The employer must meet the employer requirements, complete its part of the application and show how it recruited for the position.

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Complete the online EOI form with all required information and attachments. Submitting an EOI is free, and it stays valid for 12 months.

Selection From the EOI Pool

Nova Scotia selects EOIs periodically, guided by provincial priorities and remaining allocation. Being in the pool does not guarantee selection. If you are selected, the province contacts you directly with a selection letter.

Update Your File and Pay the Fee

You have 7 calendar days from the selection letter to review your file, upload updated documents and pay the non-refundable CAD 1,000 fee. Missing the deadline closes the EOI. Assessment can be slowed by integrity reviews, employer compliance checks and high application volume.

Receive Provincial Nomination

If approved, you receive a provincial nomination certificate. The Skilled Worker stream does not use the Express Entry system, so a nomination here does not add CRS points. The certificate expires at the end of the month one year after the nomination date.

Apply for Permanent Residence

Submit your PR application to IRCC within 12 months of the nomination certificate being issued. IRCC sets its own processing times, which are published on the IRCC website.

Required Documents

Valid passport (all pages)

Job offer details and the employer's NSNP 200 form

High school diploma and any required licences or certificates

Language test results or other accepted evidence

Employment reference letters

Resume/CV

Proof of legal status (if in Canada)

Proof of settlement funds

Employer business documents

Proof of fee payment (only if selected)

Important Note

All foreign documents must be accompanied by certified English or French translations. Ensure your employment reference letters include job title, duties, hours worked, and salary on company letterhead.