The Atlantic Canada province of Nova Scotia will reopen one of its most popular Express Entry-linked provincial nomination categories on Saturday, November 17, at 9 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time for up to 225 applications.
This category is extremely popular with eligible candidates in the Express Entry system because it:
- provides successful candidates with a provincial nomination and an additional 600 ranking points, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
- does not require a Canadian job offer or Canadian work experience.
- has no minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) score requirement.
This first-come, first-served category, known as Category B of the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream, usually reaches its intake limit quickly. When it last opened on the morning of April 28, 2018, it reached its quota and closed to new applications that afternoon.
Nova Scotia’s Office of Immigration typically only gives around 24 hours notice that the stream will reopen to applications. In the case of the November 17 intake, notice was only provided on the morning of November 16.
For this reason, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have the documents that are needed to apply in hand so you can act quickly if and when Category B reopens.
Candidates must have work experience in one of Nova Scotia’s 11 opportunity occupations, among other eligibility criteria. For more details on Nova Scotia’s Opportunity Occupations and other eligibility requirements, see below or consult this dedicated page.
Nova Scotia’s 11 Opportunity Occupations are:
| Occupation | NOC code | Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Auditors and Accountants | 1111 | A |
| Other financial officers | 1114 | A |
| Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations | 1123 | A |
| Administrative assistants | 1241 | B |
| Accounting and related clerks | 1311 | B |
| Civil engineers | 2131 | A |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 3012 | A |
| Licensed practical nurses | 3233 | B |
| College and other vocational instructors | 4021 | A |
| Paralegal and related occupations | 4211 | B |
| Social and community service workers | 4212 | B |
To apply under Category B, you must:
- Have a profile registered in the federal Express Entry system.
- Score 67 points or more on the stream’s six selection factors.
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in one of Nova Scotia’s target occupations.
- Have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent.
- Prove language ability in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark 7.
- Show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
Here are two hypothetical examples of candidates would would be eligible under Category B of the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream:
Amira is 29, has an English language proficiency equivalent to CLB 8 across all language abilities: Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. She has been working as licensed practical nurse (NOC 3233) for four years outside Canada. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and two-year certificate. Amira never worked or studied in Canada. Amira scores 67 points under Nova Scotia point system and has an Express Entry CRS score of 380.
Amira successfully applies under Category B and receives a nomination from Nova Scotia. With the additional 600 CRS points that Amira receives for her nomination from Nova Scotia, her Express Entry ranking score rises to 980.
Kevin and Melanie are 35 and 38 years old, respectively. They both hold Bachelor’s degrees from post-secondary institutions outside Canada. Kevin has four years of work experience as an Administrative Assistant (NOC 1241) and Melanie has worked as a Librarian for three years outside Canada. Kevin has an English language proficiency equivalent to a CLB 7 under all language abilities. Melanie’s English language proficiency is equivalent to a CLB 5. Kevin and Melanie score 67 points under Nova Scotia’s point system.
Kevin has an active Express Entry profile and is the principal applicant. Combined their CRS score is 296.
If Kevin successfully submits an application to Nova Scotia during tomorrow’s opening and obtains a provincial nomination, their combined CRS score will increase to 896 points. This effectively guarantees them an ITA in a future Express Entry draw.
Category A of the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream remains open. Applicants to this category must have an arranged job offer supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from a Nova Scotia employer. The job offer must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level O, A, or B occupation.
The first step to pursuing either category under Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream is to submit a profile to the federal Express Entry pool.