Canada's provinces
Residence in Nova Scotia
See Nova Scotia's routes to permanent residence, who they suit and the general steps to apply.
- CapitalHalifax
- Largest cityHalifax
- Immigration programNova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
About Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is an Atlantic province centred on the port city of Halifax. Health care, education, ocean industries and technology are among its in-demand sectors.
Under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), the province nominates the applicant and IRCC then assesses and decides the permanent residence application. Streams, allocations and requirements can change from year to year.
Live in Nova Scotia (official site)Why Nova Scotia?
A growing Halifax
Halifax is the Atlantic region's economic centre, with growth in ocean industries, defence, technology and health care.
A university hub
Several well-known universities and colleges are in the province.
Life by the sea
Long coastlines and picturesque small towns.
Housing market
Demand for housing in Halifax has risen in recent years.
Main routes
- Provincial nominee streams for skilled workers, Nova Scotia graduates and Express Entry candidates
- Entrepreneur stream
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): an employer-driven route to permanent residence through a job offer from a designated employer in the province.
Who it suits
- People with a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- Graduates of the province's universities and colleges
- Health care staff and people in occupations in demand
Good to know
- A provincial nomination is not permanent residence; IRCC makes the final decision.
- Streams open and close and allocations change during the year.
- A genuine intention to live in that province or territory matters.
- This information was checked against the official sites in October 2026.
General steps
- 1
Choose the right stream
Based on your work, experience, studies and ties to the province.
- 2
Check the requirements and gather documents
As the stream's official guide says.
- 3
Submit an expression of interest or application
Most streams invite applicants from a pool.
- 4
Receive a provincial nomination
If the province nominates you.
- 5
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Through Express Entry or a base (non-Express Entry) application.
This page is general information, not immigration advice for your situation. Rules and streams change; check the official site for current details.
What we look at in a consultation
This page gives the overall picture. The details of each route depend on your situation and are assessed properly in a consultation.
The right route for you
Which of the province's routes really fits your work, studies and language.
Your chances and ranking
An estimate of where you stand in the provincial and Express Entry draws.
Job offer and employer
Whether your job offer meets the requirements and what the employer must do.
Timing, costs and risks
The right order of steps, the official fees and the common reasons files are refused.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Nova Scotia nomination guarantee permanent residence?
No. A nomination is an important step, but IRCC assesses the permanent residence application separately and makes the final decision.
Do these routes need a job offer?
It depends on the stream. Many streams, especially in smaller provinces and the territories, need a job offer; some do not.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Some routes are open to applicants abroad and some only to people working or studying in the province. Which are open to you depends on your background and situation, and is assessed in a consultation.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Processing times and official fees change with the route and the number of applications. In a consultation you get a current estimate for your file.
How current is this information?
This page was checked against the official sites in October 2026. Routes change often, so check the official site before you act, or talk to us.