Category B of the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry immigration stream briefly reopened on Saturday, Dec. 9.
The Government of Nova Scotia said it would accept between 175 and 225 applications during this latest opening of the the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (NSDEE).
As with previous openings, the NSDEE, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reached its intake limit quickly. Given this trend, candidates who are interested in applying to the stream are advised to be prepared by reviewing eligibility and ensuring all documentation is close at hand and up-to-date.
The NSDEE is for highly-skilled individuals with a post-secondary education and the qualifications to integrate successfully into Nova Scotia’s labour market.
Category B: Paid Work Experience in an Opportunity Occupation requires at least one year of continuous full-time (or 1,560 hours or more) or an equal amount in part-time paid work experience in the last six years in one of the opportunity occupations, which are defined as professions for which there may be employment opportunities in Nova Scotia (please see table below).
To apply under Category B, you must:
- Have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system.
- Score 67 points or more on the stream’s six selection factors.
- Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in one of our 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.
The stream’s unique point-system awards eligible applicants points based on language proficiency, age, work experience, education, and adaptability. For full details on eligibility requirements and selection factors, see our dedicated Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry page.
Eligible Express Entry candidates with work experience in one of the following ‘opportunity’ occupations may submit an application to the NSDEE.
| Occupation | NOC code |
|---|---|
| Financial Auditors and Accountants | 1111 |
| Other financial officers | 1114 |
| Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations | 1123 |
| Administrative assistants | 1241 |
| Accounting and related clerks | 1311 |
| Civil engineers | 2131 |
| Information systems analysts and consultants | 2171 |
| Computer programmers and interactive media development | 2174 |
| Computer network technicians | 2281 |
| User support technicians | 2282 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 3012 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 3233 |
| College and other vocational instructors | 4021 |
| Paralegal and related occupations | 4211 |
| Social and community service workers | 4212 |
| Financial sales representatives | 6235 |
The NSDEE is one of two Express Entry-aligned streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The stream allows Nova Scotia to nominate a limited number of candidates in the federal government’s Express Entry pool, which includes candidates from the federal government’s three economic immigration classes — the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A candidate who obtains a provincial nomination is awarded an additional 600 CRS points, placing them well within reach of being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.
The NSDEE’s Category A: Arranged Employment in Nova Scotia 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.