The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is an immigration pathway designed to help individuals who have the skills and experience required by the province. By obtaining a provincial nomination through NSNP, applicants can improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency . The process involves several key steps on to get Canadian Permanent Residency through NSPNP, from creating profiles to submitting applications, all of which contribute to obtaining permanent resident status in Canada.
Here’s a detailed overview of the process for obtaining a Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination and Canadian Permanent Residency:
Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile
To begin your application for permanent residency in Canada, you need to create an Express Entry profile on the Government of Canada’s official website. This profile serves as the first step in the application process for several federal immigration programs, including:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
You will be required to provide information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details. Based on the information provided, your profile will be ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.
Step 2: Create a Nova Scotia Expression of Interest Profile
To increase your chances of receiving a provincial nomination, you will need to create a Nova Scotia Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. This is a separate online form where you will provide details about your qualifications, work experience, language skills, and reasons for wanting to live and work in Nova Scotia.
Submitting an EOI allows you to express interest in the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP). If your profile meets the criteria for one of Nova Scotia’s immigration streams, the province may invite you to apply for provincial nomination. A provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
Make sure your profile is complete and accurate. Meeting the eligibility criteria for one of Nova Scotia’s immigration streams—such as having a valid job offer, relevant work experience, or education—will further improve your chances of being selected for a nomination.
Step 3: Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Province
After submitting your Expression of Interest to Nova Scotia, you will need to wait for the province to review your profile. If Nova Scotia invites you to apply for a provincial nomination, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The timing of this process can vary, but invitations are generally issued within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the volume of applications.
Step 4: Gather Documents and Submit Full Provincial Nomination Application
Once you have received an ITA from Nova Scotia, you will need to submit a full provincial nomination application. This involves gathering all the required documents, such as:
- Passport and identification
- Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters, contracts)
- Educational credentials (e.g., diplomas, transcripts)
- Language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP)
- Proof of funds
- Job offer letter (if applicable)
You will submit these documents through the Nova Scotia PNP portal. Be sure that all documents are accurate, clear, and translated into English or French if necessary. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
Once you submit your application, it may take several months for Nova Scotia to review and process it. During this period, you can track the progress of your application via the PNP portal.
Step 5: Receive the Nomination Letter and Additional 600 CRS Points
If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination letter from Nova Scotia. This letter confirms that you have been nominated for permanent residency and provides you with the nomination certificate. Upon receiving this nomination, you will automatically receive 600 additional CRS points on your Express Entry profile. These extra points significantly increase your chances of receiving an ITA from the federal government to help you get Canadian Permanent Residency through NSPNP
These 600 points are valid for six months, so it is important to submit your permanent residency application before they expire.
Step 6: Wait for Update on Your Express Entry Profile
Once you receive your provincial nomination and the additional 600 points, you will need to wait for an update to your Express Entry profile. The nomination certificate will be sent to the federal government, and your CRS score will be updated automatically. If your new CRS score is high enough, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in the next Express Entry draw.
Step 7: Accept or Reject the Nomination
After receiving your provincial nomination, you will have the option to accept or reject the nomination. If you accept the nomination, your CRS score will be updated, and you will be in a stronger position to receive an ITA for permanent residency.
However, if you decide to reject the nomination, you will not receive the additional CRS points, but you can remain in the Express Entry pool and wait for other opportunities. Rejecting a provincial nomination may reduce your chances of being selected in future Express Entry draws.
Step 8: Wait for Permanent Residency Application Tab on Your Express Entry Profile
Once you accept your provincial nomination and your CRS score has been updated, you will need to wait for the Permanent Residency Application tab to appear on your Express Entry profile. This tab will allow you to submit your full application for permanent residency.
Step 9: Gather Documents and Submit Full Application Through Express Entry Profile
When the “Permanent Residency Application” tab appears in your profile, you will need to submit all required supporting documents, such as:
- Medical exams
- Police certificates
- Proof of funds
- Other documentation required by Canadian immigration authorities
Carefully review all instructions to ensure that your documents meet the requirements. Any missing or incorrect documents may delay your application.
Step 10: Wait for Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
After submitting your permanent residency application through your Express Entry profile, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). This confirms that your application has been received and is being processed by Canadian immigration authorities. The processing time can vary, but the AOR is a key milestone in the application process.
Once you receive the AOR, you can track the status of your application through your Express Entry profile. If additional documents or information is required, you will be notified.