Nova Scotia Increases 2022 immigrant intake to 75%

In 2021, Nova Scotia welcomed 9,025 new permanent residents, a new high that was 19 percent more than the previous peak in 2019. To spur economic growth, the province continues to invest extensively in immigration schemes.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) allocations for 2022 have been verified by Nova Scotia. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the number of province nominations to 5,340 and added 1,173 more endorsement spots to the AIP, an increase of 75% over 2021. The Immigration Levels Plan is used by IRCC to establish the number of allocations each year.

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About Nova Scotia immigration programs 

 • Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

This Express Entry stream is aimed at highly skilled persons who will be able to contribute to the economy of Nova Scotia. Candidates must have either a job offer from a Nova Scotia business or work experience in one of Nova Scotia in-demand occupations to be eligible. This programme is linked to the federal Express Entry immigration system, allowing successful applicants to have their immigration applications processed more quickly.

 • Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

This programme is for highly skilled persons who want to live and work permanently in Nova Scotia. Candidates must have at least one year of experience working in a high-skilled occupation in Nova Scotia to be considered. This programme is also linked to the federal Express Entry immigration system, allowing successful applicants to have their immigration applications processed on priority. 

 • Nova Scotia Skilled worker 

Nova Scotia firms can use the Nova Scotia Skilled Worker stream to hire overseas workers and recently graduated international students whose talents are in demand in the province. If a skilled worker receives a job offer from a Nova Scotia business, he or she may be eligible to apply through this stream to speed up their immigration process.

 • Nova Scotia Entrepreneur 

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior executives who want to invest in and manage a firm in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have a substantial net worth and be prepared to use their business management experience to start a new firm or purchase an existing business in Nova Scotia in order to be considered. Applicants may be nominated for permanent resident status after one year of conducting a business in Nova Scotia.

 • Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent Nova Scotia university and college graduates who have created or purchased a Nova Scotia firm and run it for at least one year. If an applicant fits these criteria and plans to permanently settle in Nova Scotia, they may be eligible for a provincial nomination under this stream.

 • Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program includes Nova Scotia (AIPP). The AIPP is a federal-provincial cooperation that aims to boost economic growth in Canada's Atlantic provinces. For newcomers who have received a job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic region, AIPP makes the immigration procedure easier.