WHATSAPPThe Nova Scotia Skilled Worker stream allows employers in the province to hire foreign workers and international graduates whose skills are in limited supply in the province. As the stream is not aligned to Express Entry, candidates who are not eligible under the Express Entry system also can apply permanent residence in Canada under the stream. The stream classifies candidates on the basis of three occupation types: Skilled Workers, Semi-skilled workers and low-skilled workers.
Skilled Workers
Candidates with experience in an occupation classified under NOC levels 0, A or B belong to this category, which prioritizes highly skilled applicants. These occupations are also called skilled occupations.
Semi-skilled workers
Candidates whose occupations are classified as NOC level C belong to this category. In order to apply, the candidate must meet all the eligibility criteria. Besides the candidate must have worked for at least six months with a Nova Scotia employer, who is supporting his/her application for permanent residence.
Low-skilled workers
Candidates whose applications are classified as NOC level D belong to the category of Low-skilled workers. The candidate must meet all the eligibility criteria and must have worked for at least six months with a Nova Scotia employer who supports their application for permanent residence in Canada. There must be active support from the employer in terms of contribution to the immigration fees, accommodation/housing, language training, and career training plans. However, an individual will not be eligible to apply under this category if he/she is working in an occupation classified under NOC D on a post-graduation work permit.
Eligibility requirements for applicants
- The candidates must be legally residing in Canada at the time of submitting the application
- If the candidate is applying from outside Canada, he/she must prove that they are a legal residents of that country
- Age of the candidate must be between 21 and 55
- The candidate must have a full time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- Education qualification must be equal to high school level
- The candidate must have the education, training and licensing/certification needed to perform the job in Canada, if applicable
- Minimum 12 months of relevant work experience acquired within the past five years
- Meet minimum language requirements
- Intent and ability to settle in the province of Nova Scotia
- Sufficient settlement funds and financial resources to establish themselves in Nova Scotia
Requirements of employers
The employer must be:
- Established in Nova Scotia permanently
- Must have operated in Nova Scotia under the current management for a minimum of two years
- Must issue a full-time permanent job offer to an individual applicant
The job offered must be:
- Located in Nova Scotia
- With salary and benefits meeting provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates
- For a position which cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Further, the job offer must not contravene any existing bargaining unit agreements, labour agreements/standards, or be involved in any employment disputes. If the offer is for NOC level C or D occupations, it will be considered based on local labour market requirements and condition. The employer must prove that sufficient efforts had been made to fill the position, with evidence that predate the applicant’s current offer of employment. The employer must also have a history of good workplace and business practices. The candidate must be practicing in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Canada has huge demand for skilled professionals with relevant educational qualification and work experience. A high quality of life and great career opportunities are what make Canada an attractive destination for immigrants. Contact us if you want to know more about your options to make Canada your permanent home.
