Nova Scotia: An Immigration Destination

In recent weeks, the small Canadian province of Nova Scotia has been under the spotlight for many prospective immigrants. This is due largely to the creation of a new stream of immigration called the Regional Labour Market Demand Stream (RLMD), which is administered as part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. Unlike most Canadian immigration programs, the RLMD stream does not require a job offer in order to apply.

The new stream offers the chance for prospective immigrants to settle in one of Canada’s most culturally dynamic provinces. Individuals wishing to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency through the RLMD stream or any of Canada’s immigration programs may wish to consider Nova Scotia, and to learn more about what the province has to offer.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the Provincial Nominee Program for Nova Scotia. Through the NSNP, Nova Scotia is able to target immigrants with the skills that are most needed throughout the province.

The RLMD stream is one of three streams currently administered by the NSNP. It’s creation was announced just a few weeks ago, and it began receiving applications on March 6, 2014. To learn more about the RLMD stream, please read our full coverage of the announcement from our last issue.

The NSNP has released some additional information regarding the stream and its requirements, including the following:

• At this time, there is no limit to the number of applications that will be accepted for review under the RLMD stream. This year only 150 applicants to this stream will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, but not necessarily the first 150 applications submitted.
• Applicants who do not receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate for this year will be given the option of withdrawing their application or remaining in the queue for next year.
• Both IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests will be accepted as proof of English proficiency.

What is Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is Canada’s second-smallest province in area, but with almost 1 million residents it is the most densely populated in the country. It is located in Eastern Canada, close to the province of New Brunswick and the American state of Maine. It is one of the country’s three Maritime Provinces, and is almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, is a city of about 400,000 residents. It is home to world class universities such as Dalhousie University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and Saint Mary’s University. Despite its modest size, Halifax is internationally renowned for its active music, art, and theatre scenes. A large number of Canada’s most famous actors and painters call Halifax home.

Working in Nova Scotia

According to a government study, Nova Scotia expects to experience “significant growth” due to retirement rates as well as expansion of new sectors of industry. These sectors includes: aerospace, information technology, skilled trades, financial services, and healthcare.

It is no surprise that the 43 eligible occupations for the RLMD stream fall largely within the scope of the province’s emerging sectors. In fact, Nova Scotia’s economy is expanding so quickly that the province has projected that it needs 75,000 new workers between the years 2011 and 2016. A full two-thirds of these new jobs will originate from the service sector.

“When it comes to career options, Nova Scotia is setting itself up to compete with some of the world’s best markets,” said Attorney David Cohen. But work is just one aspect of life in Canada. Residents of Nova Scotia find that, between bustling cities and towns and miles of pristine beach and forest, the province truly has the best of both worlds. The NSNP’s new stream is a rare opportunity for applicants to have the chance of moving to one of Canada’s best kept secrets.”

To find out if you are eligible for the NSNP, or any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment today.