Nova Scotia's issues first invitations through new Express Entry-linked stream

Nova Scotia's new Labour Market Priorities Stream issued its first invitations Wednesday, targeting Express Entry candidates with eligible work experience as early childhood educators and assistants.

A total of 314 invitations were issued to eligible candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with at least two years of work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) 4214, CIC News has learned.

Lynette Macleod, spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, told CIC News that a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was not a selection factor.

Macleod said Express Entry candidates who received a Letter of Interest now have 30 days to submit a complete application to Nova Scotia.

To find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, fill out a free assessment form.

Nova Scotia announced the creation of the Labour Market Priorities Stream on August 2, saying it will be used to invite Express Entry candidates who meet "market-identified labour shortages" to apply for a provincial nomination.

Express Entry manages the profiles of candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Classand Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry candidates who are approved for a provincial nomination from Nova Scotia will receive an additional 600 points toward their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System score and move to the head of the line for an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

"Attracting and retaining skilled workers will help increase access to important services such as Early Childhood Education, while helping grow our population," Macleod told CIC News in an email. "This will strengthen our communities and our provincial economy — benefiting all Nova Scotians."

The province's Office of Immigration describes the stream as "flexible" and said the specified occupations could vary from draw to draw depending on the Nova Scotia's needs.

"This new stream is a good example of how Nova Scotia is innovating and fine-tuning its use of Express Entry," said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell Cohen immigration law firm in Montreal.

"The 30-day window in which to submit a complete application is also a good reminder of how important it is to be proactive and prepare your documents well ahead of time."

In order to be considered through Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream, the first step is to submit a profile to the Express Entry system.

To find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, fill out a free assessment form.