Closure of the Express Entry stream for immigration to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Immigration has announced the permanent closure of the Nova Scotia Application: Express Entry stream. Group A of this stream, for applicants with a job offer, will be closed from January 4, 2021. Group B is currently closed for applicants with expertise and experience in required occupations and has not been opened since 2018.

A message was posted on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) website stating that the province is having more success with applicants through the Nova Scotia Labor Market Priority Stream. “Nova Scotia’s labor market priority stream has been made more targeted and efficient in the selection and review process. Only qualified applicants will receive invitations to apply based on lottery criteria,” the message said.

Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities

Nova Scotia’s labor market preference stream is designed to allow the province to select specific occupations for immigration. The draws were for the following jobs:

Registered Nurses or Licensed Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 3012)

Advertising, marketing and public relations workers (NOC 1123)

Carpenters (NOC 7271)

Auditors and Accountants (NOC 1111)

Coaches and assistant coaches for minors (NOC 4214)

Social Service Workers (NOC 4212)

Auto Body Repairers and Auto Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers (NOC 7322 or NOC 7321)

Interactive Media Programmers and Developers (NOC 2174)

The raffles were for French-speaking applicants with a job offer.

Nova Scotia labor market preferences conditions

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

In the Express Entry system, have received a letter of intent from the Nova Scotia Selection Program.

They must have the minimum work experience of the Express Entry stream for the desired job.

Prove that they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their families, to pay for immigration and travel expenses.

Have a legal status in the country of their current residence.

The necessary criteria must be in place at the time of issuing the letter of intent.