Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do employers find potential immigrants looking to come and work in Nova Scotia?

    Employers can use ESDC’s Job Bank to list their vacancies, as well as any other existing online job boards or other recruitment processes they prefer.

    The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration regularly participates in recruitment missions around the world and across Canada with Nova Scotia employers, community partners and business organizations. The goal is to promote the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and help with the recruitment of skilled workers that organizations have been unsuccessful in finding a Canadian to fill. Please contact our office for more information or to register for an event.

  2. Where can employers find information about the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and applications?

    Information regarding the NSNP can be found in the Move Here section. Employers can also contact the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration with any questions or for further information.

  3. What counts as a designated trade in Nova Scotia?

    Designated trades in Nova Scotia include Red Seal trades, and compulsory certified trades under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act or under another regulatory authority. A list of all designated trades can be found on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency website.

  4. How do you determine if a job is a skilled position?

    The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program considers an occupation to be a skilled occupation if it falls under the National Occupation Classification levels 0, A or B. Priority for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program is awarded to these higher skilled occupations.

  5. What is the National Occupation Classification?

    The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a nationally accepted reference for classifying and understanding Canadian occupations. Over 40,000 job titles are organized into 500 group descriptions. Description items include duties, skills, interests, aptitudes, education requirements and work settings for occupations in the Canadian labour market.

  6. Who is responsible for the costs associated with bringing foreign workers to Nova Scotia?

    Applicants are responsible for covering the costs associated with immigration. Employers are not responsible for covering any costs, although they can choose to offer assistance, if they wish. There is no cost to the employer or immigrant to apply for nomination under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

    Employers are responsible for all costs associated with recruitment of foreign workers.

  7. What must be included in a job offer for a foreign worker?

    A job offer must be from a registered Nova Scotia employer. The work permit will be employer specific and limited to the employee who is working in a specific position, for a specific employer. The offer must also be addressed to the applicant and list all of the following:

    • Company’s contact information;
    • Job title and description (duties and responsibilities);
    • Experience required for the job;
    • Specific start date (and end date if applicable); and
    • Salary and benefits being provided.
  8. What kinds of wages should the employer pay?

    Employers must offer fair wages and benefits based on labour market information, and provide working conditions equal to Canadian standards in that occupation.

    Labour market information for Nova Scotia can be found on the Job Bank.

  9. How long does it take for an application to be processed at the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration?

    Typical processing time for a completed application average approximately 3 months or more.

  10. What is an open work permit?

    1. An open work permit allows an immigrant to accept employment in Canada without the need of a LMIA. Once applicants have been nominated by the NSNP, their spouses can apply for an open work permit. The permit allows them to work for any employer and in any occupation.
    2. Post Graduate Work Permit which is given to international students who have successfully completed their studies in Canada. The students apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit of up to 3 years. This work permit allows them to work for any employer and in any occupation without the requirement of an LMIA.
  11. Does a foreign worker need to receive permanent resident status before they can begin working for a Nova Scotia employer?

    No, a temporary worker permit holder will be allowed to start and continue to work during the time span specified on the work permit.

  12. If they have to, is an employer able to terminate an immigrant employee?

    Employers do not have to continue a working relationship if an immigrant employee does not meet job requirements, or if the employer must terminate due to a layoff. When terminating the employment of an immigrant employee, an employer must follow the procedures outlined in the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code. If the employee is a nominee, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration needs to be informed of this change in status.

  13. Is there anything else I should know about hiring a foreign worker?

    The Labour Standards Code now contains rules about hiring foreign workers to work in Nova Scotia. As of August 1, 2013, employers require a registration certificate from Labour Standards to lawfully hire a foreign worker in Nova Scotia.

    Employers need to provide the certificate of registration when applying for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) with Service Canada. There is no fee for the certificate of registration.