Nova Scotia Nominee Program
In January 2003, the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia (located on Canada’s East coast, capital city Halifax) announced the details of its Provincial Nominee Program.
Background
The Federal Government of Canada has primary responsibility under our Constitution for Immigration matters. All immigrant visas are issued by the Federal Government (Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) The Federal Government has established various selection categories or classes; for example Economic Classes (skilled worker and business immigrants). But each Canadian Province also may have some responsibility for immigrant selection. To date, most Canadian provinces have entered into agreements with the Federal Government allowing the Province to have input into immigrant selection. In the case of an applicant choosing to reside in any Province other than Quebec, such as Nova Scotia, the immigrant may choose to apply in one of the Federal Government immigration categories, or may choose to be selected by the Province. These Provincial programs are called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP's). The PNP applications are submitted initially to the PNP office in that Province; if the applicant is selected, the applicant then applies to the Federal Government Visa Office for an immigrant visa. [Persons choosing to reside in Quebec must submit their application to a Province of Quebec office, located outside Canada, and if selected by Quebec, they also then apply to the Federal Government Visa Office for an immigrant visa].
Nova Scotia Nominee Program: A Very Attractive Option
In August 2002, the Federal Government signed a Nominee Program agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia. The details were announced in January 2003. The first succesful applicant arrived in August 2004. The number of successful applicants has been growing steadily since then. In my opinion, the Nova Scotia program offers qualified applicants the most attractive option available in Canada. Processing of immigrant visas is significantly faster than any Federal Government category (except sponsorship of spouses and children).
Selection Factors for the Principal Applicant
Age: between the age of 25 and 60.
Language: basic language skills in English, or French and English (basic ability to function in the workplace.
Experience: minimum three years managerial experience
Education: grade 12 or equivalent
Net Worth: minimum CAD$ 300,000 legally acquired from any source
Economic Contribution: a one-time non-refundable Economic Contribution of CAD$ 130,000 to the Province of Nova Scotia
Unique Guaranteed Employment Feature
One of the reasons why the Nova Scotia Nominee Program is so popular is the right of the principal applicant to have guaranteed employment in a middle management position with a Nova Scotia company for at least six months following landing at a guaranteed salary of CAD$ 20,000 for that six months period. The immigrant is allowed to choose which company he or she will be employed by from a list of approximately 50 companies approved by the Province.
The company selected by the immigrant will receive a grant from the Province of Nova Scotia in the amount of CAD$ 100,000. This money will enable the company to enhance its business, perhaps by opening new markets, adding production capacity or research and development. This is an exciting opportunity for both parties!
This right to six months managerial employment is unique to Nova Scotia’s program. Moreover, this feature provides an opportunity for the new immigrant to become immediately acquainted with Canadian business and managerial practices, without any risk to the immigrant. It also enables Nova Scotia businesses to grow and become more competitive. This is a win-win program.
After the initial six months period of employment, the immigrant and the employer are free to continue that employment, on terms to be negotiated.
Intention to Reside in Nova Scotia
To be selected, the applicant must make a commitment to reside in Nova Scotia.
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