The NSNP Labour Market Priorities (LMP) stream is the most passive of Nova Scotia’s immigration pathways: instead of applicants approaching the province, the province approaches them. Nova Scotia identifies candidates directly from the IRCC Express Entry pool whose skills match provincial labour market needs, then issues Notifications of Interest without requiring any prior NSNP application from the candidate.
This proactive selection model means that having a well-optimised Express Entry profile is the primary prerequisite. Candidates who receive a Notification of Interest must apply to NSNP within 30 days. If approved and nominated, they receive +600 CRS points in their Express Entry profile — practically guaranteeing a federal Invitation to Apply in the next general or category-based draw.
📋 Quick Facts
- Government Fee: Provincial: $0. Federal PR: $1,525 principal applicant
- Biometrics: $85 individual / $170 family
- Processing Time: Provincial: 3–6 months. Federal: ~7 months (EE-linked)
- RCIC-IRB Representation: Available — Dimple Verma R708308
Eligibility Requirements
- NSNP proactively selects candidates from the IRCC Express Entry pool — no separate application
- Must have active Express Entry profile eligible under CEC, FSW, or FST
- Nova Scotia identifies candidates based on provincial labour market priorities
- Candidates receive a Notification of Interest from NSNP and must apply within 30 days
- No job offer required — selection based on EE profile matching NS priorities
- If nominated, receives +600 CRS points in Express Entry
How the Labour Market Priorities Stream Works
Unlike most immigration pathways where you initiate the process, the LMP stream positions Nova Scotia as the applicant initiator:
- Maintain an active EE profile: Ensure your Express Entry profile is current, accurate, and under the CEC, FSW, or FST pool.
- Nova Scotia searches the pool: NSNP regularly scans the IRCC Express Entry pool for candidates whose occupations and profiles align with NS labour market priorities.
- Notification of Interest issued: Matching candidates receive a NOI by email through their IRCC account.
- Accept and apply within 30 days: Respond to the NOI and submit a complete NSNP application within 30 days.
- NSNP reviews application: Processing typically 3–6 months.
- Nomination certificate issued: Upload nomination to your EE profile.
- +600 CRS points added: IRCC updates your CRS; you receive an Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw.
- Submit federal PR application: Apply to IRCC for permanent residence (~6–7 months processing).
What Nova Scotia Prioritises
Nova Scotia does not publish a precise list of targeted occupations for the LMP stream, as priorities shift with labour market conditions. Historically, healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and engineering sectors have featured prominently. A Nova Scotia connection — such as prior NS work experience, education in NS, or family ties in NS — may increase the likelihood of selection, though it is not a formal requirement.
Candidates can improve their chances by ensuring their Express Entry profile accurately reflects all work experience, language scores, and educational credentials. Use the CRS Calculator to understand your current score and identify improvement opportunities.
No Job Offer Required
One of the LMP stream’s most significant advantages is that no Nova Scotia job offer is required. Nova Scotia selects candidates based on their Express Entry profile and labour market fit — employers are not part of the selection process. This makes the stream accessible to workers who have not yet secured a Nova Scotia job offer but whose skills match provincial needs.
After receiving a NOI and submitting an NSNP application, the main documents required are: an active Express Entry profile, language test results, work experience reference letters, educational credentials or ECA, police clearances, and a written statement of intent to reside in Nova Scotia.
How VGIS Helps
Since the LMP stream is initiated by Nova Scotia rather than the applicant, the applicant’s role is to ensure their Express Entry profile is as strong and accurate as possible. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, reviews EE profiles for accuracy, identifies CRS improvement opportunities, and prepares applicants for the 30-day application window so they are ready to respond immediately if a NOI arrives.
When a NOI arrives, the 30-day clock starts immediately. Applicants who are not pre-prepared frequently struggle to compile documents in time. VGIS maintains an ongoing relationship with clients awaiting LMP selection so the response is immediate and the application is complete. Book a paid consultation to prepare your Express Entry profile for NS LMP selection.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Provincial: $0. Federal PR: $1,525 principal applicant |
| Biometrics | $85 individual / $170 family |
Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.
Key Documents Required
- Active IRCC Express Entry profile
- Language test results
- Work experience reference letters
- Educational credentials or ECA
- Police clearances
- Proof of intent to reside in Nova Scotia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do anything to increase my chances of receiving an NSNP LMP Notification of Interest?
The most direct actions are: keep your Express Entry profile up to date with the most accurate NOC and work experience information; maximise your CRS score through language improvement or additional education; and consider a short-term work or study stint in Nova Scotia to add a NS connection. Nova Scotia labour market priorities shift over time, so an occupation that is in demand today may differ from one that is prioritised next year.
Will the NOI arrive by email or mail?
The NOI is delivered through the IRCC Express Entry online account portal — check your IRCC account regularly and ensure your email notifications are active. The NOI is not sent by mail.
Does being nominated by NS affect my Express Entry profile immediately?
The nomination adds 600 CRS points only after NSNP issues a provincial nomination certificate and you upload it to your EE profile. This does not happen at the NOI stage — it happens after the full NSNP application is approved.
What if I receive a NOI but I am no longer interested in Nova Scotia?
You are not obligated to accept a NOI. However, NSNP expects applicants who apply after receiving a NOI to genuinely intend to reside in Nova Scotia. If your circumstances have changed, consult a regulated immigration consultant before deciding.
Is there a provincial fee for the LMP stream?
No. Like all NSNP streams, the Labour Market Priorities stream has no provincial application fee. Federal PR fees apply as standard: $1,525 (principal applicant), $575 RPRF, and $85 biometrics.
Official Government Source: https://novascotiaimmigration.com/move-here/nova-scotia-nominee-program/
Start Your NSNP Labour Market Priorities Application Today
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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.