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NSNP CI ApplicationGuide 0
NSNP CI ApplicationGuide 0
NSNP CI ApplicationGuide 0
Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................2 Criteria and Requirements for the Principal Applicant .....................................................................................5 When Not to Apply ...............................................................................................................................................7 Application and Assessment Process ...............................................................................................................8 Appendix 1 Documents Checklist .................................................................................................................12 Appendix 2 Forms and Supporting Documents ...........................................................................................14
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Introduction
This guide explains how you can apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) through the Community Identified stream to be nominated for permanent residence. The NSNP is an immigration recruitment and selection program that allows the Government of Nova Scotia to nominate to the Canadian government individuals who can meet the provincial labour market and economic needs and who intend to establish themselves in Nova Scotia. A Nominee, along with his or her spouse and dependents, approved under this program may become permanent residents of Canada following approval by the Canadian government. This stream is part of an economic immigration program, and is not intended to be used for family reunification. The Community Identified stream is aimed at selecting individuals who have strong, established connections to a Nova Scotia community and wish to live there permanently. They are employable and can contribute to the labour market and economy of that specific community.
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Occupations
The Office of Immigration does not have a specific occupation or skill shortage list. The Office of Immigration uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) to classify jobs according to duties, formal qualifications and experience specified by the employer. The NOC helps determine whether a job meets the skill levels established for skilled and semi-skilled worker occupations, and whether the candidates qualifications and experience match the requirements of the job. The NOC Matrix provides an overview of the entire occupational classification structure based on skill levels and skill types. For more details on NOC skill levels, please visit http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/AboutNOC.aspx The Office of Immigration differentiates between skilled workers, semi-skilled and low-skilled workers. Skilled workers are defined as individuals with occupation within NOC skill levels O, A or B. Priority will be awarded to these higher skilled occupations. Semi-skilled workers have occupations that fall under the NOC skill level C occupations. The Office of Immigration may consider applications based on local labour market requirement and conditions, and six (6) months of work with the Nova Scotia employer supporting the application. At this time, under the Community Identified stream, the Office of Immigration will not consider low-skilled occupations that fall under the NOC skill level D. The Office of Immigration reserves the right to consider only certain types of jobs and occupations for nomination. This decision will depend on the current economic situation of the Nova Scotia labour market needs.
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CLB Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
4
NOC skill level C (mandatory language testing)
IELTS test results for each ability 4.5 CELPIP test results for each ability 2H TEF test results for each ability 145 121 181 181 2H 2H 2H 3.5 4 4
5
NOC skill levels 0, A & B (non-mandatory language testing)
IELTS test results for each ability 5 CELPIP test results for each ability 3L TEF test results for each ability 180 150 225 225 3L 3L 3L 4 5 5
Fees
There is no provincial application fee under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). You must, however, pay all the required Government of Canada immigration fees when you submit your file to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Disclaimer
There is no deadline for applying to the NSNP. However, program criteria may change without notice and your application will be assessed according to the criteria in place at the time we receive your complete application. If application criteria and forms have been updated since the publication of this guide, you will find the most current information on our website at www.novascotiaimmigration.ca.
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Criteria
Legal status in the country of residence
Eligibility Requirements
If you are living in Canada, you must provide proof of your legal status as a temporary worker or visitor. If you apply from outside Canada, you must provide proof that you have legal status in your country of residence. You are between the ages of 21 and 55 at the Office of Immigration receives your application. You have a minimum of one (1) year of work experience within the past five (5) years from the date of application in an area of employment or sector required by the community. This work experience does not have to be in Canada. The evidence of work experience or transferable skills will be verified by certified education documents and/or work experience via your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and supporting employment documents. You have completed the equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma with a minimum of 12 years of education and/or training from a recognized institution and/or authority, PLUS have completed a minimum of one year post-secondary education or training program at a postsecondary level (tertiary) AND have received a diploma, certificate or degree; and You have relevant skills and training for your future employment in a field or sector required by the community. For occupations requiring licensing or certification in Nova Scotia, please contact the appropriate provincial, national and/or industry regulatory association prior to applying to verify that you meet licensing or certification requirements.1 The Office of Immigration may require you to obtain, at your own cost, an evaluation of your education and training from an authorized Canadian organization specializing in credential assessment.
Language ability
For information on regulated and non-regulated occupations in Nova Scotia and Canada, contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials at http://www.cicic.ca/
1
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communication. Internationally recognised test results to prove a CLB/NCLC level 5: International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training; Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP); or Test dvaluation de franais (TEF), General Training.
See above section Language Standards and Mandatory Testing for more information. Adaptability, including strong, established connection and employability The NSNP Officer must be satisfied that you have both a strong, established connection to the community, and you have strong employability potential in Nova Scotia which will allow you to settle successfully and permanently in the province. You can satisfactorily demonstrate to the Province your genuine intention and ability to settle permanently in Nova Scotia. You must also provide a Letter of Intent which outlines your employability and your potential social, economic and labour market contributions to that community. You must also demonstrate your long established association to the Nova Scotia community by a combination of the following: have close family relations in the community have resided in the community for extended periods in the past have business connections and activities in the community have significant community connections
When assessing an applicants adaptability and employability, the Office of Immigration will consider the current Nova Scotia labour market conditions and requirements for job prospects. You need to demonstrate your efforts to secure employment by providing, for example: Identification of your current and future occupation Identification of your future business plans Information about your research in the community Contacts with professional organizations regarding the recognition of your credentials Other relevant information
The Office of Immigration may request additional information and evidence from you, may require an in person interview, and may conduct interviews with third parties during the assessment process. Financial and settlement supports You can demonstrate that you have sufficient settlement supports and financial resources, including transferable funds in your name or your spouses, in order to pay your immigration costs and travel expenses (if applicable) and to successfully establish yourself and your family. The Office of Immigration recommends for an individual without arranged employment to meet the Statistics Canada Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum requirements for their net worth. See Table 3 at Low-Income Cut-Off.
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To apply under the Community Identified stream, the applicant cannot be eligible for any other NSNP streams. The Office of Immigration will not consider as principal applicants under this stream: Parents, spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. These individuals are encouraged to apply under the federal Family Class which exists for this purpose. Individuals who are living in Canada and are a refugee claimant, failed refugee claimant or an applicant under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Individuals who are in Canada illegally, are under a removal order in Canada, or are prohibited from entering or being in Canada due to their inadmissibility. International students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary education program. Individuals with a post-graduate work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Individuals with unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any dependent. Seasonal, part-time or casual workers. Sales positions that are based solely on commission for compensation. Positions classified under National Occupational Classification as Level D. Helpers and labourers in construction, agriculture and primary resources sectors. Individuals in Canada who are in the Live-In Caregiver Program. Jobs that are not based in Nova Scotia. Passive investors individuals who intend to invest in a Nova Scotia business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business.
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Supporting Documents Where the documents are not in English or in French, the principal applicant must submit a photocopy of the original document and a photocopy of the certified translation. The Office of Immigration will only accept translations prepared by certified translators. Translators must be certified by a regulatory body and cannot be a family member of the applicant or spouse, or common-law or conjugal partner, or work for a paid consultant or representative who is preparing the application. The applicant must also supply proof from the translator describing their translation ability or certification.
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Photocopies of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) forms Photocopies of supporting documents If applicable, one original NSNP 50 Use of a Representative If applicable, one original NSNP 60 Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual
If you are using a paid immigration representative to conduct business on your behalf with the Province of Nova Scotia, that individual must be either: an immigration consultant who is a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC); or a lawyer or paralegal who is a member in good standing of a Canadian Law Society or a student-at-law under the supervision of a recognized lawyer; or a notary public who is a member in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Qubec and a student-at-law under their supervision.
WARNING: Payment to an individual who is not regulated as above offers no legal opportunity for complaint and is strongly discouraged by this office. The Office of Immigration will not deal with non-authorized representatives.
2. Review and organize your completed forms and supporting documents according to Appendix 1 Documents Checklist. It is your responsibility to submit all requested documents. If documents are missing, not translated by a certified translator, or are not clear, your application may not be assessed. When preparing your application package do NOT: - send double-sided copies - bind your application or put the pages in a ring binder - enclose individual pages in plastic, envelopes or folders - tie, sew, bolt, or glue the pages together, - use multiple staples on a page, - send multiple copies of identical documents. 3. PHOTOCOPY all your completed forms and supporting documents and keep these copies for your records. 4. Mail or drop off your complete application package to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. The address can be found at the end of this application guide.
the Proof of Nomination will be sent directly to the appropriate Canadian visa office by the Office of Immigration. Please note: the Proof of Nomination expires 6 months after the date of issuance.
D. Refusal If the application is being considered for refusal, the applicant or their representative will receive an initial letter of Intent for Refusal from the Office of Immigration. The Intent for Refusal letter gives the opportunity to provide additional information to be considered in the recommendation. The applicant has 30 days to submit additional information. After 30 days, the file will be re-assessed, including any new information submitted and a final decision made. This decision is sent in writing. There is no appeal process. Nomination is at the sole discretion of the Office of Immigration. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program is only one means of applying for permanent resident status in Canada. We encourage applicants to explore alternatives at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website www.cic.gc.ca
5.
Please note: If you are not applying for a temporary work permit, please proceed to no 6. If nominated by the Province of Nova Scotia, it is possible to request a letter from the Office of Immigration to support the application of a work permit or the renewal of an existing temporary work permit. This letter of support replaces the labour market opinion (LMO) from Service Canada in applying for the new work permit. This request should not be submitted until within three (3) months of the expiry of the current work permit, if applicable. Also, Citizenship and Immigration Canada cannot authorize status documents (e.g. work permit), if the individuals passport will not be valid during the requested time frame. The work permit will enable the applicant to continue working in Nova Scotia while the application for a permanent resident visa is being processed at the Canadian visa office. Please contact the Office of Immigration.
6.
If nominated by the Province of Nova Scotia, then you, the applicant, are responsible for submitting a complete application for a permanent resident visa to the Centralized Intake Office as indicated in the Office of Immigrations Letter of Nomination, within 6 (six) months. To find out how to apply, please review the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/index.asp A nomination by the Province of Nova Scotia does not guarantee that a permanent resident visa will be issued. Citizenship and Immigration Canada makes the final decision for the granting of permanent resident visas after ensuring that all legislative requirements are met, including medical, criminality and security checks. The Office of Immigration may withdraw the nomination at any time prior to the issuance of the permanent resident visa and prior to landing in Canada if: Citizenship and Immigration Canada finds that you or a dependent is inadmissible as a result of medical, criminality, security checks or valid passport; or The Office of Immigration is advised by the Canadian visa office that any information provided in the application is false or fraudulent. The applicant does not meet minimum eligibility requirements of the NSNP anymore.
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7.
If approved by the visa office, you, your spouse and dependents will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence. You must contact the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration within 30 days of your arrival. You must provide the Office of Immigration with a copy of the Confirmation of Permanent Residence, as well as a current Nova Scotia address and contact information such as phone number(s) and email address.
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Citizenship and Immigration Canada forms provide COPIES ONLY Forms and application guide(s) are available at www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-application.asp Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] Schedule A - Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] For the principal applicant For the principal applicant, if more than five (5) dependents For the principal applicant, spouse and dependent children aged 18 or older, whether they are accompanying or not. For the principal applicant For the principal applicant and dependents aged 18 or older who complete the Schedule A [IMM 5669] For the principal applicant For the principal applicant and dependents over the age of 18 For the principal applicant and dependents over the age of 18
Schedule 4 Economic Classes Provincial Nominees [IMM 0008 Schedule 4] Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] Supplementary Information Your Travels [IMM 5562] Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (if applicable) [IMM 5475] Use of a Representative (if applicable) [IMM 5476] Nova Scotia Nominee Program forms provide ORIGINALS 1 colour passport sized photograph NSNP 100 Application Form NSNP 50 Use of a Representative (if applicable) NSNP 60 Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (if applicable)
For the principal applicant and each dependent For the principal applicant For the principal applicant and dependents aged 18 and older. For the principal applicant and dependents aged 18 and older.
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Supporting Documents provide COPIES ONLY Valid passports and travel documents Proof of legal status in your country of residence if other than your country of nationality (e.g. work permit) Birth certificates identifying both parents Marriage certificate (if applicable) Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (if applicable) Divorce and/or annulment certificate (if applicable) Custody maintenance documents and permission for the child to come to Canada (if applicable) Please complete Form IMM 5604 Declaration from nonaccompanying parent/guardian for minors travelling to Canada Adoption papers (if applicable) Death certificate for former spouse (if applicable) Correspondence on previous immigration applications to Canada (if applicable) Letter of Intent Education certifications received (e.g. degrees, diplomas or certificates) Proof of full time study (if applicable) Proof of English or French language ability Supporting employment history and documents Certification with licensing bodies, regulatory agencies (if applicable) Resume / Curriculum Vitae Financial information - proof of settlement supports and transferable funds (e.g. bank statements, property ownership and appraisals, investments portfolio, etc.) Police certificates (if applicable) For the principal applicant and dependents For the principal applicant and dependents For the principal applicant and dependents For the principal applicant and spouse For the principal applicant and partner (only if the latter is a co-signer on the application) For the principal applicant and spouse For the principal applicant and spouse IMM 5604 for the non-accompanying parent/guardian, former spouse or former common-law partner AND witnessed by a notary public. For the principal applicant and spouse For the principal applicant and spouse For the principal applicant and dependents For the principal applicant For the principal applicant and dependents aged 22 or older For dependent children aged 22 or older For the principal applicant (see criteria section) For the principal applicant For the principal applicant For the principal applicant For the principal applicant and dependents
For the principal applicant and dependents over the aged 18 or older, only if they have been convicted (found guilty) of an offence.
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More instructions are available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/EP7.pdf Additional Dependants / Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] This form must be completed by the principal applicant if you have more than five (5) family members (see above for definition). All questions in this form are about the dependents. You can download and fill out the application form on a computer. You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later. Schedule A Background / Declaration [IMM 5669] This form must be completed by the principal applicant and, if applicable, your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, and all dependent children aged 18 years or older listed on the Generic Application Form for Canada whether they are accompanying or not. No6 If you answered Yes to one or more of the questions, you must write an explanation of what happened in the space provided.
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Schedule 4 Economic Classes Provincial Nominees [IMM 0008 Schedule 4] Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
This form must be completed by the principal applicant. You must indicate NOVA SCOTIA in the box asking Which provincial government has nominated you? You are applying under the Community Identified Stream. This form must be completed by the principal applicant and, if applicable, his or her spouse, common-law or conjugal partner; and all accompanying dependent children aged 18 years or older listed in the Generic Application Form for Canada. It is very important that you list all children (even if they are already permanent residents or Canadian citizens) that you or your spouse have who are or are not included in your Generic Application Form for Canada.
This form must be completed and signed by the applicant and commonlaw partner, only if the latter is a co-signer on the application. Use this form is to demonstrate and indicate your common-law relationship and make a solemn declaration before a commissioner of oath.
This form must be completed by the principal applicant whether or not you have travelled outside your country of origin or of residence. List all trips you, and if applicable, your family members have taken outside your country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since your 18th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc. If you or your family member did not travel outside of your country during this period, check "did not travel". Optional. Use this form if you wish to have your application information sent to a designated individual other than yourself or your representative. The individual you designate will be able to obtain information on your case file, such as the status of your application. However, he or she will not be a representative who can conduct business on your behalf with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This form must be completed by the principal applicant and by all accompanying family members age 18 or older listed in the Generic Application Form for Canada.
Optional. Use this form if you wish to designate an authorized representative who has your permission to conduct business on your behalf with the Canadian visa office. When you appoint a representative, you also authorize the Canadian visa office to share information from your case to this person. This form must be completed by the principal applicant and by all accompanying family members age 18 or older listed in the Generic Application Form for Canada.
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Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Forms Provide ORIGINALS Submit one completed and signed original form (signature can be in native language).
NSNP 100 Application Form NSNP 50 Use of a Representative This form must be completed by the principal applicant. Optional. Use this form if you wish to designate an authorized representative who has your permission to conduct business on your behalf with the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. When you appoint a representative, you also authorize the Province of Nova Scotia to share information from your case to this person. This form must be completed by the principal applicant and by all accompanying family members age 18 or older listed in the Generic Application Form for Canada. Optional. Use this form if you wish to have your application information sent to a designated individual other than yourself or your representative. The individual you designate will be able to obtain information on your case file, such as the status of your application. However, he or she will not be a representative who can conduct business on your behalf with Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. This form must be completed by the principal applicant and by all accompanying family members age 18 or older listed in the Generic Application Form for Canada.
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Childrens Information
stated in custody agreements. Proof of full-time study for dependent children age 22 years or more. Including: o a letter from each educational institution indicating that the dependent child attended and the time period of attendance, and o copy of all certificates and diplomas received. Community Connections You must provide documentation to demonstrate your community connections: o Original Letter of Intent to the Office of Immigration to outline how you meet the eligibility criteria for adaptability and intention to settle. You must provide a copy of all certification and training obtained by the principal applicant and spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and dependents aged 22 or older. NOC Skill Levels 0, A and B You must demonstrate that you have sufficient English or French language ability to be employable and functional in Nova Scotia based on documentation of language ability which may include: o Mother tongue, or o Educational transcripts/diplomas or employment references indicating English or French as the principal language of instruction or communication, or o Internationally recognized test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) NOC Skill Level C You must submit internationally recognized test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) See section Language Standards and Mandatory Testing for more information. Supporting Employment History and Documents Letters of employment to support your employment history and work experience. Resume or curriculum vitae If applicable, proof of certification for principal applicant with a licensing or regulatory association or organization or any permits required to hold an occupation abroad or in Canada. For the principal applicant or spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, and all accompanying dependents. You may provide one or a combination of the following: Letter from financial institutions indicating the balance and transactional history for the last three months. Financial institutions statements demonstrating access to transferable, liquid funds and assets. Investments portfolio.
Language Ability
Financial Information
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Proof of property ownership and appraisal. Mortgage and other loans. Do not include personal items such as jewelry, furniture and vehicles.
Contact Information
Nova Scotia Office of Immigration 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A PO Box 1535 Halifax, Nova Scotia CANADA B3J 2Y3 Tel: (902) 424-5230 | Fax: (902) 424-7936 | nsnp@gov.ns.ca www.novascotiaimmigration.ca Find Nova Scotia Immigration on the following social media websites:
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