Immigration Corner | Can I move to Nova Scotia without a job offer?

Dear Miss Powell,

My aunt lives in Nova Scotia, and she would like me to move there with her. I am 40 years old and have a master’s degree. I noticed that it is getting harder to qualify for Canada these days. Can I possibly qualify for permanent residence without a job offer?

DE

Dear D.E.,

I’m glad you reached out, because many individuals like yourself are exploring options to live in Canada and are hoping to qualify without a job offer. The good news is that it is indeed possible to immigrate to Nova Scotia without a job offer, especially if you have strong educational qualifications and excellent language skills.

Since you are 40 years old and have a master’s degree, you may be a strong candidate under the Nova Scotia Nominee Programme, particularly the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities, or Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry streams. These are the main pathways that do not necessarily require a job offer, provided you first meet the Federal Express Entry eligibility requirements.

EXPRESS ENTRY

The Express Entry system requires that you qualify to enter the pool of candidates based on your age, education, work experience, and language skills. You will also need to indicate that you have relatives in Nova Scotia and that you are interested in residing in the province. Once you are accepted into the pool, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your aim is to get as high a score as possible so that you can be ranked amount the best.

The province of Nova Scotia frequently scouts the Express Entry system for candidates who match its labour needs. If selected, you may receive a Notification of Interest. From there, you can apply for a provincial nomination, if granted you will receive an additional 600 points, which is enough to almost guarantee you an invitation to apply for permanent residence

Since you have an aunt in Nova Scotia, you may also qualify under the Nova Scotia Critical Demand Occupations or Community-Driven Pilot Programmes, where family ties to the province can strengthen your application. If your aunt is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is settled in Nova Scotia, this can improve your chances by showing you are likely to adapt and remain in the province long term.

The key to all these pathways is demonstrating strong language ability and having your education assessed as equivalent to Canadian standards. If you’ve studied outside Canada, be prepared to present an Educational Credential Assessment and top language scores (International English Language Testing System or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program). You must also have verifiable skilled work experience; typically, at least three to five years in a National Occupational Classification Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

KEY OCCUPATIONS

Nova Scotia usually nominates people with work experience in occupations based on labour market needs, and several key occupations are consistently favoured. These include nurses, continuing care assistants, doctors, and other healthcare professional; these occupation also remain in high demand across most provinces.

Other commonly invited occupations include truck drivers, construction labourers, heavy equipment operators, and tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, especially due to ongoing shortages in the skilled trades sector. Early childhood educators, elementary and secondary school teachers, and social workers are regularly selected as Nova Scotia continues to invest in education and community services.

In the technology and business sectors, computer programmers, software engineers, accountants, and human resources professionals are frequently targeted. The province also welcomes applicants working in food service and hospitality, such as cooks, servers, kitchen helpers, and cleaners.

Additionally, agricultural and fishery workers, particularly farm labourers and seafood processing staff, are often included in nomination draws. While the list may vary, these occupations reflect sectors where Nova Scotia is actively seeking newcomers to support its growing economy and ageing population.

If you require additional information, I recommend that you request a consultation with a Canadian immigration lawyer.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. Send your questions via WhatsApp 613-695-8777 or via Facebook.