Maple News reports that Nova Scotia has issued its first immigration invitations of 2024 through the Express Entry-linked Labour Market Priorities stream. The draw, held on January 19, specifically targeted candidates in the financial sector, inviting applicants whose primary occupation falls under National Occupation Classification (NOC) code 1114—financial officers.
While the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) did not reveal the number of invitations issued in this round, eligible candidates must have held a valid profile in Canada’s federal Express Entry system. This integration allows provinces to select individuals from the national pool who meet regional economic and labor market needs.
To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed to meet several strict criteria. Applicants were required to have at least four years of work experience as financial officers, hold a bachelor’s degree or have completed a program of at least three years from a recognized post-secondary institution, and demonstrate strong English language proficiency with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 or higher. Notably, this is a significant increase from previous draws where a CLB of 5 was acceptable.
In addition to academic and professional qualifications, candidates also had to receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP through their Express Entry profiles. They are expected to have sufficient settlement funds and meet all federal eligibility requirements related to their chosen pathway under Express Entry (such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class).
Applicants who received an invitation have until February 18, 2024, to submit a complete application for a provincial nomination. Required documentation includes language test results, educational credentials, employer reference letters verifying experience, and financial proof to show adequate settlement funds.
The province’s Labour Market Priorities stream has previously focused on other in-demand occupations such as programmers, automotive workers, media developers, and nurses. This dynamic targeting strategy helps Nova Scotia fill critical labor shortages across different sectors.
With this draw, Nova Scotia reaffirms its commitment to attracting skilled professionals who can support the province’s economic growth. For potential immigrants with strong credentials in finance, this latest announcement could represent a timely opportunity to pursue permanent residence in Canada.
Maple News will continue to follow provincial nomination trends and provide updates on future draws as they unfold.