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The simple answer to the question of which of these provinces is better for your Canadian PR, is “It depends on who you are and where you are?”.
It’s just a short drive between these two provinces which are directly connected in the Atlantic region. Although they share a border, they distinguish themselves in other aspects.
New Brunswick is the only proactively bilingual province in Canada and the only Atlantic province with a shared land border with the United States. It is actively involved in overseas campaigns and missions, conducting events all over the world. Their 2023 international recruitment events will be held in Mexico and Brazil.
On the other hand, Nova Scotia has the largest population of all 4 Atlantic provinces. They also provide the most international flight connections through their airports. Despite being a busy travel hub, they are less involved with overseas events.
Both offer multiple immigration streams, some equivalent and some unique. This article will not mention all the pathways, but will explore the primary ones below which are valuable in comparing the two programs:
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The most popular program in the New Brunswick Express Entry program is the Student Connection stream. Many applicants move to NB to study and work and eventually apply for their permanent residency through this program.
There are several eligibility requirements for this stream:
1: Be eligible for Express Entry (you can check here: Eligibility)
2: Reside in the New Brunswick
3: Have studied at a PGWP eligible public post-secondary institution,
4: Graduated successfully within less than 6 months.
Once you meet these criteria, you can email your valid Express Entry profile to the provincial office, and they will process your invitation under the PNP.
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This stream is based on the quarterly and annual provincial labour market demand reports from the labour ministry in New Brunswick.
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry does not have specific student or employment connection programs. However, they do have a requirement which applies to these applicants. Workers or international students need to work in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year after graduation.
Nova Scotia has introduced a new program during the second half of this year, 2023. The International Graduates in Demand program outlines specific occupations for the year that are allowed to apply for direct PR if they have graduated from a local program or at least completed 50% of it in Nova Scotia and have a job offer. They must also be licensed if required.
As of September 2023, these occupations are ECE’s and ECE assistants, nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates. There are no points required for this program as there are for other Nova Scotia programs. If you are an international student or worker inside Nova Scotia but ineligible for Express Entry you can apply for the Nova Scotia Skilled Worker stream instead.
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Nova Scotia also offers an Occupations in Demand program. They post a list of specific occupations on their website. Applicants can apply from overseas if they are sponsored by an employer under specific occupation codes.
This program for both provinces is employer-driven, meaning a job offer by an eligible employer is required. Work experience and education requirements are the same for both provinces. Both programs are also LMIA exempt. Other than these two points, the province streams look very different.
New Brunswick only offers ITAs (Invitations to apply) if you have been in the province for a minimum of 6 months with a qualifying job offer (does not include specific food service professions) OR are in a low-skilled TEER 5 occupation that meets the basic program requirements. Applicants must qualify for a minimum of 60 out of 100 points according to the program guide. Key priority sectors are allocated bonus points. Based on applicant profiles, the province will conduct draws for ITAs for permanent residency.
The language requirement for this stream is CLB 4 for all occupations. They also require details of how the employer relates to and vetting the applicant.
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Their program has no restrictions on occupations or TEER codes. Employers can nominate workers inside and outside of Canada. If you are in a NOC level occupation in a low skilled TEER 4 or TEER 5 job, you need 6 months on the employee payroll in the province before you can be nominated for the PNP program. There is no points-based system in Nova Scotia. The maximum age limit is 55 years old.
The language requirements here are CLB 5 for TEER 0 – 3 and CLB 4 for TEERS 4 and 5. International students who have graduated from a PGWP-eligible program inside New Brunswick are exempt from work experience.
This province is very strict on what type of businesses and industries they are looking for. Current prioritized sectors include manufacturing, ICT, cybersecurity, agriculture, value-added wood, aquaculture, tourism, digital health, food and beverage, call centers, energy innovation, and aerospace/defense.
Minimum requirements (not exhaustive) include:
* An investment of $150,000
* Minimum 33% equity/shares in the business
* Qualified working capital (rent, salaries, etc. fare not considered investment)
* Minimum 3 years as a previous owner of a business that has been profitable at least 2 of those years
* Net Worth Audit results $500,0000 (spouse/partner included) - 90 days from the time ITA is received
* Age restriction: Between 21-59 years old
* Language Requirement: CLB 5 minimum - (after running your business/before nomination)
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Nova Scotia is much more relaxed in allowing a wider range of business industries and types. They are also much more flexible when it comes to evaluating expenses, working capital, and investments.
Minimum requirements (not exhaustive) include:
* An investment of $150,000 (inside Halifax is higher)
* Minimum 33% equity/shares in the business
* Minimum of 3 years of business ownership experience in the last 10 years
* Net Worth Audit of $600,000 unencumbered assets
* No age restriction, but points are limited for older applicants
* Language Requirement: CLB 5 minimum – in English or French
This pilot program is employer-driven with 6 approved employers. As a working applicant, you cannot initiate the application on your own, it’s only from the companies listed on the New Brunswick website.
A program designed for international students who have graduated college and are ready to live in New Brunswick permanently and contribute to the provincial economy. The pathway offers a one-year or two-year program of study that results in careers in specific industries. The priority occupations chosen are in the fields of education and social development, health, IT and cybersecurity, business administration, supply chain and logistics, and health.
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This specialized entry stream is specifically for family and specialist physicians as well as general practitioners who are in the Express Entry Pool.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This program that allows international student graduates to start their own business and be nominated for PR, without the need to be hired or have a job offer from another employer
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Overall, there are a lot of options available between both of these provinces. The real question is “Which PNP is better for you?” That answer ultimately depends on which path will be the best fit for your experience, skills, assets, education and objectives.
A complete lists of programs and requirements can be found on the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia websites as well as reaching out to personnel at the following emails:
New Brunswick:
As of September 21, 2023, the information provided is valid. It is always subject to change.
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