The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and new graduates. In order to utilize the AIP, employers must first become designated by the province where they operate. They can then offer jobs to qualified candidates, and endorse those candidates under the AIP. Candidates may be eligible to apply for a work permit (if required), and permanent residence in Canada.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is an applicant-led process, meaning employers don’t submit the applications. There are different streams of the NSNP, which are available to view through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration: Immigration & Population Growth website: Nova Scotia Nominee Program. Many of the streams are dependent on a full-time, permanent job offer, while some are dependent on experience in Nova Scotia or the ability to start a business in the province.

NSNP Employment Streams

There are several streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program for full-time, permanent employment, including the Skilled Worker Stream, Occupations in Demand, and International Graduates in Demand. Employers can provide support to employees to obtain permanent residence and a work permit (if required).

NSNP Entrepreneur Streams

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program has two streams for business-owners: one for experienced business owners who want to live in Nova Scotia, and one for recent Nova Scotia graduates who own a business. For entrepreneurs involved in the day-to-day management of the business, there may be a pathway to permanent residence, if they meet all eligibility. More information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration: Immigration & Population Growth website: Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary or seasonal jobs when Canadian workers are not available. The first step is to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). With a positive LMIA, your worker can then submit an application for a work permit. There are several streams under the TFWP, including those for high- and low-wage workers, and specialized streams for agricultural workers, caregivers, or uniquely skilled talent. Streams are available to view through Employment and Social Development Canada’s website: Hire a temporary foreign worker with a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream is a stream under the TFWP that allows employers to hire uniquely skilled talent. This option also provides quicker, prioritized processing of both the LMIA and the work permit, speeding up the timeline for you to get the talent you need faster. The Global Talent Stream has two categories.

Category A requires a referral from a designated referral partner. You must be hiring unique and specialized talent for a company this is focused on innovation and has the ability to scale up and grow. To be eligible, applicants must have advanced knowledge of the industry and extensive experience and/or an advanced degree in an area of specialization.

To request a referral for the Global Talent Stream, submit a request form here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBP-ESDC-GTSForm

Category B is for employers looking to hire highly-skilled foreign workers to fill positions in in-demand occupations found in the Global Talent Occupations List. A referral is not required to be eligible for Category B.

The Cape Breton Partnership is a designated referral partner for the Global Skills Strategy. If you are looking to fill unique, high-skilled talent, you may be eligible for the Global Skills Strategy. This strategy allows for priority processing and access to a Dedicated Service Channel with IRCC. Employers will be assigned an account manager who can answer questions and provide guidance from within IRCC’s system.