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Nova Scotia

Canada's Coastal Hub for Innovation and Lifestyle

Located on Canada's eastern seaboard, Nova Scotia is a province almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. With Halifax as its capital city and coastal heart, Nova Scotia offers seaside living within 60 kilometers of the ocean from any point. The Bay of Fundy, famous for having some of the world’s highest tides, attracts competitive surfers and adventure seekers. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Nova Scotia provides family-oriented activities such as whale watching, forest camping, and coastal golfing. Cultural festivals, historic seaside resorts, and the Museum of Immigration offer a deep dive into Canada’s rich immigrant heritage.

Nova Scotia’s economy is diverse and future-focused, leading in industries such as media and film production, information technology, biotechnology, clean energy, shipbuilding, and fisheries. Its strategic location boasts North America's closest ports to Europe, enhancing its role as a global hub for trade and heavy industries. Nova Scotia is Canada's largest seafood exporter, trading with over 60 countries and recognized for its strict quality and sustainability standards. The province's vibrant film industry has been featured in global productions, with Titanic among its most famous credits.

Immigration pathways in Nova Scotia are designed for flexibility and broad accessibility. Through programs like the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program, opportunities are available for workers of all skill levels and international graduates. Applicants with moderate job experience can transition easily into permanent residency. Entrepreneurs with average investment capital are welcomed, with particular support available for recent graduates launching startups. The province emphasizes community integration, family-friendly settlement options, and outdoor-oriented lifestyles, making it ideal for newcomers seeking both career development and quality living.

Now is the time to anchor your future in Nova Scotia’s thriving economy and coastal communities. Connect with our licensed immigration experts today and discover how you can build a successful life by the Atlantic.

Facts

Geographic & Economic Profile of Nova Scotia

Halifax

Halifax

Capital
Halifax

Halifax

Largest city
English

English

Main language
1,090,074

1,090,074

Population
01/2026
55,284

55,284

Total Area (km²)
12th
53,338

53,338

Land Area (km²)
12th
1,946

1,946

Freshwater Area (km²)
11th
15%

15%

Sale tax
$16.50

$16.50

Minimum Hourly Wage
4/2025
$30.00

$30.00

Median Hourly Wage
6/2025
6.3%

6.3%

Unemployment rate
04/2026
63%

63%

Tertiary education
01/2025
$2,491

$2,491

Annual premium car insurance
2025
$325

$325

Monthly childcare
2025
$2,156

$2,156

2 bedroom apt rent
10/2025
$405,300

$405,300

Average House Price
12/2024

Weather Averages

Education Institutions

school
Dalhousie University
Nova Scotia Community College
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
Cape Breton University
Acadia University
Atlantic School of Theology
Mount Saint Vincent University
Saint Mary's University
St. Francis Xavier University
University of King's College

Major Economic Sectors

Service-producing industries
Public sector
Goods-producing industries
Real estate and rental and leasing
Owner-occupied dwellings
Public administration
Industrial production
Health care and social assistance
Construction
Manufacturing
Federal government public administration
Retail trade
Educational services
city

Top immigration occupations

Q3-2023
Immigration 1
  • 6322 - Cooks
  • 7511 - Transport truck drivers
  • 6311 - Food service supervisors
  • 6552 - Other customer and information services representatives
  • 3413 - Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
  • 3012 - Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
  • 6541 - Security guards and related security service occupations
  • 6211 - Retail sales supervisors
  • 2174 - Computer programmers and interactive media developers

Nova Scotia - Entrepreneur Immigration Draws

DateTotalScore
May 19, 20268100
Apr 9, 20261988
Oct 22, 20251691
Jul 31, 20252186
Jun 30, 20251287
May 29, 2025997
Apr 30, 20252684
Mar 27, 2025991
Mar 6, 20251117
Feb 27, 20251378
Jan 31, 2025886
Dec 3, 20247100
Oct 30, 2024893
Sep 25, 2024888
Aug 1, 20241188
Jun 7, 2024988
Apr 25, 20241585
Mar 11, 20241589
Feb 6, 202432105
Jan 3, 202430114
Nov 1, 20226128
Dec 22, 202120119
Sep 13, 202128120
Feb 24, 202143118
Dec 9, 202034122
Feb 5, 202027115
Nov 12, 201920118
Sep 6, 201946113
Jun 24, 201943110
May 17, 201927112
Apr 4, 201927112
Feb 19, 201922112
Jan 7, 201933112
Nov 14, 201830112
Oct 9, 201844109
Sep 20, 201843109
Aug 7, 201832116
Jun 26, 201822120
May 21, 201818123
Mar 27, 201822108
Feb 20, 201822100
Jan 16, 20182791
Dec 19, 20172791
Nov 15, 20172491
Oct 10, 20171297
Sep 15, 20172891
Aug 9, 20172594
Jul 11, 20172097
Jun 13, 20173095

Nova Scotia - International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Draws

DateTotalScore
Oct 30, 2024160
Aug 1, 2024153
Apr 25, 2024270
Feb 6, 2024261
Jun 9, 2023547
Nov 1, 2022647
Dec 22, 2021253
Sep 13, 2021257
May 3, 2021244

References
https://doi.org/10.25318/1410028701-eng
https://doi.org/10.25318/3710013001-eng
http://www.ibc.ca/ns/resources/industry-resources/insurance-fact-book
https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/sales-tax-rates-by-province
https://arrivein.com/daily-life-in-canada/child-care-in-canada-types-cost-and-tips-for-newcomers
https://www.crea.ca/housing-market-stats/canadian-housing-market-stats/national-price-map
https://wowa.ca/cost-of-living-canada
https://www.novascotia.com/travel-info/travel-guide
https://www.novascotiabusiness.com/business/film-television-production
https://www.novascotiabusiness.com/business/seafood