This map shows every question and outcome in the tool at a glance, in plain language, built with rural and
small-centre employers in mind. Prefer to answer one question at a time instead? Use "Walk Through It" above.
1Permanent Residence Track
QuestionHow many workers are you hoping to hire into permanent, full-time roles in the next one to two years?
Just oneDoes your candidate already have an active Express Entry profile, or a full-time Nova Scotia job offer plus qualifying experience and a language test result?
Yes→ Nova Scotia Nominee Program — the province nominates your candidate for permanent residence through the Express Entry or Skilled Worker stream.
NoNot yet eligible for a direct stream — building Canadian work experience through the Temporary or Seasonal Track first is a common next step.
Multiple / ongoingDo you have the Human Resources capacity to complete a one-time employer designation application and support a settlement plan for each hire?
Yes→ Atlantic Immigration Program — employer designation, then a job offer, then provincial endorsement, then permanent residence.
NoThe candidate-driven Nova Scotia Nominee Program may be a lighter-effort fit, or a consultant/settlement agency can manage the designation for you.
2Temporary or Seasonal Work Permit Track
QuestionDoes the job qualify for a category that skips the Labour Market Impact Assessment (the step confirming no Canadian worker is available)? Examples: intra-company transfers, the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, or the Francophone Mobility Program.
Yes→ International Mobility Program — apply directly for a work permit, no Labour Market Impact Assessment needed.
NoIs the wage at or above the provincial median wage for the occupation?
Yes — high-wage→ Temporary Foreign Worker Program, High-Wage stream.
No — low-wageIs your worksite in Halifax or another larger urban centre currently pausing low-wage assessments?
No — most rural areas→ Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Low-Wage stream. Rural and small-centre worksites are typically unaffected by the pause.
Yes — paused areaIs the position in a sector exempt from the pause? (primary agriculture, construction, food manufacturing, hospitals/residential care, in-home caregivers, or roles of 120 days or less)
Yes — exempt→ Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Low-Wage stream, exempt sector.
NoBlocked here for now — raise the wage, use a worksite outside the paused area, or try the Permanent Residence Track instead.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program
Permanent Residence
Candidate-driven — your candidate manages most of the paperwork. Often the lightest lift for small or rural employers.
No provincial fee · about 3–6 months · Employer Toolkit, page 11
Atlantic Immigration Program
Permanent Residence
A one-time employer designation, then structured settlement support. Popular with rural employers who hire repeatedly.
About 4,000 admissions nationally per year · about 14–18 months · Employer Toolkit, page 11
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Temporary or Seasonal
Requires recruitment plus a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Low-wage assessments are paused in Halifax and a few other urban centres — most rural worksites are unaffected.
Processing fee per position · rules updated April 1, 2026 · Employer Toolkit, pages 6–8
International Mobility Program
Temporary or Seasonal
Skips the Labour Market Impact Assessment for categories like the Francophone Mobility Program. Usually the fastest, least costly option when eligible.
No assessment fee · no advertising required · Employer Toolkit, pages 9–10
Start Close to Home
Before you recruit internationally
Nova Scotia Works and local immigrant support organizations can often connect you with eligible talent already nearby.
Free to use · Employer Toolkit, pages 4 and 23–25