We (husband and 1 son) were looking into immigrating (to NS) a couple of years ago (we're Brits living in Spain) I did a lot of research/filled in the forms and then we shelved the idea. Last week we thought we should just go ahead and submit the application anyway and see what happens. Our intention is to apply via skilled worker route but I've just seen The List and our professions are not on there (we're both EFL teachers with BA's and experience, my husband specialises in aviation English)

My question is this, is it still worth applying? I did contact language academies a couple of years ago (in NS) and they assured me that there was a demand for English Language teachers and that our qualifications were good and there was growing demand but if it's not on the list would it be futile?

All thoughts welcome, thanks

if you are not on the list, you will have to apply for a route other than federal skilled worker category 1. You could look into the Nova scotia community identified route, or get an approved job offer and apply via fsw 2 or PNP routes.

what you mean this PNP routes?

Pretty much you would need a job offer. Not sure about a demand for aviation English. There are a lot of foreign students coming in from Asia, who have to pass an English test before being able to get an RT license. It might be worthwhile contacting Industry Canada for suggestions as well as checking with some flight schools as to what resources they use. You could also talk to Transport Canada Aviation Licensing see if they have anything to suggest. Not so sure about NS for this though, you may have to look more out west.

Employed commercial pilots don't have a problem with English (in most of Canada). My only problem has been to figure out what some of the student pilots are actually talking about and whether they understand what 'short final' actually means

Welcome to the forum. Please take the time to read the Wiki (on blue bar at the top of the page) which will explain the basics of immigration to you, including about the Provincial Nominee Programs.

As somebody else said, you can't apply as a Skilled Worker unless your job is on the list or you have a job offer approved by HRSDC, so forget applying unless you can find a job.

But have a read of the Wiki, the CIC website and the forum in general, and hopefully you'll figure out another way to get a visa.

Good luck.