Key Facts
Provincial overview
How NSNP Operates in 2026
In February 2026, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) executed a major consolidation, streamlining ten previous pathways into four streamlined core streams: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia: Express Entry.
The Skilled Worker stream now incorporates targeted sub-criteria for construction trades and physicians. Candidate profiles expire annually, and candidates invited from the EOI pool must pay the $1,000 CAD provincial fee within seven days of selection. In addition, Nova Scotia participates actively in the federal Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which carries no provincial application fee.
Policy evolution
What Changed in 2026
Key regulatory amendments, fee updates, and structural milestones.
10 legacy streams consolidated into 4 unified streams for all new registrations.
Dedicated Construction and Physician sub-criteria incorporated into the Skilled Worker stream.
Worker application fee set at $1,000 CAD (payable within 7 days of selection); Entrepreneur fee $2,000 CAD.
Pathways breakdown
Active Nomination Streams
Detailed overview of base and enhanced provincial streams, job offer rules, and target candidates.
| Stream Name | Type | Job Offer | Target Profile & Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia: Express Entry | Enhanced (+600) | Not Required | Invites candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool based on labour market demand in healthcare, tech, and trades. Ideal for: Express Entry candidates matching Nova Scotia's periodic targeted draws. |
| Skilled Worker Stream | Base | Required | For workers with a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer; includes specific criteria for construction and physicians. Ideal for: Skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled workers with local employer support. |
| Nova Scotia Graduate Stream | Base | Required | For recent graduates of Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions with qualifying employment offers. Ideal for: Graduates of Dalhousie, Saint Mary's, NSCC, and other provincial institutions. |
| Entrepreneur Stream | Base | Not Required | For experienced business owners starting or acquiring a business in Nova Scotia ($2,000 CAD fee). Ideal for: Business investors establishing permanent enterprises in the province. |
Core Eligibility Requirements for NSNP
- For Skilled Worker: permanent full-time job offer from an approved Nova Scotia employer; at least 1 year of continuous related work experience.
- For Express Entry: active Express Entry profile, score minimum 67 points on the federal grid, and receive a Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia.
- Language proficiency: minimum CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 roles; CLB 5 for TEER 2–3 roles; CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 roles.
- High school diploma or post-secondary degree verified with an ECA.
- Sufficient settlement funds for family size.
Roadmap to nomination
Step-by-Step NSNP Application Process
From initial Expression of Interest registration to provincial nomination and federal landing.
Submit EOI
Register your profile in the Nova Scotia immigration portal (free of charge).
Receive Selection Notice
Nova Scotia draws candidates matching active labour priorities.
Pay Fee within 7 Days
Candidates selected must remit the $1,000 CAD application fee within 7 days.
Submit Complete Application
Upload all supporting employer documentation, references, and credentials.
Receive Provincial Nomination
Obtain nomination certificate (+600 CRS on Express Entry or base certificate).
Apply for PR with IRCC
Complete permanent residence landing formalities.
Candidate profile
Is this province right for you?
Who This Pathway Suits
- Physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare clinicians recruited by Nova Scotia Health.
- Certified construction trades workers with Nova Scotia employer backing.
- Graduates of Nova Scotia universities and community colleges.
Who Should Explore Other Routes
- Applicants without a job offer who do not receive a direct Letter of Interest through Express Entry.
- Candidates who fail to remit the $1,000 CAD provincial fee within the strict 7-day payment window.
- Workers in industries facing provincial intake pauses.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions: NSNP
Following the February 2026 restructuring, NSNP consists of four streams: Skilled Worker (incorporating Construction & Physician criteria), Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia: Express Entry.
The worker application fee is $1,000 CAD, payable within 7 days of receiving an invitation to apply. The Entrepreneur stream application fee is $2,000 CAD.
AIP is a federal-provincial partnership covering the four Atlantic provinces. It is employer-driven and has no provincial application fee, whereas NSNP charges $1,000 CAD. Both lead to permanent residence.
Compare other provinces
Explore Other Provincial Nominee Programs
Discover admission allocations, application fees, and unique streams across Canada's other 10 provinces and territories.
Ontario
Canada's largest province: complete breakdown of the restructured Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
British Columbia
Targeted selection steered by the Care, Build, and Innovate economic priorities.
Alberta
Alberta's points-based EOI system with dedicated pathways for tech, healthcare, and rural renewal.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's points-based nomination system: employment offers vs no-job-offer realities.
Manitoba
Community connections and strategic recruitment driving Manitoba's 6,239 nomination spaces.
New Brunswick
Atlantic Canada's most active nominee program with strong bilingual and skilled worker streams.
Important Regulatory Notice
MovesEdu Immigration Pvt. Ltd. is a private educational and migration advisory consultancy, not a government body. Program rules, nomination allocations, settlement fees and intake windows change frequently — always verify current criteria on the official government portals linked on this page. All nomination, endorsement and permanent residency decisions rest exclusively with provincial/territorial authorities, participating communities, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). MovesEdu does not provide job placements, recruitment services, or arrange employment contracts.