Nova Scotia Nominee Program
Nova Scotia nominates skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who intend to live and work in the province. As of February 18, 2026, the NSNP has been modernized from ten streams into four consolidated streams. The province also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program, a federal employer-driven pathway to permanent residence.
4
Consolidated Streams
No fee
Expression of Interest (EOI)
+600
CRS Boost (Express Entry)
12 mo
EOI Validity (from May 1, 2026)
What is the NSNP?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the province's economic immigration program, offering a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants who meet Nova Scotia's labour market needs and intend to settle in the province.
The program operates under a two-step process: first, the applicant receives a provincial nomination from Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration; then, they apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Nova Scotia currently offers the following immigration pathways:
Skilled Worker — for foreign workers and recent graduates with a permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer — including the Skilled Worker, Occupations in Demand, Construction, and Physician sub-criteria.
Nova Scotia Graduate — for recent international graduates of a Nova Scotia institution working in priority healthcare and early childhood education occupations.
Entrepreneur — for experienced business owners and senior managers, and for graduate entrepreneurs who own and actively manage a Nova Scotia business — by invitation only.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry — for candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with Nova Scotia work experience or an approved physician opportunity. A nomination adds 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — a federal employer-driven program allowing designated Nova Scotia employers to support skilled foreign workers and international graduates for permanent residence.
Current Priority Sectors
Nova Scotia makes selections according to economic and labour market priorities, which may change without notice. Stream consolidation does not affect prioritization in key sectors such as the following.
Healthcare
Nurses, physicians, nurse aides, paramedics, and other regulated health occupations facing critical shortages across the province.
Construction
Certified trades and construction workers (NAICS 23) supporting Nova Scotia's housing and infrastructure needs.
Manufacturing
Process, production, and skilled manufacturing roles identified as priority occupations by the province.
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood educators and assistants supporting Nova Scotia’s growing care economy.
NSNP Streams
Nova Scotia offers four consolidated streams. Use the navigator below to jump to any stream and review its sub-criteria and eligibility.
Modernized February 18, 2026: the NSNP consolidated its previous ten streams into four. The sub-criteria within each stream mirror the eligibility requirements of the former streams. Expressions of Interest submitted before this date remain active and are unaffected.
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker stream helps Nova Scotia employers recruit foreign workers and recent international graduates for positions they cannot fill with permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Following the February 2026 consolidation, it contains four sub-criteria — Skilled Worker, Occupations in Demand, Construction, and Physician — each mirroring the eligibility of its former standalone stream.
Intake is paused for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72) as of April 17, 2024, while the province processes its current inventory. Candidates employed in food service occupations with an employer outside NAICS 72 may still apply.
Skilled Worker (general)
For foreign workers and recently graduated international students with a permanent job offer in any eligible occupation.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer |
| Work experience | 1 year related to the job offer (TEER 4/5 workers need 6 months with the same employer) |
| Age | 21 to 55 |
| Education | High school diploma; appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job |
| Language | CLB 5 for NOC TEER 0–3; CLB 4 (test results required) for TEER 4–5, even if your first language is English or French |
| Financial resources | Sufficient to settle successfully in Nova Scotia |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders working in TEER 5 positions are not eligible.
Occupations in Demand
For specific TEER 3, 4, or 5 occupations identified by the province as being in high labour market demand. The eligible occupation list is set by the province based on labour market information and is subject to change.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer in a designated in-demand occupation (TEER 3, 4, or 5) |
| Work experience | 1 year related to the job offer |
| Age | 21 to 55 |
| Education | High school diploma |
| Language | CLB 4, even if your first language is English or French |
| Financial resources | Sufficient to settle successfully in Nova Scotia |
There are no occupations listed in this category at this time — the designated occupation list is published by the province and changes without notice.
Construction
For workers with a permanent job offer in the construction sector (NAICS 23), mirroring the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot. Eligible NOC codes:
Eligible Construction Occupations
| NOC | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 70010 | Construction managers |
| 70011 | Home building and renovation managers |
| 72011 | Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations |
| 72014 | Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers |
| 72020 | Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades |
| 72102 | Sheet metal workers |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72200 | Electricians (except industrial and power system) |
| 72201 | Industrial electricians |
| 72310 | Carpenters |
| 72320 | Bricklayers |
| 72401 | Heavy-duty equipment mechanics |
| 72402 | Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics |
| 72500 | Crane operators |
| 73100 | Concrete finishers |
| 73102 | Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers |
| 73110 | Roofers and shinglers |
| 73200 | Residential and commercial installers and servicers |
| 73400 | Heavy equipment operators |
| 75101 | Material handlers |
| 75110 | Construction trades helpers and labourers |
| 75119 | Other trades helpers and labourers |
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in an approved NOC above |
| Work experience | 1 year related to the job offer |
| Age | 21 to 55 |
| Education | High school diploma OR proof of completing a construction-specific industry training program |
| Language | CLB 5 (TEER 0–3) or CLB 4 (TEER 4–5), even if your first language is English or French |
| Financial resources | Sufficient to settle successfully in Nova Scotia |
Physician
For physicians with an approved opportunity from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the IWK Health Centre that cannot be filled by a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
Eligible Occupations
| NOC | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
| 31100 | Specialist physicians |
| 31101 | Specialist physicians |
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Approved opportunity | Signed, approved opportunity on official NSHA or IWK letterhead, signed by an authorized hiring person and by the applicant |
| Licensure | Eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia |
| Privileges | Eligible to apply for privileges and credentials with the NSHA and IWK |
Nova Scotia Graduate
For recent international graduates of an eligible Nova Scotia designated learning institution whose education matches specific in-demand NOC categories. This stream targets priority healthcare and early childhood education occupations.
Eligible Occupations
| NOC | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations |
| 32124 | Pharmacy technicians |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible NOC above, corresponding to your recent field of study |
| Age | 19 to 55 |
| Education | High school diploma plus a qualifying program completed at an eligible Nova Scotia DLI within the last 3 years (min 30 weeks; 24 weeks for NOC 33102); at least 50% completed in Nova Scotia |
| Credential type | NOC 32102/32124: diploma · NOC 33102: certificate, diploma or degree · NOC 42202: diploma or degree |
| Certification | Hold all certifications issued by Nova Scotia regulatory bodies required for the job |
| Language | CLB 5 |
| Financial resources | Sufficient to settle successfully in Nova Scotia |
Entrepreneur
For experienced business owners, senior managers, and graduate entrepreneurs who want to own and actively manage a business in Nova Scotia, with a pathway to permanent residence after operating it for at least one year.
Both sub-criteria are by invitation only. You first submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI); if selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration.
Entrepreneur
For experienced business owners or senior managers who will start or buy a Nova Scotia business and participate in its day-to-day management.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 or older |
| Net worth | At least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 CAD if the business is outside the Halifax Regional Municipality) |
| Investment | At least $150,000 CAD of personal funds ($100,000 CAD if outside HRM) |
| Experience | 3+ years actively managing and owning a business (min 1/3 ownership) OR 5+ years in a senior business management role |
| Language | CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing |
| Intent | Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia and actively manage the business |
International Graduate Entrepreneur
For recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or NSCC who have already started or purchased a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least one year.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Business ownership | 1 year of continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business (min 33.33% ownership) |
| Education | Degree or diploma after at least 2 academic years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or NSCC |
| Work permit | Valid post-graduation work permit |
| Language | CLB 7 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing |
| Intent | Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing the business |
Process: Complete Expression of Interest → receive Invitation to Apply → submit application with supporting documents → operate the business for 1 year → submit nomination request.
Our RCIC will assess your business profile, net worth, and investment capacity before you commit. The Entrepreneur streams involve a multi-stage, invitation-only process — book a consultation to begin.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry
An enhanced provincial stream that selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who meet Nova Scotia’s labour market needs. It contains two sub-criteria — Skilled Work Experience in Nova Scotia and Physician.
+600 CRS Points
A nomination through Nova Scotia: Express Entry adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC, which then processes your permanent residence application on a priority basis.
Skilled Work Experience in Nova Scotia
For highly skilled individuals with at least one year of Nova Scotia work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation who have an active Express Entry profile.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Work experience | At least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia |
| Age | 21 to 55 |
| Education | Canadian high school credential or its equivalent |
| Language | CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1; CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 |
| Express Entry | Active profile registered in IRCC’s Express Entry system |
Intake is paused for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72). Nova Scotia also selects Express Entry candidates through Labour Market Priorities Letters of Interest aligned to provincial needs.
Physician
For physicians with an approved opportunity from the NSHA or IWK, selected via the federal Express Entry system. Only candidates who receive a Letter of Interest may apply.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Approved opportunity | Approved opportunity from the NSHA or IWK as a GP/family physician (NOC 31102) or specialist physician (NOC 31100/31101) |
| Service agreement | Signed Return for Service Agreement committing to live and work in Nova Scotia for a minimum of 2 years |
| Letter of Interest | Receive a Letter of Interest through Express Entry and submit within 30 calendar days of issuance |
| Settlement funds | Sufficient funds to establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia |
| Legal status | Legal status in your current country of residence |
How the NSNP Works
Most streams follow an Expression of Interest process, from EOI through to your IRCC permanent residence application. The Entrepreneur streams are invitation-only and add a business-operation stage before nomination.
Confirm your stream and sub-criteria
Determine which of the four consolidated streams fits your profile — Skilled Worker (Skilled Worker, Occupations in Demand, Construction, or Physician), Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur, or Nova Scotia: Express Entry. Each sub-criteria mirrors the eligibility of a former standalone stream.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Most streams require an online Expression of Interest. There is no fee to submit an EOI, and from May 1, 2026 profiles remain valid for 12 months. Information provided must be accurate and verifiable. Existing EOIs submitted before February 18, 2026 remain active and are unaffected by consolidation.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or Letter of Interest
Labour, Skills and Immigration conducts selections from the EOI pool based on economic and labour market priorities, which may target priority sectors such as Healthcare, Construction, and Manufacturing. Express Entry and physician candidates may instead receive a Letter of Interest. Acceptance is not guaranteed even if minimum criteria are met.
Submit your application
Complete the online application with all required documents and supporting forms — for worker streams this includes the Employer Information Form (NSNP 200); invitation-only business streams require their respective forms. Submit within the deadline stated in your invitation (30 days for Express Entry Letters of Interest).
Receive your nomination
If approved, you receive a Nova Scotia nominee certificate. For Express Entry nominees, your federal profile receives 600 additional CRS points and IRCC issues an ITA on a priority basis. For all other streams, you apply to IRCC directly under the provincial nominee category.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Within 12 months of receiving your nominee certificate, apply to IRCC for your permanent resident visa. You, your spouse, and dependants must meet all medical, security, and criminal admissibility requirements. IRCC has the final authority to issue a permanent resident visa.
Processing Times
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| EOI profile validity (from May 1, 2026) | 12 months |
| NSNP application (worker streams) | Varies |
| NSNP application (Entrepreneur streams) | Varies |
| IRCC PR application (Express Entry route) | ~6 months |
| IRCC PR application (non-Express Entry) | Varies |
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent federal program — separate from the NSNP — that helps designated Atlantic Canada employers hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates for jobs they cannot fill locally. Employers must first be designated and have positions endorsed by the Province of Nova Scotia; the worker then applies directly to IRCC for permanent residence and may obtain a temporary work permit while awaiting a decision.
The AIP is temporarily paused for NOC 62020 — Food Service Supervisors. Businesses needing food service supervisors may use the NSNP Skilled Worker stream instead. The AIP is also experiencing high application volumes and reduced federal allocations, so intake may be limited.
Employer Designation
A Nova Scotia employer must first be designated by the province before it can hire through the AIP.
Position Endorsement
Once designated, the employer has the specific position endorsed by the Province of Nova Scotia.
Candidate Applies for Permanent Residence
With an endorsement, the foreign worker applies directly to IRCC for permanent residence — and may obtain a temporary work permit while the application is processed.
Government Fees
The NSNP does not charge a provincial fee to submit an Expression of Interest or to apply for nomination. The federal IRCC permanent residence fees below apply once you are nominated or endorsed.
NSNP Provincial Fees
| Stage | Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expression of Interest | No fee | Free to submit a profile; valid 12 months from May 1, 2026 |
| NSNP nomination application | No fee | The NSNP does not charge a provincial processing fee to apply for nomination |
IRCC Permanent Residence Fees (after nomination or endorsement)
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $1,525 |
| Spouse or common-law partner | $1,525 |
| Dependent child (per child) | $260 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal applicant) | $575 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (spouse/partner) | $575 |
Important:Government fees are payable directly to Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration and IRCC respectively, and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by the relevant authority at any time. A complete itemized quote — including Asteco's professional fees, government fees, and applicable third-party costs — is provided before you commit to any service.
How Asteco Can Help
The NSNP involves four consolidated streams with overlapping sub-criteria, sector-specific prioritization, strict deadlines, and coordinating two separate applications (Nova Scotia and IRCC) — plus the employer-driven AIP. Our RCIC-regulated team manages every step.
Disclaimer: NSNP stream criteria, sub-criteria, priority sectors, fees, and processing times are established by the Province of Nova Scotia and are subject to change at any time without notice. Acceptance of a nomination is not guaranteed even if minimum eligibility criteria are met. The Atlantic Immigration Program is administered by IRCC. The information on this page reflects NSNP and AIP guidelines as published in June 2026, following the February 18, 2026 stream consolidation. This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
Ready to Apply?
Our RCIC will assess your NSNP eligibility across all four streams.
Check My Eligibility — FreeBook a ConsultationQuick Facts
Information reflects NSNP guidelines as of June 2026, after the February 18, 2026 stream consolidation. Program criteria and fees are subject to change by the Province of Nova Scotia and IRCC at any time. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.