The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) allows Nova Scotia to nominate foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence based on the province's economic and labour market needs. Nominees then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to finalize their permanent residence.
As of February 2026, Nova Scotia consolidated its program from ten streams into four streams, aligned with the province's labour market priorities. The NSNP uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system; candidates submit an EOI profile and are selected through periodic draws based on provincial priorities. An EOI is valid for 12 months.
Nova Scotia is currently prioritizing healthcare and skilled trades occupations (TEER 0–4) above all other streams.
Program streams
| Stream | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Workers with a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a skilled occupation. Includes sub-criteria covering the former Physician stream (for physicians with a signed opportunity with Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health Centre who are eligible for provincial licensure) and the former Critical Construction Worker pilot. Healthcare and trades workers are currently given top priority. |
| Nova Scotia Graduate | Recent graduates of Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who meet the province's eligibility requirements. Incorporates the former International Graduates in Demand stream. |
| Entrepreneur | Experienced business owners or senior managers who intend to start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia and manage it on a work permit for at least one year before applying for permanent residence. Generally requires a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 and a minimum business investment of $150,000. Minimum age of 21. |
| Nova Scotia: Express Entry | Candidates with an active federal Express Entry profile who meet Nova Scotia's minimum requirements and score. Consolidates the former Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities, and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians streams. Linked to the federal Express Entry system for expedited processing after nomination. |
2026 selection priorities
Nova Scotia uses a tiered priority framework for selecting NSNP candidates: - Level 1 (top priority): Healthcare and skilled trades (TEER 0–4) — open to applicants both internationally and those already in Nova Scotia. - Level 2: Candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia in occupations in natural/applied sciences (NOC 2), education/law/social services (NOC 4), natural resources/agriculture (NOC 8), and manufacturing/utilities (NOC 9). - Level 3: All other occupations — limited to temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia (TEER 0–2 only).
TEER 5 occupations are not currently being prioritized.
How to apply
Submit an EOI
Create a profile in the NSNP online portal. EOIs are valid for 12 months from the date of submission.
Receive an invitation
The province selects candidates from the EOI pool through periodic draws based on its current labour market priorities. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection.
Submit a full application
Once invited, submit the full NSNP application with supporting documents within the deadline specified.
Receive a Certificate of Nomination
Approved candidates receive a provincial nomination.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Submit the federal PR application. Express Entry nominees receive an IRCC invitation to apply within a short period after provincial nomination.
Processing times
Processing times vary by stream and application volume. Worker and graduate stream files are generally processed in several months. Entrepreneur stream files take longer due to the work permit and business operation phase. Confirm current processing estimates at liveinnovascotia.com before advising applicants on timelines.
Related links
- New Brunswick PNP - Newfoundland and Labrador PNP - Prince Edward Island PNP - Ontario PNP
--- *Sources: Government of Nova Scotia, liveinnovascotia.com program pages, current as of July 2026. The four-stream structure took effect February 18, 2026. Priority tiers are subject to change; confirm current priorities and occupied sector lists at liveinnovascotia.com before advising applicants.*