On This Page, You Will Find:
- What the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is
- The four consolidated NSNP streams for 2026
- Eligibility for each stream
- The Atlantic Immigration Program route
- How to apply and recent changes
- Frequently asked questions
Nova Scotia is a popular Atlantic destination with a growing economy, an affordable lifestyle and strong demand for skilled workers and health professionals. The province selects candidates for permanent residence through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), and also participates in the federal Atlantic Immigration Program. A provincial nomination is powerful — through Express Entry it adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System points.
The Four Consolidated NSNP Streams
As of February 18, 2026, Nova Scotia modernised the NSNP, consolidating its previous ten streams into four clearer pathways. The structure changed, but the core eligibility requirements for specific occupations and candidates largely remained the same.
The four current NSNP streams are:
- Skilled Worker
- Nova Scotia Graduate
- Entrepreneur
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry
NSNP Eligibility Criteria
1. Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker stream helps Nova Scotia employers hire foreign workers and international graduates for positions that cannot be filled locally. Under the recent consolidation, this stream now also houses the sub-criteria for the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot and the Physician Stream. Priority selection for these occupations continues.
General Skilled Worker Eligibility Requirements:
- A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience (TEER 4 or 5 applicants must have 6 months’ experience with the same employer).
- Age between 21 and 55.
- High school diploma (Canadian or equivalent).
- Necessary training, skills, or accreditation for the job.
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations, or CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations (test required even for native speakers).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Occupations in Demand Sub-Criteria:
Targets TEER 3, 4, and 5 occupations experiencing labour shortages in Nova Scotia.
- Full-time, permanent job offer in specific NOC codes (e.g., 33102 – Nurse Aides, 65310 – Light Duty Cleaners, 73300 – Transport Truck Drivers, 73400 – Heavy Equipment Operators, 75110 – Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers).
- At least 1 year of related work experience.
- Age between 21 and 55.
- High school diploma and required training or certification.
- CLB 4 in English or French (test results required).
- Proof of settlement funds.
Construction Worker Sub-Criteria (Former Critical Construction Worker Pilot):
- Full-time, permanent job offer in a qualifying NOC within the construction industry (NAICS 23).
- At least 1 year of work experience in the relevant job.
- High school diploma or completed construction-specific training.
- Age between 21 and 55.
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3, or CLB 4 for TEER 4–5.
- Proof of settlement funds.
Physician Sub-Criteria (Former Physician Stream):
- Job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre in NOC 31102, 31100, or 31101.
- Offer must be on official NSHA/IWK letterhead, signed by both the employer and physician, and confirm eligibility for licensure and hospital privileges.
- No language test is required if already licensed and credentialed.
- No settlement funds are required if working directly with NSHA or IWK.
2. Nova Scotia Graduate Stream
This stream is tailored for international graduates. It now includes the eligibility requirements from the former International Graduates in Demand stream.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time, permanent job offer in specific high-demand NOC codes (e.g., 32102 – Paramedical Occupations, 32124 – Pharmacy Technicians, 33102 – Nurse Aides, 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants).
- Age between 19 and 55.
- High school diploma.
- Completed a relevant program at an eligible Nova Scotia post-secondary institution (minimum 30 weeks, or 24 weeks for NOC 33102).
- At least 50% of studies completed in Nova Scotia.
- Required educational credentials based on NOC (diploma, certificate, or degree).
- Valid certification from Nova Scotia regulatory bodies (if applicable).
- CLB 5 in English or French.
- Proof of settlement funds.
3. Entrepreneur Stream
This pathway is designed for experienced business owners or senior managers. It also incorporates the sub-criteria for the former International Graduate Entrepreneur stream.
General Entrepreneur Eligibility Requirements:
- Age 21 or older.
- Intend to live in Nova Scotia and manage the business actively.
- Net worth of at least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 CAD if outside the Halifax Regional Municipality).
- Investment of at least $150,000 CAD ($100,000 CAD if outside HRM).
- Minimum experience: 3 years as a business owner (at least 33.3% ownership) OR 5+ years in a senior business management role.
- CLB 5 in English or French.
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply.
International Graduate Sub-Criteria (Former International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream):
- Must intend to live in Nova Scotia and actively manage a business.
- At least 1 year of continuous business ownership and operation (33.3% minimum ownership).
- Completed a degree or diploma through at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).
- Valid post-graduation work permit.
- CLB 7 in English or French.
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply.
4. Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream
This consolidated stream now encompasses the eligibility requirements previously found under Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities, and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians.
General Experience and Labour Market Priorities Requirements:
- Active profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP.
- Submit a full application within 30 calendar days of receiving the Letter of Interest.
- Meet Express Entry work experience and language requirements (e.g., CLB 7 for TEER 0–1, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3).
- For those applying based on Nova Scotia experience: Minimum 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0–3 job, age 21–55, and a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
- Proof of settlement funds and legal status in the country of residence.
Physician Express Entry Requirements:
- Valid job offer in NOC 31100, 31101, or 31102 from NSHA or IWK.
- Signed Return for Service Agreement (2-year commitment in Nova Scotia).
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP and apply within 30 days.
The Atlantic Immigration Program
Nova Scotia also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a permanent federal program shared by the four Atlantic provinces. The AIP is employer-driven: you need a job offer from a designated employer and a settlement plan. It runs alongside the NSNP, giving Nova Scotia employers a second way to hire and retain newcomers. If you are comparing Atlantic options, see our guide to New Brunswick immigration.
How to Apply and Recent Changes
Most NSNP pathways use an Expression of Interest or employer-driven process. With reduced 2026 nomination allocations across the country, competition is tighter, and Nova Scotia has moved to streamline processing — including introducing an annual expiry for provincial nominee candidate profiles. Because streams open and close and criteria change, always confirm current openings and requirements on the official Nova Scotia immigration website before applying. For alternatives, see our overview of the ways to immigrate to Canada and our guide to Express Entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Nova Scotia Nominee Program streams in 2026?
As of February 18, 2026, the NSNP has four streams: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia: Express Entry, Nova Scotia Graduate, and Entrepreneur. These replaced the previous ten streams, though the underlying eligibility rules largely stayed the same.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Nova Scotia?
For most worker pathways, yes — the Skilled Worker stream and the Atlantic Immigration Program are employer-driven and require a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. The Express Entry and Graduate streams have their own criteria that may not always require a job offer.
How does a Nova Scotia nomination affect Express Entry?
A nomination through the Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream adds 600 CRS points, which effectively guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent federal Express Entry round.
What happened to the Physician and Construction Worker streams?
They were folded into the modernised structure. The former Physician Stream and Critical Construction Worker Pilot now operate as sub-criteria within the Skilled Worker stream, rather than as standalone streams.
Is the Atlantic Immigration Program part of the NSNP?
No. The Atlantic Immigration Program is a separate federal program that Nova Scotia participates in, alongside the NSNP. It is employer-driven and requires a job offer from a designated employer plus a settlement plan.