Immigration Guide

Nova Scotia PNP (NSNP) Guide 2026: Streams, Stream Status, Fees and Steps

By Alex Francisco Updated Oct 11, 2026 Figures checked Oct 11, 2026 10 min read

What is the Nova Scotia PNP, and which Nova Scotia Nominee Program streams are open?

The Nova Scotia PNP, officially the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), nominates candidates for permanent residence through 4 streams: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur and Nova Scotia: Express Entry. On October 11, 2026 the three worker streams were taking expressions of interest and Entrepreneur was by invitation only. A selected candidate pays $1,000, or $2,000 for Entrepreneur.

Since February 18, 2026 the Nova Scotia Nominee Program has 4 streams, down from 10: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur and Nova Scotia: Express Entry. The former streams continue as sub-criteria inside them.
Nova Scotia prints no open or closed label. On October 11, 2026 the Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate and Nova Scotia: Express Entry pages each carried an expression of interest link, and the Entrepreneur stream was by invitation only.
Intake of new expressions of interest from the accommodation and food services sector has been paused since April 17, 2024, and food service supervisor experience is temporarily not eligible under Nova Scotia: Express Entry.
Submitting an expression of interest is free. A candidate selected on or after September 1, 2026 pays a non-refundable $1,000 for a worker stream or $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream, and worker-stream candidates have 7 calendar days to pay.
Selection is by periodic draw based on provincial priorities, not first come, first served. Nova Scotia reported 3,242 candidates selected from January to July 2026; August 2026 and later months still read TBD on October 11, 2026.
A nomination is not permanent residence: the nominee applies to IRCC within twelve months of receiving the nominee certificate, and a nomination used in Express Entry adds 600 points to a Comprehensive Ranking System score.

— YieldMaple, figures checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Sources

The Nova Scotia PNP is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), run by the province’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. This guide covers the streams as the province lists them, the status of each one, how selection from the expression of interest (EOI) pool works, the fees and the steps after a nomination. Every figure comes from the Government of Nova Scotia’s immigration site, read on October 11, 2026, plus IRCC for the Express Entry points. The page is education, not immigration advice; the status of a specific submission comes only from the department, which contacts candidates directly.

What are the Nova Scotia PNP streams in 2026?

The NSNP has 4 streams. The table uses Nova Scotia’s own names, and the status column records what Nova Scotia’s immigration site stated about each stream on October 11, 2026.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program streams, with status on October 11, 2026

How to read this table: Nova Scotia does not print an open or closed label on its stream pages. The status column repeats what the stream page says: whether it shows the expression of interest link, and any pause notice. The food service supervisor pause comes from the notice on the province's Atlantic Immigration Program page. The fee is due only after an expression of interest is selected.

Stream	Who it is for	Sub-criteria (tabs on the stream page)	Status as stated by Nova Scotia	Application fee
Skilled Worker	Foreign workers and recently graduated international students with a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer	Skilled Worker; Construction; Physicians; Occupations in Demand	Taking expressions of interest; selection by periodic draw. Since April 17, 2024 no new submissions from the Accommodation and Food Services sector. The Occupations in Demand tab lists no occupations.	$1,000
Nova Scotia Graduate	Recent international graduates of an eligible Nova Scotia institution with a job offer in one of 4 listed occupations	None	Taking expressions of interest; the page says the stream is currently open to workers in 4 job categories. Selection by periodic draw.	$1,000
Entrepreneur	Experienced business owners or senior business managers who start or buy a Nova Scotia business	Entrepreneur; International Graduate Entrepreneur	By invitation only: an expression of interest first, then an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration.	$2,000
Nova Scotia: Express Entry	Candidates with a federal Express Entry profile and at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia, and physicians with an approved opportunity	Skilled Work Experience in Nova Scotia; Physicians	Taking expressions of interest; selection by periodic draw. Since April 17, 2024 no new submissions from the Accommodation and Food Services sector. A notice on Nova Scotia's Atlantic Immigration Program page, which uses the stream's former name, says work experience as a food service supervisor (NOC 62020) is temporarily not eligible. Physicians need a Letter of Interest first.	$1,000

The four-stream structure dates from February 18, 2026, when ten older streams were consolidated. Nova Scotia’s update says eligibility stays the same, because each new stream carries sub-criteria that mirror the old ones:

Skilled Worker took in the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot (now the Construction sub-criteria) and the Physician stream.
Nova Scotia Graduate carries the requirements of the former International Graduates in Demand stream.
Entrepreneur took in the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry combines the former Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians streams.

The change applies to expressions of interest submitted after February 18, 2026. Submissions already in the pool stayed active, with no action required.

Which Nova Scotia PNP streams are open, paused or by invitation?

No stream page said the stream was closed on October 11, 2026. What Nova Scotia does publish is a set of pause notices and limits, and they decide whether a submission can be made at all.

Pauses and limits on Nova Scotia Nominee Program streams

How to read this table: taken from the stream pages and the Atlantic Immigration Program page on Nova Scotia's immigration site. 'No date stated' means the page gives the rule without a start date.

In effect since	Applies to	What Nova Scotia states
April 17, 2024	All NSNP streams	Intake of new expressions of interest from the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72) is paused. Candidates in accommodation and food service occupations with an employer outside that sector may still apply.
No date stated	Nova Scotia: Express Entry (named in the notice by its former name, Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry) and the Atlantic Immigration Program	Temporarily paused for NOC 62020, food service supervisors: work experience (Express Entry) and job offers (Atlantic Immigration Program) in that occupation are not eligible. The notice appears on the Atlantic Immigration Program page, not on the Express Entry stream page.
No date stated	Skilled Worker	Post-graduation work permit holders working in TEER 5 positions are not eligible.
No date stated	Skilled Worker: Occupations in Demand	There are no occupations listed in this category at this time.

Stream by stream, as officially stated:

Skilled Worker: taking expressions of interest. The page carries the April 17, 2024 notice that the program stopped accepting submissions from the accommodation and food services sector. Of its sub-criteria, Occupations in Demand has no occupations listed at this time, so it is open in name only.
Nova Scotia Graduate: taking expressions of interest. The page says the stream is currently open to workers in 4 job categories, listed further down.
Entrepreneur: by invitation only. A candidate completes an expression of interest and applies only after receiving an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry: taking expressions of interest, with the same April 17, 2024 sector notice. A separate notice on the province’s Atlantic Immigration Program page, which still uses the former stream name Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, says work experience as a food service supervisor (NOC 62020) is temporarily not eligible. Under the Physicians sub-criteria, a candidate must first receive a Letter of Interest.

One exception softens the sector pause: candidates employed in accommodation and food service occupations with an employer outside that sector may still apply to NSNP streams.

How does the Nova Scotia expression of interest system work?

Every stream starts with an online expression of interest. On November 28, 2025 Nova Scotia formalized this model for all NSNP streams: every submission, whenever it was made, is treated as an expression of interest and sits in a pool until the province selects it. The province’s stated reason is that interest in immigrating to Nova Scotia is far higher than the number of nominations it can make under its annual federal allocation.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program steps, costs and deadlines

How to read this table: the steps follow the 'How it works' section of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program page. The Entrepreneur stream runs on an Invitation to Apply with longer payment deadlines, shown in the fees table.

Step	What happens	Cost or deadline
1. Choose a stream and submit an expression of interest	The candidate submits an online expression of interest to one stream. An incomplete one is closed with a notice.	No fee
2. Wait in the pool	The submission enters the pool and is eligible for future draws. Selection is not guaranteed.	Valid for 12 months if submitted on or after May 1, 2026
3. Selection	Nova Scotia selects submissions from the pool periodically and contacts only the candidates selected.	No published schedule
4. Update documents and pay	The selected candidate reviews the application, uploads updated documents and proof of fee payment.	7 calendar days; $1,000 for worker streams
5. Assessment	The application is assessed against the program requirements. It is refused if it does not meet them.	No stated timeline
6. Nomination	An application that meets the requirements may receive a nomination and, if applicable, a letter of support for a work permit.	No extra provincial fee stated
7. Apply to IRCC	The nominee applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the permanent resident visa. IRCC has the final authority.	Within twelve (12) months of receiving the nominee certificate

Selection is not first come, first served. Nova Scotia says it selects periodically, based on provincial priorities and program capacity, and lists the factors it may take into account:

Factors Nova Scotia may consider when selecting expressions of interest

How to read this table: the list on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program page, which says the factors include, but are not limited to, these eight. Nova Scotia publishes no points grid and no minimum score.

Selection factor
Labour market needs
Occupation or sector priorities
Likelihood of retention in Nova Scotia
Intended region of employment
Candidate immigration status in Canada
Available program allocations
Program integrity considerations
Volume and competitiveness of EOIs in the pool

Four rules shape the wait:

Only selected candidates are contacted. A candidate who hears nothing is still in the pool with no change in status, and the department says there is no need to inquire.
No timeline is given. The province says it is unable to say when an expression of interest will be selected, or to guarantee that it will be.
Selection is not approval. Being selected means the submission matches current priorities; it still has to pass assessment.
Documents can only be updated after selection. A candidate cannot upload new documents until the notice of selection arrives, and then has 7 calendar days to do it.

How long does an expression of interest stay in the pool?

Since May 1, 2026 an expression of interest has a 12-month validity period. Older submissions follow transition rules.

Validity of a Nova Scotia expression of interest, by submission date

How to read this table: from Nova Scotia's April 27, 2026 update on the validity period and transition measures.

Submitted	What happens
Before May 1, 2024	Closed effective May 1, 2026. A closure is not a refusal, and a new expression of interest can be submitted.
May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026	Remains active. Expires on April 30, 2027 if not selected.
On or after May 1, 2026	Valid for 12 months from the date of submission, then it expires and is removed from the pool. It can be resubmitted.

Which occupations is Nova Scotia selecting?

Nova Scotia published its nominee program priorities on April 27, 2026. They apply on top of the stream requirements: a candidate can meet every stream rule and still wait, because the occupation is not a current priority.

Nova Scotia nominee program priorities published April 27, 2026

How to read this table: TEER is the training, education, experience and responsibilities category of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Nova Scotia says the priorities may shift as labour market needs and nomination allocations change.

Occupation group	TEER levels considered	Candidates considered
Healthcare and skilled trades occupations	TEER 0 to 4	International applicants and temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia
Natural and applied sciences (NOC 2); education, law and social, community and government services (NOC 4); natural resources and agriculture (NOC 8); manufacturing and utilities (NOC 9)	TEER 0 to 4	Temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia
All remaining occupations	TEER 0, 1 and 2	Temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia
TEER 5 occupations	TEER 5	Not being prioritized in any category at this time

Healthcare and skilled trades are the only groups where international applicants are named alongside people already in the province. For every other group, the priorities name temporary residents who already live and work in Nova Scotia.

On July 14, 2026 the province added a one-time expansion. It covers active expressions of interest submitted on or before June 30, 2026 by candidates who already live and work in Nova Scotia, whose work permit expires in 2026 or earlier, and who meet at least one of these criteria:

One-time expansion of Nova Scotia selection priorities, July 14, 2026

How to read this table: the expansion sits alongside the April 27, 2026 priorities, which remain in effect. Candidates selected under it are contacted directly by the department.

Criterion (one or more must apply)
Working in a TEER 0 to 4 occupation that supports key sectors such as Professional and Scientific, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social Services, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Transportation
Graduated from a Nova Scotia designated learning institution and working in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation
Living in a community outside the Halifax Regional Municipality and working in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation
Working in a Sales and Service occupation (TEER 0 to 2) and earning at least $20 per hour at the time of EOI submission
Working in Nova Scotia in any occupation and earning at least $27 per hour at the time of EOI submission

The two wage lines are the only dollar thresholds in the selection rules: at least $20 per hour for sales and service occupations in TEER 0 to 2, and at least $27 per hour for any occupation, both measured at the time the expression of interest was submitted.

How many candidates has Nova Scotia selected in 2026?

Nova Scotia reports its selections by month, as one total for the whole pool.

Candidates selected from the Nova Scotia expression of interest pool, 2026

How to read this table: copied from Nova Scotia's EOI Selection page, last updated August 17, 2026. TBD is the page's own wording for months with no published figure on October 11, 2026.

Month	Candidates selected
January 2026	363
February 2026	357
March 2026	370
April 2026	161
May 2026	789
June 2026	531
July 2026	671
August 2026	TBD
September 2026	TBD
October 2026	TBD
November 2026	TBD
December 2026	TBD

The seven published months add up to 3,242 candidates. May 2026 was the largest month and April 2026 the smallest. The page says candidates were selected primarily from healthcare occupations, skilled trades and other priority occupations, and gives no split by stream. Other provinces publish more: New Brunswick lists each round by stream in the New Brunswick PNP guide, and Ontario’s rounds, with scores, are tracked on the OINP draws page.

How much does the Nova Scotia PNP cost?

Nova Scotia introduced application fees on September 1, 2026; before that date the program charged none. An expression of interest is still free. The fee is charged once a candidate is selected from the pool for assessment.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program fees from September 1, 2026

How to read this table: amounts are the provincial fees in Nova Scotia's August 6, 2026 update. They are charged per principal applicant. IRCC's federal fees are separate.

Fee	Amount	Payment deadline
Submitting an expression of interest	$0	No fee at any time
Application fee: Skilled Worker stream	$1,000	Within 7 calendar days of the notice that the expression of interest was selected for assessment
Application fee: Nova Scotia Graduate stream	$1,000	Within 7 calendar days of the notice that the expression of interest was selected for assessment
Application fee: Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream	$1,000	Within 7 calendar days of the notice that the expression of interest was selected for assessment
Application fee: Entrepreneur stream, new business	$2,000	Within 90 calendar days of an Invitation to Apply
Application fee: Entrepreneur stream, buying an existing business	$2,000	Within 180 calendar days of an Invitation to Apply
Application fee: Entrepreneur stream, international graduates	$2,000	Within 90 calendar days of an Invitation to Apply
Atlantic Immigration Program (not an NSNP stream)	$0	No provincial application fee

Rules for paying the Nova Scotia Nominee Program fee

How to read this table: from the fee update and its frequently asked questions. The cut-off is the date the expression of interest is selected, not the date it was submitted.

Rule	What Nova Scotia states
Who pays	Candidates whose expression of interest is selected for assessment on or after September 1, 2026, regardless of when it was submitted. Candidates who received their selection letter before September 1, 2026 do not pay.
Per applicant	The fee is charged per principal applicant and does not change with the number of dependants.
Refunds	Non-refundable, even if the application is refused, except where required by law or when an administrative error has occurred.
Waivers	Fee waivers and exemptions are not available.
How to pay	Online, in a single payment, by Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express. No instalments, no split across cards and no paying in advance.
Proof	A receipt arrives by email and must be submitted as proof of payment; a screenshot of the confirmation page is not accepted.
Missed deadline	The expression of interest is closed and does not go to assessment. A new one can be submitted if the candidate still meets the requirements, and a new fee is due if it is selected.

The worker streams cost $1,000 and the Entrepreneur stream $2,000. The date that matters is the selection date: an expression of interest submitted long before September 1, 2026 still attracts the fee if it is selected on or after that date. Paying the fee does not speed up processing and does not change the chance of a nomination.

Federal costs come on top. After a nomination, the nominee pays IRCC’s permanent residence fees, set out in the Canada PR fees guide. The Skilled Worker and Nova Scotia Graduate streams also ask candidates to show enough financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia; the stream pages give no dollar figure, and the settlement funds checker shows the federal Express Entry amounts by family size as a reference point only.

What are the requirements for each NSNP stream?

The table lists the conditions each stream page gives for submitting an expression of interest. Rows with a colon are sub-criteria inside a stream.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program requirements by stream and sub-criteria

How to read this table: CLB is the Canadian Language Benchmarks scale. TEER categories come from the National Occupational Classification. 'Not stated on the tab' means the sub-criteria tab does not give that condition.

Stream or sub-criteria	Age	Language	Education	Work experience	Job offer or other condition
Skilled Worker	21 to 55	CLB 5 for TEER 0 to 3 jobs; CLB 4 with test results for TEER 4 or 5 jobs	High school diploma	1 year related to the job; TEER 4 or 5 workers need six months with the employer	Full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
Skilled Worker: Construction	21 to 55	CLB 5 (TEER 0 to 3) or CLB 4 (TEER 4 and 5), to be proven even if the first language is English or French	High school diploma or a construction-specific industry training program	1 year related to the job	Full-time permanent job offer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in one of 22 listed occupations
Skilled Worker: Physicians	Not stated on the tab	Not stated on the tab	Eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia	Not stated on the tab	Signed approved opportunity with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre (NOC 31100, 31101 or 31102)
Skilled Worker: Occupations in Demand	21 to 55	CLB 4, to be proven even if the first language is English or French	High school diploma	1 year related to the job	Permanent, full-time job offer in an occupation identified as in demand; none are listed at this time
Nova Scotia Graduate	19 to 55	CLB 5	High school diploma, plus a program of at least 30 weeks (24 weeks for NOC 33102) finished at an eligible Nova Scotia institution within three years, with at least half of it completed in Nova Scotia	None stated	Full-time permanent job offer in NOC 32102, 32124, 33102 or 42202 that matches the field of study
Nova Scotia: Express Entry (Skilled Work Experience in Nova Scotia)	21 to 55	CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3	Canadian high school credential or equivalent	At least one year working in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation	No job offer listed; a federal Express Entry profile is required
Nova Scotia: Express Entry (Physicians)	Not stated on the tab	Not stated on the tab	Not stated on the tab	The minimum work experience of the Express Entry program the candidate qualifies for	Approved opportunity from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre, a signed Return for Service Agreement of at least two years, and a Letter of Interest; the expression of interest is due within 30 calendar days of the letter
Entrepreneur	21 or older	CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing	Not stated	At least 3 years owning and actively managing a business (one-third ownership minimum) or more than 5 years in a senior business management role	No job offer; the candidate starts or buys a Nova Scotia business and manages it day to day
Entrepreneur: International Graduate Entrepreneur	Not stated on the tab	CLB 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing	A degree or diploma after at least 2 academic years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College	At least one year of continuous ownership and active management of the current Nova Scotia business (33.33% ownership minimum)	No job offer; a valid post-graduation work permit is required

Language levels are stated as CLB levels, not test scores; the IELTS to CLB conversion guide shows where a test result lands on that scale. Three details stand out:

Language tests are sometimes mandatory. For Skilled Worker jobs in TEER 0 to 3, a first language of English or French is enough proof. Workers in TEER 4 or 5 jobs need test results even when English or French is their first language.
Post-graduation work permit holders face two limits. Those working in TEER 5 positions are not eligible for the Skilled Worker stream, and under Nova Scotia: Express Entry, work experience gained on that permit counts only for graduates of an institution located in Nova Scotia. The PGWP guide explains the permit itself.
Wages are checked. Skilled Worker positions in all occupations must pay competitive wages for their industry or sector.

Which occupations qualify under the Construction sub-criteria?

The Construction sub-criteria of the Skilled Worker stream requires a job offer in the construction sector in one of 22 occupations.

Occupations eligible under the Skilled Worker stream's Construction sub-criteria

How to read this table: from the Construction tab of the Skilled Worker page. The job offer must be with an employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23).

NOC code	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

Which occupations qualify under the Nova Scotia Graduate stream?

Job categories the Nova Scotia Graduate stream is open to

How to read this table: from the Nova Scotia Graduate page. The job offer must correspond with the graduate's recent field of study, and the graduate needs any certification the Nova Scotia regulatory body requires for the job.

NOC code	Occupation	Credential the program must grant
32102	Paramedical occupations	Diploma
32124	Pharmacy technicians	Diploma
33102	Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	Certificate, diploma or degree
42202	Early childhood educators and assistants	Diploma or degree

What does the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream require?

The Entrepreneur stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who start a new business or buy an existing one in Nova Scotia and take part in its day-to-day management. Nomination comes at the end: the entrepreneur may be nominated after operating the business for a year.

Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream: financial requirements

How to read this table: from the Entrepreneur page. The investment must be the candidate's own money.

Requirement	Business in Halifax Regional Municipality	Business outside Halifax Regional Municipality
Minimum net worth	$600,000	$400,000
Minimum investment of the candidate's own money	$150,000	$100,000

A business in the Halifax Regional Municipality needs a net worth of at least $600,000 and an investment of at least $150,000; outside it the figures are $400,000 and $100,000. The International Graduate Entrepreneur sub-criteria has no net worth or investment figure. It is for graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College who hold a valid post-graduation work permit and have already owned and run their Nova Scotia business for at least a year.

What happens after a Nova Scotia nomination?

A nomination is not permanent residence. Nova Scotia’s wording is that the nominee applies to IRCC for the permanent resident visa within twelve months of receiving the nominee certificate, and that IRCC has the final authority to issue it.

Admissibility. The nominee, spouse and dependants must meet all requirements for medical, security and criminal admissibility, and in some cases IRCC asks for an interview.
Express Entry or not. IRCC has two routes for nominees. Through Express Entry, a nomination adds 600 points; the CRS calculator shows a score with and without them, and the rounds that follow are on the Express Entry draws page. Nominees who do not qualify for an Express Entry program apply through the non-Express Entry process, and IRCC says the province tells the nominee which process applies.
Work permits. An approved application may come with a letter of support for a work permit, if applicable. The federal bridging open work permit is a separate IRCC permit, with its own conditions, for people waiting on a permanent residence decision.
Extra forms. Nova Scotia notes that there are additional forms to submit with the federal application, listed on IRCC’s provincial nominee document checklist.

Questions about the program go to the Immigration and Population Growth Branch at immigration@novascotia.ca.

What mistakes cost NSNP candidates a selection or a nomination?

Treating an expression of interest as an application. It is a place in a pool, with no guarantee of selection, assessment or approval.
Submitting an incomplete expression of interest. Nova Scotia closes it and sends a notice; the candidate has to start again.
Missing the 7 calendar days. A selected worker-stream candidate who does not upload documents and proof of payment in time has the expression of interest closed.
Sending a screenshot as proof of payment. Only the emailed receipt is accepted.
Submitting from a paused sector. New submissions from the accommodation and food services sector have been paused since April 17, 2024.
Ignoring the expiry date. An expression of interest submitted on or after May 1, 2026 leaves the pool after 12 months unless it is selected.
Reading a nomination as permanent residence. IRCC decides the permanent residence application.

NSNP or the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal program that Nova Scotia helps deliver: the province designates employers and endorses their job offers, and the worker then applies directly to IRCC. Nova Scotia treats designation and endorsement submissions as expressions of interest in the same way, and its selection priorities cover both programs. The differences are who applies and what it costs. Under the NSNP the candidate submits the expression of interest and, since September 1, 2026, pays a provincial fee once selected. Under the Atlantic Immigration Program the employer submits, and there is no provincial application fee.

What changes next for the Nova Scotia PNP?

Dated changes to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program

How to read this table: from the program updates on Nova Scotia's immigration site, read on October 11, 2026. The newest update listed was dated August 6, 2026.

Date	Change
April 17, 2024	Intake of new expressions of interest from the Accommodation and Food Services sector paused.
November 28, 2025	Nova Scotia formalized an expression of interest process for all NSNP streams and for Atlantic Immigration Program designations and endorsements. All submissions, whenever made, are treated as expressions of interest.
February 13 to 18, 2026	The NSNP application portal closed temporarily to update its forms.
February 18, 2026	Ten NSNP streams consolidated into four. The former streams continue as sub-criteria with the same eligibility requirements.
April 27, 2026	Nominee program priorities published: healthcare and skilled trades first, TEER 5 occupations not prioritized.
May 1, 2026	12-month validity period for expressions of interest took effect, with transition measures for older submissions.
July 14, 2026	One-time expansion of selection priorities for active expressions of interest submitted on or before June 30, 2026 by candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia whose work permit expires in 2026 or earlier.
September 1, 2026	Application fees took effect: $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream.
April 30, 2027	Expressions of interest submitted from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026 expire if not selected.

The next fixed date is April 30, 2027, when expressions of interest submitted from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026 expire if they have not been selected. Nova Scotia says it publishes an update when its selection priorities change significantly, and it adds monthly figures to the EOI Selection page. This guide is updated when either changes.

The provincial nominee program guide by province sets the NSNP beside the other provincial programs. Three other provincial programs have their own guides: the Manitoba PNP (MPNP) guide, the Saskatchewan PNP (SINP) guide and the Alberta PNP (AAIP) guide. Candidates whose Nova Scotia job depends on an employer-specific work permit can see how those permits are approved in the LMIA guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the province's provincial nominee program, run by the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. Through it, prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience needed by Nova Scotia employers may be nominated to immigrate. A candidate submits an expression of interest to one of 4 streams, the province selects from the pool, and a nominee then applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which has the final authority to issue a permanent resident visa.

Is the Nova Scotia PNP open in 2026?

Nova Scotia does not label its streams open or closed. On October 11, 2026 the Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate and Nova Scotia: Express Entry pages each showed the link to submit an expression of interest, and the Entrepreneur stream was by invitation only. Two limits were in force: no new submissions from the accommodation and food services sector since April 17, 2024, and a temporary pause on food service supervisor experience under Nova Scotia: Express Entry.

How much does the Nova Scotia PNP cost?

Submitting an expression of interest costs nothing. Since September 1, 2026 a candidate whose expression of interest is selected for assessment pays a non-refundable application fee of $1,000 for the Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate or Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream, or $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream. The fee is per principal applicant and does not change with the number of dependants. IRCC's permanent residence fees are separate and come after a nomination.

What are the Nova Scotia PNP streams?

There are 4 streams as of February 18, 2026: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur and Nova Scotia: Express Entry. They replaced 10 older streams, whose eligibility rules continue as sub-criteria. Skilled Worker has Construction, Physicians and Occupations in Demand sub-criteria, Entrepreneur has an International Graduate Entrepreneur sub-criteria, and Nova Scotia: Express Entry has a Physicians sub-criteria.

Do you need a job offer for the Nova Scotia PNP?

For two of the four streams, yes. The Skilled Worker stream and the Nova Scotia Graduate stream both require a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. The main route of Nova Scotia: Express Entry lists no job offer, but requires at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation and a federal Express Entry profile. The Entrepreneur stream requires a business, not a job offer.

How long is a Nova Scotia expression of interest valid?

An expression of interest submitted on or after May 1, 2026 is valid for 12 months from the date of submission, then it expires and is removed from the pool. One submitted from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026 stays active and expires on April 30, 2027 if not selected. Those submitted before May 1, 2024 were closed effective May 1, 2026. An expiry or closure is not a refusal, and a new expression of interest can be submitted.

How does Nova Scotia choose who to select?

Nova Scotia periodically selects submissions from the pool based on provincial priorities and program capacity, not on a first-come, first-served basis. The factors it lists include labour market needs, occupation or sector priorities, likelihood of retention in Nova Scotia, intended region of employment, immigration status in Canada and available allocations. The priorities published on April 27, 2026 put healthcare and skilled trades occupations first.

How many candidates does Nova Scotia select each month?

The province's EOI Selection page lists the number selected by month. For 2026 it shows 363 in January, 357 in February, 370 in March, 161 in April, 789 in May, 531 in June and 671 in July. The page was last updated on August 17, 2026, and August to December 2026 still read TBD on October 11, 2026. It reports totals only, with no breakdown by stream and no minimum score.

How long does Nova Scotia PNP processing take?

Nova Scotia publishes no processing time. Its expression of interest policy says the province is unable to provide a timeline for selection and cannot guarantee that a submission will be selected. Once a candidate is selected, the program page says assessment time can be longer because of program integrity reviews, employer compliance verification, requests for more documents and the volume of applications under assessment.

Does a Nova Scotia nomination add CRS points?

Yes, when the nomination is used in the federal Express Entry system. IRCC awards 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to an Express Entry candidate who holds a provincial nomination, which helps the candidate get invited to apply. Nova Scotia: Express Entry is the stream tied to an Express Entry profile. Nominees of the other streams apply to IRCC through the non-Express Entry process, where no CRS score is involved.

Is the Nova Scotia PNP fee refundable?

No. Nova Scotia says application fees are charged for the assessment of an application and are non-refundable, even if the application is refused; the fee update gives two exceptions, where a refund is required by law or an administrative error has occurred. Fee waivers and exemptions are not available. A candidate who submits a new expression of interest and is selected again pays the fee again.

Is the Atlantic Immigration Program part of the Nova Scotia PNP?

No. The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal, employer-driven program. In Nova Scotia the same department designates employers and endorses their job offers, and the province's selection priorities cover both programs, but it is not an NSNP stream. The fee introduced on September 1, 2026 does not apply to it: Nova Scotia says the Atlantic Immigration Program continues without a provincial application fee.

Part of our Provincial Nominee Program: how PNP nomination works in every province.

Rules, rates and sources

Last verified: October 11, 2026
Next scheduled check: November 10, 2026

Rule or table	In effect from	Verified
NSNP streams, stream status, selection, fees, expression of interest rules and steps after nomination	September 1, 2026	October 11, 2026

Official sources

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (how selection works) - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
NSNP Update: Four Consolidated Streams - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
NSNP UPDATE: Application Fees Effective September 1, 2026 - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Skilled Worker stream - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Nova Scotia Graduate stream - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Entrepreneur stream - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
EOI Selection (monthly selections) - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Expression of Interest (EOI) Validity Period and Transition Measures - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Nominee Program Priorities in Nova Scotia - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Update: NSNP and Atlantic Immigration Program 2026 Selection Priorities - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Atlantic Immigration Program (sector pause notice) - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Processing Policy: Expression of Interest - Live in Nova Scotia — Government of Nova Scotia (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration)
Immigrate as a provincial nominee (IRCC) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

How we check figures: our methodology and editorial policy.

General information for education, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice. Rules change — confirm anything you act on with the official source or a licensed professional (for immigration, a lawyer or a licensed consultant registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants).

What is the Nova Scotia PNP, and which Nova Scotia Nominee Program streams are open?

What are the Nova Scotia PNP streams in 2026?

Which Nova Scotia PNP streams are open, paused or by invitation?

How does the Nova Scotia expression of interest system work?

How long does an expression of interest stay in the pool?

Which occupations is Nova Scotia selecting?

How many candidates has Nova Scotia selected in 2026?

How much does the Nova Scotia PNP cost?

What are the requirements for each NSNP stream?

Which occupations qualify under the Construction sub-criteria?

Which occupations qualify under the Nova Scotia Graduate stream?

What does the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream require?

What happens after a Nova Scotia nomination?

What mistakes cost NSNP candidates a selection or a nomination?

NSNP or the Atlantic Immigration Program?

What changes next for the Nova Scotia PNP?

Related guides and tools

Frequently asked questions

Rules, rates and sources