The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) 2026

If you’re an international graduate, skilled worker, or entrepreneur looking to settle in Nova Scotia, this guide breaks down your options. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers several pathways to Canadian permanent residence — and knowing which one fits your profile can make all the difference.

What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is Nova Scotia’s provincial immigration program. It allows the province to nominate foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence when their skills and experience match local labour market needs. Launched in 2003, the NSNP supports economic growth by helping employers address labour shortages and by attracting newcomers who are likely to settle successfully in the province.

How Does the Nova Scotia Nominee Program Work?

Most NSNP streams follow a two-step process that begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI).

An EOI is not a nomination application — it’s how you signal your interest in the program. Once you submit an EOI, you enter a pool of candidates. Nova Scotia then selects candidates from that pool based on its current labour market priorities. Only candidates who receive an invitation can proceed to apply for a provincial nomination. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection or permanent residence.

As of May 1, 2026, EOIs are valid for 12 months from the date of submission. Here’s how the validity rules break down depending on when you submitted:

• EOIs submitted before May 1, 2024 will be closed effective May 1, 2026
• EOIs submitted between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026 will remain active until April 30, 2027
• EOIs submitted on or after May 1, 2026 will expire 12 months from the date of submission

If your EOI expires without being selected, it does not mean you have been refused. You can submit a new EOI at any time, as long as you still meet the current eligibility criteria.

Four Consolidated NSNP Streams

As of February 18, 2026, Nova Scotia has consolidated its immigration streams into a simpler structure with four main categories. Previously, the NSNP operated ten separate streams. These have now been reorganized to create clearer pathways for applicants and employers.

The Four Current NSNP Streams

• Nova Scotia Graduate
• Skilled Worker
• Entrepreneur
• Nova Scotia: Express Entry

While the structure has changed, eligibility criteria remain the same. The new streams include sub-criteria that mirror the requirements of the former streams.

Who is eligible for PNP in Nova Scotia?

Eligibility for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) depends on which of the four streams you apply under. Each stream has its own criteria, but in general, you must show that your skills, experience, or business plans meet Nova Scotia’s labour market needs.

What is the PNP quota for 2026 in Nova Scotia?

While Nova Scotia has not yet officially published its exact NSNP allocation for 2026, projections based on the federal allocation plan suggest the province could receive around 5,300 PNP nomination spots in 2026.

This projection is based on the estimated 3,709 allocated spots at the end of 2025 and Canada’s 2026 Immigration Levels Plan, which sets a national target of 91,500 permanent resident admissions through all Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in 2026.

What are the Nova Scotia PNP Priority Occupations (2026)?

Nova Scotia has clarified which occupations it will prioritize for nominations under the NSNP. With nomination spaces limited, the province is being selective about who it considers — and your occupation and TEER level now play a bigger role in your chances.

Healthcare and Skilled Trades

These are the top priorities for 2026 and the only occupational categories open to both candidates inside Canada and international applicants. If your occupation falls under healthcare or a skilled trade, you may be considered at TEER levels 0 through 4.

Other Priority Occupations

Nova Scotia is also prioritizing candidates in the following NOC groups:

• NOC 2: Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations
• NOC 4: Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services
• NOC 8: Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production Occupations
• NOC 9: Manufacturing and Utilities

Nominations under these groups are limited to temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia, at TEER levels 0 through 4.

All Other Occupations

If your occupation falls outside the groups listed above, nominations are currently limited to TEER 0, 1, and 2 only. You must also already be living and working in Nova Scotia as a temporary resident to be considered.

TEER 5 Occupations

TEER 5 occupations are not being prioritized under any category at this time. Since few immigration streams across Canada are open to TEER 5 roles, gaining more experience and moving into a TEER 4 role is generally the most realistic path forward.
Note that Nova Scotia’s priorities may shift as labour market needs and nomination allocations change throughout the year.

Nova Scotia PNP: Old Closed Streams