Nova Scotia Announces Priority Occupations for Its Provincial Nominee Program

If Nova Scotia is part of your immigration plan, or if you’ve already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Nova Scotia PNP stream, here’s what the changes might mean for you. 

Key Takeaways 

• Healthcare and skilled trades are Nova Scotia’s top priorities. These are the only occupations open to both in-Canada and international applicants 

• Most other occupation groups are restricted to temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia 

• TEER 5 occupations are not being prioritized in any category 

• Starting May 1, 2026, EOIs will have a 12-month validity period, and some older EOIs will be closed automatically 

Healthcare and Skilled Trades Lead the Way 

The province has named healthcare and skilled trades as its top priorities. The province has clarified that it will be prioritizing candidates in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 in these occupations. Healthcare and trades are the only occupational categories where both international applicants and temporary residents living and working in Nova Scotia may be considered.

Other Priority Occupations for Nova Scotia PNP 

The province lists four additional occupational groups as priority categories for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program: 

• 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 

Only candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia will be considered for nominations under these occupations. Even then, consideration is limited to TEER levels 0 through 4. TEER 5 occupations (which generally include lower-skilled roles that don’t require any formal education) are not currently being prioritized, in any category. 

What If You Don’t Fall Under a Priority Occupation? 

For occupations that fall outside these priority occupation groups (healthcare, trades, occupational groups NOC 2, 4, 8 and 9) entirely, nominations will only be considered for candidates in TEER 0, 1, and 2 occupations only. Moreover, nominations are currently limited to temporary residents already working in the province. 

EOIs To Be Valid for 12 Months

Alongside the occupational priority update, Nova Scotia announced a new 12-month validity period for Expressions of Interest (EOIs), effective May 1, 2026.  

An EOI is not a nomination application. Under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, interested candidates must first submit an EOI. Only candidates selected from the EOI pool can apply for a provincial nomination. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee a nomination or selection for PR. 

According to the program update: 

• 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 and, if not selected, will expire on April 30, 2027. 

• EOIs submitted on or after May 1, 2026 will be subject to the new 12-month validity window from the date of submission. 

An expired EOI does not mean that you’ve been refused. You can reapply and create a fresh EOI if you want to remain in the pool. You should, however, check if you still meet current eligibility criteria before resubmitting. 

According to the province, the 12-month validity period will keep the EOI pool current and in line with Nova Scotia’s labour market needs. 

Nova Scotia Isn’t the Only Province Narrowing Its Focus 

With PNP spaces being limited, provinces are under pressure to use them strategically to best meet labour market requirements and retain existing talent.  

Like Nova Scotia, British Columbia is now more selective about which occupations it will consider. BC recently restructured nominations around three priority categories: healthcare and public services, construction trades, and high economic impact talent. The province also closed its Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream entirely. 

What This Means for Candidates Interested in Nova Scotia PNP 

Your next step will depend on several factors, including your occupation, TEER level, and whether you’re currently working in Nova Scotia. 

If you work in healthcare or a skilled trade, Nova Scotia PNP remains a strong option for you, regardless of whether you’re inside or outside Canada.  

If your occupation falls outside the priority groups, the more realistic path involves establishing yourself in Nova Scotia as a temporary resident first. You will need a job offer at a TEER level that qualifies under current priorities and a work permit. While the province has not listed a minimum experience requirement to qualify for lower priority occupations, generally Nova Scotia PNP streams require a minimum one year of work experience. 

If your role falls in TEER 5, Nova Scotia isn’t currently looking to nominate you, regardless of how long you’ve been working there. Since very few immigration streams across Canada are open to TEER 5 occupations, you are more likely to qualify after gaining more work experience and getting promoted to a TEER 4 occupation level. 

The province also noted that its priorities may shift as labour market needs and nomination allocations change. So, if you aren’t currently eligible for a nomination under Nova Scotia PNP, it doesn’t mean you will never qualify. 

Immigration priorities set by provinces change frequently. Join the Moving2Canada community to stay up to date on provincial nominee program updates.