Nova Scotia has streamlined its Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) to make immigration pathways clearer and more efficient for skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, and employers.
As of February 18, 2026, the NSNP has consolidated its previous 10 streams into just four main categories:
- Skilled Worker
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry
- Entrepreneur
- Nova Scotia Graduate
This revamp aims to modernize the system, simplify navigation for newcomers and employers, and speed up processing times—while keeping the same core eligibility requirements from the former streams.
Important note: These changes only apply to new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted after February 18, 2026. If you already have an active EOI in the NSNP pool, it remains valid and unaffected—you don't need to take any action. The Atlantic Immigration Program is also unchanged by these updates.
Overview of the New Four Streams
- Skilled Worker Stream This combines the former Skilled Worker, Critical Construction Worker Pilot, Physicians, and Occupations in Demand pathways.
- Requires a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
- Key sub-pathways include:
- Construction Pathway — Targets specific in-demand construction trades (e.g., carpenters, electricians, heavy equipment operators, bricklayers, roofers, and more—full list includes NOC codes like 72310, 72200, 73100, etc.).
- Physicians Pathway — For doctors with approved job offers from Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK).
- Occupations in Demand — Focuses on certain TEER 3, 4, or 5 roles (no specific occupations listed yet).
- General requirements: Age 21–55, 1 year of work experience (or 6 months for some TEER levels), high school education (with exemptions), CLB 4–5 language proficiency, and proof of settlement funds.
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream This merges the previous Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities, and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians streams.
- Candidates must have an active federal Express Entry profile.
- Requires at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia (TEER 0–3).
- Includes a dedicated Physicians pathway with job offer requirements and a Return for Service Agreement.
- Language: CLB 5–7 depending on occupation level.
- Entrepreneur Stream Combines the former Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams.
- Targets business owners/investors aged 21+.
- Minimum net worth and investment: $600,000 (Halifax area) or $400,000 (elsewhere).
- Requires business management/ownership experience and CLB 5 language skills.
- Special pathway for international graduates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and prior business experience in Nova Scotia.
- Nova Scotia Graduate Stream (Formerly International Graduates in Demand—now streamlined as one pathway.)
- For recent graduates from Nova Scotia institutions.
- Requires a full-time job offer in a field related to your studies (e.g., early childhood educators, nurse aides, paramedics, pharmacy technicians).
- Age 19–55, CLB 5 language, and proof of settlement funds.
These updates reflect Nova Scotia's commitment to aligning immigration with local labour market needs, especially in construction, healthcare, and other priority sectors.
If you're exploring Canadian permanent residency options through provincial programs, this consolidation could make applying to Nova Scotia simpler and more straightforward.
At Career Brick, we help individuals and families navigate study abroad, work permits, job opportunities, and PR pathways in Canada—including programs like the NSNP. Contact our Delhi-based team for personalized guidance on your next steps toward building your career in Canada.
