Nova Scotia reduces immigration streams to four
Nova Scotia has overhauled its provincial immigration framework, merging ten nominee program streams into four broader categories. The revision, effective February 18, 2026, aims to simplify pathways for newcomers and employers while maintaining existing eligibility criteria.
The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration stated that the consolidation is intended to modernize the program and streamline application processing. Individuals with active Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted before the implementation date will not be affected.
- The Nova Scotia Nominee Program now operates four main streams.
- Previous ten pathways have been merged under these categories.
- Existing EOIs remain active and unaffected.
- Eligibility criteria from prior streams are retained.
- The revision seeks to improve clarity and efficiency for applicants and employers.
- Changes do not impact the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Overview of the revised program
Following the restructuring, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) now includes four primary streams: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia: Express Entry, Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia Graduate. These replace the ten previous pathways that were separately managed under the NSNP.
According to the province, the change consolidates overlapping application categories into four more inclusive streams to align with current labour and demographic needs.
1. Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker stream now includes the former Skilled Worker, Critical Construction Worker Pilot, Physicians, and Occupations in Demand pathways. Candidates must be aged 21 to 55, hold a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, and demonstrate relevant experience and credentials.
Applicants in TEER categories 0 through 3 require at least one year of work experience, while those in TEER 4 or 5 need six months of experience with the same employer. A high school diploma and minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for TEER 0–3, or CLB 4 for TEER 4–5, are also required.
The construction pathway allows candidates to substitute a high school diploma with an industry-recognized construction training program. Eligible occupations include bricklayers (72320), carpenters (72310), electricians (72200), and other trades within NAICS 23.
Under the Physicians pathway, applicants must hold an approved job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre in one of the designated medical occupations, such as general practitioners (31102) or specialists in surgery (31101).
The Occupations in Demand pathway applies to selected TEER 3, 4 or 5 roles, with specific occupations to be announced later.
2. Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream
The Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream merges three previous pathways—Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities, and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians. Applicants must have an active federal Express Entry profile, be between 21 and 55 years old, and possess at least one year of Nova Scotia-based work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Language requirements are set at CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3. Post-graduation work permit holders must have completed their studies in the province. Physicians under this stream must hold an eligible job offer and a Letter of Interest from the NSNP, sign a two-year Return for Service Agreement, and demonstrate settlement funds. Their Expression of Interest must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Interest.
3. Entrepreneur Stream
The Entrepreneur stream now includes both the Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur pathways. Applicants must plan to own and actively manage a business in Nova Scotia and meet specific financial and experience thresholds. The minimum net worth requirement is $600,000 for businesses located within the Halifax Regional Municipality and $400,000 for those outside it. Investment minimums match these thresholds.
Eligible entrepreneurs must have at least three years of experience owning and managing a business with a one-third ownership stake or five years in a senior management role. A minimum language proficiency of CLB 5 is required.
International graduates applying under this stream must hold a valid post-graduation work permit, have at least one year of business management experience in the province, and have completed a two-year full-time study program at a Nova Scotia institution. The language requirement for this pathway is CLB 7.
4. Nova Scotia Graduate Stream
The Nova Scotia Graduate stream replaces the previous International Graduates in Demand program. It targets recent graduates with job offers in occupations aligned with their field of study. Applicants must be aged 19 to 55, have completed their program within the last three years, and hold a high school diploma.
Eligible study programs must last at least 30 weeks, with at least half of the program completed in Nova Scotia. For occupations under NOC 33102, a minimum of 24 weeks is required. Applicants must hold the necessary provincial certifications, demonstrate CLB 5 language proficiency, and show sufficient settlement funds.
Eligible occupations include early childhood educators (42202), nurse aides and patient service associates (33102), paramedical occupations (32102), and pharmacy technicians (32124).
Handling of existing applications
The revised structure applies only to EOIs submitted on or after February 18, 2026. EOIs submitted before this date will remain valid and will continue to be processed under the previous criteria.
The update does not affect Nova Scotia’s participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program, which continues under its separate framework.
Context within Canada’s PNP system
Provincial nominee program adjustments, such as those made in Nova Scotia, are part of broader efforts by provinces to align immigration intake with labour market needs. Similar program updates have been observed in other provinces, including Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which also periodically refines its nomination criteria to improve efficiency.
Public relevance
This restructuring simplifies the process for employers seeking to fill positions in key sectors and provides applicants with clearer, more direct pathways to permanent residency through provincial nomination. The province has indicated that all existing eligibility standards remain unchanged, ensuring continuity for ongoing and future applicants.
Further program details and application procedures are available through official provincial sources. The changes mark a continued effort by Nova Scotia to improve accessibility and processing efficiency within its immigration system.
For coverage of ongoing provincial nominee program developments and related immigration updates across Canada, explore current reporting on provincial and federal initiatives.