Nova Scotia issues NOIs to link workers with jobs
Nova Scotia began issuing Notices of Interest (NOIs) in May 2026 to select candidates in the federal Express Entry pool as part of a new effort to address labour shortages in key sectors.
The initiative focuses on connecting skilled foreign nationals with employers in industries facing persistent vacancies, with construction and healthcare identified as the initial priority areas.
Provincial officials introduced the program through an update to the “Live in Nova Scotia” platform, where a new section labelled “Critical Vacancies” outlines the process.
- NOIs are being sent to candidates with active Express Entry profiles
- Construction and healthcare are the first targeted sectors
- No prior Canadian or Nova Scotia work experience is required
- Selected candidates are screened and referred to employers
- Job offers may support eligibility for federal or provincial pathways
- The initiative aligns with Nova Scotia’s 2026 immigration priorities
Program overview and purpose
The Critical Vacancies initiative is designed to support employers in Nova Scotia who have been unable to fill positions locally. By drawing from the federal Express Entry pool, the province is identifying candidates whose skills match specific workforce gaps.
Rather than functioning as a direct immigration stream, the initiative acts as a bridge between employers and potential recruits. It introduces a pre-selection process that allows employers to review qualified candidates identified by the province.
Participation requires an active Express Entry profile, which is used as the primary mechanism for identifying eligible individuals. The province has not indicated a fixed number of candidates to be selected under this process.
Targeted sectors and occupations
At launch, Nova Scotia identified two sectors under the initiative: healthcare and construction. While healthcare roles have not yet been broken down into specific occupations, the construction sector includes a defined list of eligible positions.
The listed construction occupations correspond to National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 codes and include supervisory and trade roles across several specialties.
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors in construction trades and related fields
- 72020 – Contractors and supervisors in mechanical trades
- 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 73100 – Concrete finishers
The inclusion of these roles reflects ongoing labour demand within the province’s construction industry, particularly in infrastructure and residential development.
Eligibility and selection process
Candidates must have an active profile in the federal Express Entry system to be considered for a Notice of Interest. The province has stated that Canadian work experience, including experience gained in Nova Scotia, is not a requirement under this initiative.
Once a candidate receives an NOI, additional information must be submitted through a form available on the Critical Vacancies webpage. This includes details related to education, work history, and professional qualifications.
The provincial government reviews submissions and evaluates candidates against employer requirements. Those who meet the criteria are included in a shortlist shared with participating employers.
Employer involvement
Employers play a central role in the final stages of the process. After receiving candidate profiles from the province, employers can contact individuals directly to arrange interviews.
Job offers may be extended following employer assessment. These offers are issued independently by employers and are not part of a provincial nomination decision.
The province has not specified a timeline for employer outreach following candidate referral, and timelines may vary depending on the sector and employer needs.
Relationship to immigration pathways
A Notice of Interest issued under this initiative does not constitute an invitation to apply for permanent residence. It is also not equivalent to a provincial nomination under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) or an endorsement under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
However, candidates who secure employment through this process may later apply through established immigration pathways. This includes federal programs managed under Express Entry or provincial streams where job offers are relevant.
In certain cases, candidates engaged through the initiative may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through their Express Entry profile, depending on their overall eligibility and ranking.
Alignment with 2026 immigration priorities
The launch of the Critical Vacancies initiative follows policy announcements made in April 2026 regarding Nova Scotia’s immigration priorities. The province confirmed that healthcare workers and skilled trades professionals remain central to its selection strategy.
Under this framework, occupations classified under Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0 to 4 are prioritized for nomination. These categories cover a wide range of professional, technical, and trade occupations.
International candidates and temporary residents already working in Nova Scotia are both included within these priority groups. Other sectors, such as education, manufacturing, and applied sciences, are considered primarily for candidates already residing in the province.
Recent system changes and policy context
Nova Scotia has made several structural adjustments to its immigration system since late 2025. On November 28, 2025, the province introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) model across its immigration programs, including streams aligned with Express Entry.
This shift replaced the previous application-based intake system with a pooled approach. Under the EOI system, candidates submit profiles which are then ranked and selected based on provincial priorities.
All existing applications were transitioned into the EOI pool following the change. This created a unified system for managing candidate selection across different streams.
Changes to validity periods
As of May 1, 2026, Nova Scotia implemented a 12-month validity period for EOIs. Previously, candidate profiles could remain in the system indefinitely without expiring.
The new time limit introduces a defined cycle for candidate consideration. Profiles that are not selected within this period must be resubmitted to remain active in the system.
This adjustment aligns Nova Scotia’s system more closely with other Canadian immigration programs that operate on time-limited candidate pools.
Public relevance and labour market context
The introduction of the Critical Vacancies initiative reflects ongoing labour shortages in specific sectors within Nova Scotia. Construction and healthcare have consistently reported workforce gaps tied to population growth and service demand.
By linking employers directly with candidates already screened through Express Entry, the province is introducing an additional mechanism for recruitment without creating a new immigration stream.
The model also provides employers with access to a broader pool of international talent while maintaining compatibility with existing federal and provincial immigration systems.
Further developments related to the initiative, including potential expansion to additional sectors, are expected to be reflected through updates on provincial immigration platforms and announcements tied to Nova Scotia’s 2026 priorities.
Coverage of ongoing changes to Express Entry and provincial nomination programs continues to track how provinces adapt selection processes to address specific labour market needs, including targeted recruitment efforts such as the Critical Vacancies initiative introduced in May 2026.