Nova Scotia sets new immigration priority occupations
Nova Scotia has introduced updated selection priorities under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), outlining how candidates will be assessed for provincial nomination.
The changes, announced on April 27, establish a three-tier framework that ranks occupations based on current labour market demand. The revised structure affects both applicants already in the province and those applying from abroad.
The update reflects the province’s effort to align its immigration intake with workforce shortages and available nomination spaces.
- Healthcare and skilled trades occupations are placed in the highest priority tier
- Only select occupations outside these sectors are eligible under additional tiers
- Many pathways are now limited to temporary residents already in Nova Scotia
- Workers in TEER 5 occupations are not currently considered
- Priority categories may change depending on labour market demand
Three-tier system defines eligibility priorities
The NSNP now organizes eligible occupations into three levels, each with distinct criteria for consideration. The system determines which candidates can receive nominations based on occupation type, skill level, and location.
The province has indicated that this structure will remain adaptable, allowing adjustments as workforce shortages evolve and nomination allotments shift.
Level 1 targets healthcare and trades
Occupations in healthcare and skilled trades are assigned the highest priority. These roles fall within Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0 through 4.
This tier is the only category open to both individuals already working in Nova Scotia and candidates applying from outside Canada. It provides the broadest access to provincial nomination under the updated framework.
The emphasis on these sectors reflects ongoing demand for clinical professionals, technicians, and construction-related workers across the province.
Level 2 includes selected occupational groups
The second tier covers additional occupational categories but is restricted to temporary residents currently employed in Nova Scotia. Eligible occupations must also fall within TEER levels 0 to 4.
Eligible groups include roles in natural and applied sciences, education and social services, agriculture and natural resources, and manufacturing and utilities.
These categories represent areas where labour shortages exist but are not classified as top priority compared to healthcare and trades.
Level 3 limits access to higher-skilled local workers
The third tier applies to all remaining occupations and includes further restrictions. Only temporary residents already in Nova Scotia working in TEER 0, 1, or 2 roles are eligible for consideration.
This limits access for candidates in lower-skilled roles and excludes most applicants from outside Canada who do not meet the criteria of higher tiers.
Restrictions affect applicants outside Canada
The revised structure significantly narrows options for individuals seeking nomination through the general Expression of Interest (EOI) pool from outside the province.
Only candidates in healthcare or skilled trades can be considered under Level 1 if they are not already living in Nova Scotia. All other occupational categories are restricted to individuals with existing employment in the province.
Additionally, workers classified under TEER 5, which includes certain entry-level service occupations, are not being considered under the current priorities.
Other immigration pathways remain available
While the general NSNP pool is subject to the new priority system, other immigration pathways continue to operate independently.
Physicians remain eligible through a dedicated stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system. This pathway targets specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, surgeons, and general practitioners.
Candidates in this stream must hold an active Express Entry profile and have a qualifying job offer from either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
In addition, federal pilot programs provide alternative routes to permanent residence. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in Pictou County is one such pathway operating outside the NSNP framework.
The Pictou County initiative has identified a set of priority occupations across sectors such as healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and education. Participation requires a job offer from a designated employer within the region.
Background to the policy shift
The introduction of the three-level priority system follows earlier changes announced in December 2025. At that time, Nova Scotia moved to an Expression of Interest model for managing immigration applications.
Provincial officials indicated that nominations would increasingly be directed toward candidates whose skills align with economic needs and labour shortages.
The current update formalizes that approach by clearly identifying which occupations will receive priority consideration.
The TEER classification system used in the framework is part of Canada’s National Occupational Classification. It ranks occupations based on required training, education, and responsibilities, with TEER 0 representing management roles and TEER 5 indicating roles requiring minimal formal training.
Ongoing adjustments expected
Nova Scotia has stated that the priority occupation list is subject to change. Adjustments may occur as labour market conditions evolve or as the province’s annual nomination allocation is updated.
The framework provides a structured method for selecting candidates while allowing flexibility to respond to economic demand.
Further developments related to provincial immigration programs continue to be reported as provinces refine their selection systems.