Nova Scotia consolidated its nominee program into four streams in February 2026: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur and Nova Scotia: Express Entry. New expressions of interest should be assessed under the current structure and selection priorities. See the current Nova Scotia Nominee Program.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was substantially reorganized in 2026. Effective February 18, 2026, ten former streams were consolidated into four current NSNP streams. The eligibility concepts from several former streams now operate as sub-criteria within the new structure.
NSNP , Current Streams
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker stream supports eligible foreign workers recruited by Nova Scotia employers for positions the province needs to fill. The stream now incorporates sub-criteria that reflect certain former NSNP pathways, including specialized criteria for construction workers and physicians. Applicants must satisfy the relevant job-offer, employer, occupation, work-experience, language, education and status requirements.
Construction Worker sub-criteria
The construction-worker criteria carry forward the eligibility framework of the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot within the consolidated Skilled Worker stream.
Physician sub-criteria
Physician-specific criteria incorporate the former Physician Stream framework for eligible medical professionals supported by the appropriate Nova Scotia health-sector authority.
Nova Scotia Graduate
The Nova Scotia Graduate stream consolidates pathways for eligible graduates whose Nova Scotia education and employment meet current provincial requirements. The applicable sub-criteria depend on the candidate’s program, occupation and employment circumstances. Candidates should verify that their field and job satisfy the current graduate criteria before applying.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry
This is Nova Scotia’s Express Entry-aligned nomination stream. Candidates must have a valid federal Express Entry profile and meet the applicable Nova Scotia selection criteria. The province may use targeted selection to respond to labour-market priorities, and a provincial nomination remains separate from IRCC’s final permanent-residence assessment.
Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneur stream is for experienced business owners or senior managers who intend to establish or acquire and actively manage a business in Nova Scotia. Applicants proceed through the province’s business immigration process, establish the business under the required conditions and must demonstrate compliance before nomination.
Older Nova Scotia stream names should not be presented as separate current streams where they have been absorbed into the four-stream structure. Eligibility should be assessed under the applicable new stream and sub-criteria.
Compare Your Provincial Options
A provincial pathway should be assessed against alternatives before filing because eligibility, invitations and nomination allocations can change. Review Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs to compare other provinces and territories. For an individualized eligibility and strategy assessment, book a consultation with Fourth Dimension Immigration.
Immigration criteria, document requirements and public policies can change. Advice should be based on the rules and facts applicable when you apply.