On This Page You Will Find:
- What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
- Overview of the four consolidated NSNP immigration streams
- Full eligibility requirements for each stream and sub-category
- How to apply and what to expect
- Frequently asked questions
What Is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a provincial immigration program that nominates skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and medical professionals for Canadian permanent residence. It supports the province’s economic development and demographic needs.
As of February 18, 2026, Nova Scotia modernized and simplified the NSNP by consolidating its previous 10 streams into four main pathways. While the structure has been streamlined to make the application process clearer, the core eligibility requirements for specific occupations and candidates remain unchanged.
The four current NSNP streams are:
- Skilled Worker
- Nova Scotia Graduate
- Entrepreneur
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry
NSNP Immigration Streams and Eligibility Criteria
1. Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker stream helps Nova Scotia employers hire foreign workers and international graduates for positions that cannot be filled locally. Under the recent consolidation, this stream now also houses the sub-criteria for the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot and the Physician Stream. Priority selection for these occupations continues.
General Skilled Worker Eligibility Requirements:
- A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience (TEER 4 or 5 applicants must have 6 months’ experience with the same employer).
- Age between 21 and 55.
- High school diploma (Canadian or equivalent).
- Necessary training, skills, or accreditation for the job.
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations, or CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations (test required even for native speakers).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Occupations in Demand Sub-Criteria:
Targets TEER 3, 4, and 5 occupations experiencing labour shortages in Nova Scotia.
- Full-time, permanent job offer in specific NOC codes (e.g., 33102 – Nurse Aides, 65310 – Light Duty Cleaners, 73300 – Transport Truck Drivers, 73400 – Heavy Equipment Operators, 75110 – Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers).
- At least 1 year of related work experience.
- Age between 21 and 55.
- High school diploma and required training or certification.
- CLB 4 in English or French (test results required).
- Proof of settlement funds.
Construction Worker Sub-Criteria (Former Critical Construction Worker Pilot):
- Full-time, permanent job offer in a qualifying NOC within the construction industry (NAICS 23).
- At least 1 year of work experience in the relevant job.
- High school diploma or completed construction-specific training.
- Age between 21 and 55.
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3, or CLB 4 for TEER 4–5.
- Proof of settlement funds.
Physician Sub-Criteria (Former Physician Stream):
- Job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre in NOC 31102, 31100, or 31101.
- Offer must be on official NSHA/IWK letterhead, signed by both the employer and physician, and confirm eligibility for licensure and hospital privileges.
- No language test is required if already licensed and credentialed.
- No settlement funds are required if working directly with NSHA or IWK.
2. Nova Scotia Graduate Stream
This stream is tailored for international graduates. It now includes the eligibility requirements from the former International Graduates in Demand stream.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time, permanent job offer in specific high-demand NOC codes (e.g., 32102 – Paramedical Occupations, 32124 – Pharmacy Technicians, 33102 – Nurse Aides, 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants).
- Age between 19 and 55.
- High school diploma.
- Completed a relevant program at an eligible Nova Scotia post-secondary institution (minimum 30 weeks, or 24 weeks for NOC 33102).
- At least 50% of studies completed in Nova Scotia.
- Required educational credentials based on NOC (diploma, certificate, or degree).
- Valid certification from Nova Scotia regulatory bodies (if applicable).
- CLB 5 in English or French.
- Proof of settlement funds.
3. Entrepreneur Stream
This pathway is designed for experienced business owners or senior managers. It also incorporates the sub-criteria for the former International Graduate Entrepreneur stream.
General Entrepreneur Eligibility Requirements:
- Age 21 or older.
- Intend to live in Nova Scotia and manage the business actively.
- Net worth of at least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 CAD if outside the Halifax Regional Municipality).
- Investment of at least $150,000 CAD ($100,000 CAD if outside HRM).
- Minimum experience: 3 years as a business owner (at least 33.3% ownership) OR 5+ years in a senior business management role.
- CLB 5 in English or French.
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply.
International Graduate Sub-Criteria (Former International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream):
- Must intend to live in Nova Scotia and actively manage a business.
- At least 1 year of continuous business ownership and operation (33.3% minimum ownership).
- Completed a degree or diploma through at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).
- Valid post-graduation work permit.
- CLB 7 in English or French.
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply.
4. Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream
This consolidated stream now encompasses the eligibility requirements previously found under Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities, and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians.
General Experience & Labour Market Priorities Requirements:
- Active profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP.
- Submit a full application within 30 calendar days of receiving the Letter of Interest.
- Meet Express Entry work experience and language requirements (e.g., CLB 7 for TEER 0–1, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3).
- For those applying based on Nova Scotia experience: Minimum 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0–3 job, age 21–55, and a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
- Proof of settlement funds and legal status in the country of residence.
Physician Express Entry Requirements:
- Valid job offer in NOC 31100, 31101, or 31102 from NSHA or IWK.
- Signed Return for Service Agreement (2-year commitment in Nova Scotia).
- Receive a Letter of Interest from the NSNP and apply within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main benefit of being nominated through NSNP?
A nomination from Nova Scotia gives you 600 additional points in the federal Express Entry system, which essentially guarantees an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Do I always need a job offer to apply through the NSNP?
Most streams require a job offer. However, some Express Entry-linked or entrepreneur streams may not require one if you meet other eligibility conditions and receive an invitation to apply.
Has eligibility changed with the recent stream consolidation?
No. Nova Scotia has confirmed that while the program is now structured under four main streams instead of 10, the actual eligibility criteria for applicants remain exactly the same.
What does CLB mean in language testing?
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmark, a standardized system used to measure English or French proficiency. Different streams have different minimum CLB requirements.
What qualifies as settlement funds?
You must show you have enough unencumbered money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Nova Scotia. The amount depends on your household size.
What is HRM and why does it matter for entrepreneurs?
HRM stands for Halifax Regional Municipality. Entrepreneurs investing in businesses outside of HRM have lower financial and investment requirements, making it easier to start a business in smaller, rural communities.
