About the Nova Scotia Nominee Program
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) lets the province nominate skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs for Canadian permanent residence based on Nova Scotia’s labour market and demographic needs. Nova Scotia nominates; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes the final decision.
As of February 18, 2026, Nova Scotia consolidated its previous ten NSNP streams into four core pathways to simplify the application process. The underlying eligibility requirements from the former streams remain largely unchanged — they now sit as sub-criteria within the four new categories.
The Four NSNP Streams
Skilled Worker
For employers recruiting foreign workers and recent international graduates for positions they’ve been unable to fill locally. Includes sub-criteria for occupations in demand and construction trades.
- Full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- 1 year of related work experience (6 months if already working for the employer in a TEER 4/5 role)
- Age 21–55, high school diploma, and appropriate training/accreditation for the job
- CLB 5 language ability for TEER 0–3 roles; CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 roles
- Sufficient settlement funds
Nova Scotia Graduate
For recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College whose skills and education match specific in-demand occupations, or who have started/bought and operated a Nova Scotia business for at least a year.
Entrepreneur
For experienced business owners or senior managers who will actively manage a new or purchased Nova Scotia business.
- Age 21+; net worth of at least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 outside Halifax Regional Municipality)
- Able to invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money ($100,000 outside HRM)
- 3+ years managing/owning a business (min. 1/3 ownership), or 5+ years in senior management
- CLB 5 language ability; complete an Expression of Interest and receive an Invitation to Apply
Nova Scotia: Express Entry
Aligns with the federal Express Entry pool for highly skilled candidates, including a Labour Market Priorities pathway (by Letter of Interest only) and an Experience: Express Entry pathway for those with at least 1 year of Nova Scotia work experience.
- Registered Express Entry profile with IRCC
- Age 21–55, Canadian high school credential or equivalent
- CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 occupations; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 occupations
After Nomination
Within 12 months of receiving your nominee certificate, you must apply to IRCC for your permanent resident visa. You, your spouse, and dependents must meet medical, security, and criminal admissibility requirements — IRCC has final authority on issuance.
How We Help
We assess which of the four streams fits your profile, prepare a complete Expression of Interest and supporting documentation, and manage the application through to nomination.