Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) | 2026

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) 2026

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers multiple immigration pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who wish to settle in Nova Scotia's vibrant Atlantic communities. With 5,500 nominations allocated for 2026, regular Express Entry draws requiring CRS scores of 400-450, and processing times of 4-8 months, NSNP provides accessible opportunities for those ready to contribute to Nova Scotia's growing economy and coastal lifestyle.

2026 Program Highlights

• Express Entry CRS: Regular draws at 400-450 CRS, significantly lower than federal requirements
• Occupation Demand Lists: Priority occupations in healthcare, technology, trades, and skilled professions
• Processing Time: 4-8 months for provincial nomination
• Annual Nominations: 5,500 nominations for 2026
• Application Fee: $300 CAD (non-refundable)
• Halifax Tech Sector: Growing technology hub with Ocean Supercluster and startup ecosystem

NSNP Streams

1. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool who have qualifications matching Nova Scotia's labor market needs.

• Valid Express Entry profile with CRS score 400-450 (varies by draw)
• Occupation on Nova Scotia Demand List (regularly updated)
• Work experience: Minimum 1 year in NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Language: CLB 7 minimum for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3
• Education: Canadian secondary or higher, or equivalent ECA
• Settlement funds proof required
• 600 additional CRS points upon nomination
• Letter of Interest issued to eligible candidates

2. Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

For individuals currently working in Nova Scotia who have at least 1 year of work experience in the province.

• Valid Express Entry profile
• Currently working in Nova Scotia
• Minimum 1 year (1,560 hours) Nova Scotia work experience in past 3 years
• Work experience in NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Valid work permit (if applicable)
• Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3
• Job offer not required but beneficial
• 600 additional CRS points upon nomination

3. Skilled Worker Stream

For individuals with a permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a skilled occupation.

• Permanent, full-time job offer from Nova Scotia employer
• Occupation in NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Work experience: 1 year in past 5 years (or 1 year in past 3 years for TEER 3)
• Language: CLB 5 minimum
• Education: Canadian high school or equivalent
• Age: 21-55 years old
• Intention and ability to settle in Nova Scotia
• No Express Entry profile required

4. Occupation In-Demand Stream

For individuals working in specific high-demand occupations in Nova Scotia with at least 6 months of work experience with their current employer.

• Current full-time employment in Nova Scotia
• Valid work permit
• Minimum 6 months with current employer (or 1 year cumulative in past 3 years)
• Occupation on Occupation In-Demand List (TEER 3, 4, or 5)
• Job offer for continued employment (minimum 1 year)
• Language: CLB 4 minimum
• Education: Canadian high school or equivalent
• Age: 21-55 years old

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

For recent graduates from Nova Scotia universities who have started or are operating a business in the province.

• Graduated from Nova Scotia university in past 3 years
• Own at least 1/3 of an established business in Nova Scotia
• Business operating for minimum 1 year
• Active management role in business
• Language: CLB 7 minimum
• Age: 21-55 years old
• Demonstrate business viability and growth potential

6. Entrepreneur Stream

For experienced business owners or senior managers who will establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.

• Age: 21-65 years old
• Language: CLB 5 minimum
• Education: Post-secondary or management experience
• Net worth: Minimum $600,000 CAD
• Business experience: 3+ years as owner/manager in past 5 years
• Investment: Minimum $150,000 in new business
• Business plan and Expression of Interest required
• Exploratory visit to Nova Scotia mandatory

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Draws 2026

Nova Scotia conducts regular Express Entry draws targeting specific occupations and sectors:

• Healthcare Occupations: Registered nurses, physicians, paramedics, medical laboratory technologists
• Technology Occupations: Software engineers, web developers, IT consultants, database administrators
• Skilled Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, heavy equipment mechanics, welders
• Early Childhood Education: Early childhood educators and assistants (high priority)
• Financial Services: Financial analysts, accountants, bookkeepers
• Administrative: Administrative assistants, executive assistants

Recent Draw Patterns: Bi-weekly to monthly draws, CRS ranges 400-450, typically 200-500 invitations per draw

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Review stream requirements and occupation demand lists
2. Create Profile: Submit Express Entry profile (if applicable) or prepare documents for non-EE streams
3. Letter of Interest: Wait for Letter of Interest from NSNP (for Express Entry streams)
4. Submit Application: Complete NSNP application within 30 days (Express Entry) or per stream guidelines
5. Provide Documentation: Submit all required supporting documents
6. Provincial Assessment: NSNP reviews application (4-8 months)
7. Nomination: Receive nomination certificate if approved
8. Federal PR Application: Apply to IRCC with nomination

Required Documentation

• Valid passport and identity documents
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) - less than 2 years old
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education
• Work experience letters with NOC 2021 TEER classification and detailed duties
• Job offer letter from Nova Scotia employer (if applicable)
• Proof of current employment in Nova Scotia (for Experience streams)
• Settlement funds proof (bank statements for past 6 months)
• Settlement plan demonstrating research and commitment to Nova Scotia
• Police certificates and medical examination results

Settlement Funds Requirements

Proof of settlement funds required based on family size:

• 1 person: $13,757 CAD
• 2 persons: $17,127 CAD
• 3 persons: $21,055 CAD
• 4 persons: $25,564 CAD
• 5 persons: $29,001 CAD
• 6 persons: $32,709 CAD
• 7+ persons: $36,417 CAD+

Why Choose Nova Scotia?

• Atlantic Lifestyle: Beautiful coastline, vibrant communities, excellent quality of life
• Halifax: Capital city with growing tech sector, universities, and cultural scene
• Affordable Living: Lower cost of living compared to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
• Growing Economy: Ocean Supercluster, technology innovation, healthcare expansion
• Education: World-class universities including Dalhousie, Saint Mary's, Acadia
• Family-Friendly: Safe communities, excellent schools, outdoor recreation
• Settlement Services: Comprehensive support for newcomers, language training
• Proximity to US: Close to New England states, easy travel access

Halifax Tech Sector Opportunities

Nova Scotia, particularly Halifax, has emerged as a growing technology hub:

• Ocean Supercluster: Canada's ocean technology innovation cluster
• Tech Companies: IBM, CGI, Research In Motion alumni startups
• Startup Ecosystem: Volta, Innovacorp, accelerators and incubators
• Remote Work Hub: Attractive destination for remote tech workers
• Universities: Dalhousie and other institutions producing tech talent

Processing Times 2026

• Express Entry Streams: 4-6 months for provincial nomination
• Skilled Worker Stream: 6-8 months for provincial nomination
• Occupation In-Demand: 4-6 months for provincial nomination
• Entrepreneur Streams: 8-12 months for approval process
• Federal Stage: 6-8 months after provincial nomination