Overview
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) lets the province nominate skilled workers, international graduates and other candidates whose experience matches its labour-market needs. Nova Scotia redesigned its nominee streams in 2025 to focus on priority occupations and sectors, such as healthcare and the skilled trades. Many streams centre on a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, and where a stream is linked to Express Entry, a nomination adds 600 CRS points. The federal Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a related employer-driven route.
Who it’s for
- Skilled workers with a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- Healthcare professionals and skilled tradespeople in occupations the province prioritizes
- International graduates who studied and now work in Nova Scotia
- Express Entry candidates whose experience matches provincial priorities
Key requirements
- Eligibility under a specific NSNP stream — each sets its own rules for occupation, work experience, education and language
- A full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, which most worker and graduate streams require
- Relevant work experience in your intended occupation, as defined by the stream
- Approved English or French language test results at the CLB level set for your stream and occupation
- Educational credentials, with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for studies completed outside Canada where required
- A genuine intention to live in Nova Scotia and, where required, proof of settlement funds
- Admissible to Canada (medical, security and criminality checks)
How it works
- 01
Assess your options
We review your profile against Nova Scotia's current streams and the Atlantic Immigration Program to identify your most realistic route.
- 02
Prepare your documents
We gather your work, education and language records and coordinate with your employer on job offer documentation.
- 03
Apply or express interest
Depending on the stream, we submit your application or Expression of Interest, or respond to an invitation from the province.
- 04
Receive your nomination
Nova Scotia assesses your file and, if approved, issues a nomination. If your stream is linked to Express Entry, you accept it through your profile.
- 05
Apply for permanent residence
We prepare and file your PR application with IRCC and keep you updated through to landing.
Advantages
- Streams focused on the province's labour-market needs, including healthcare and the skilled trades
- Nominations through Express Entry-linked streams add 600 CRS points to your score
- Halifax, Atlantic Canada's largest city, offers a growing economy and respected universities
- Coastal communities with a lower cost of living than Canada's largest cities
Good to know
- Nova Scotia redesigned its streams in 2025, so older guides may be outdated — we confirm current criteria and intake status before you apply.
- Meeting a stream's minimum requirements does not guarantee selection or nomination, and IRCC makes the final permanent residence decision.
FAQ
Did the Nova Scotia Nominee Program change recently?
Yes. Nova Scotia restructured its nominee streams in 2025 to focus on provincial priorities. Because details continue to evolve, we confirm the current streams and requirements during your consultation.
Is there still an entrepreneur option in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia has historically offered entrepreneur pathways for experienced business owners and for local international graduates running their own business. Following the 2025 redesign, we confirm which business options are currently available.
How does the NSNP differ from the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The NSNP is Nova Scotia's own nominee program. The AIP is a federal program run with the four Atlantic provinces that requires a job offer from a designated employer and a provincial endorsement.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.