NS | Canada

Nova Scotia Nominee Program

From 1 September 2026, NSNP charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream. Submitting an EOI stays free. AIP still has no provincial fee.

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Processing

3-6 months for provincial nomination

Provincial Fee

$1,000 worker / $2,000 entrepreneur (from 1 Sep 2026; EOI free)

Streams

4 Available

CRS Boost

+600 Points

Program Overview

About the NSNP

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) was streamlined on February 18, 2026, when the province consolidated 10 separate streams into four: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia: Express Entry, Nova Scotia Graduate, and Entrepreneur. The change reduces the number of pathways but is intended to speed up processing for the remaining streams. As an Atlantic province, Nova Scotia also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), providing additional options.

From 1 September 2026, NSNP charges a provincial application fee once an Expression of Interest is selected for assessment: $1,000 for worker streams (Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Nova Scotia: Express Entry) and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream. Submitting an EOI remains free. Candidates who received a selection letter before 1 September 2026 do not pay. AIP is unchanged and still has no provincial application fee.

Nova Scotia has focused heavily on healthcare worker immigration to address shortages in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Healthcare occupations are now recruited through the consolidated Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams rather than separate physician or occupation-specific streams.

Halifax is the economic hub of Atlantic Canada with a growing tech sector, major universities, and diversified economy. The province offers lower living costs than central Canada while providing access to quality healthcare and education.

NSNP application fees (1 September 2026)

Nova Scotia now charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream after an EOI is selected. EOI submission stays free. AIP is not charged.

Read the full update

In-Demand Occupations

Registered NursesHealthcare AidesEarly Childhood EducatorsSkilled TradesIT ProfessionalsTruck Drivers

Free Eligibility Assessment

Find out if you qualify for the NSNP. Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your profile.

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RCIC License: R515110

Immigration Streams

NSNP Streams

Nova Scotia offers 4 immigration streams. Find the one that matches your situation.

Skilled Worker

Job Offer Required

For skilled workers with a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. One of four streams after the province consolidated 10 streams into 4 on February 18, 2026.

Permanent full-time job offer in Nova Scotia

Work experience in the occupation

Education relevant to the job

Language proficiency requirements

Nova Scotia: Express Entry

Express Entry LinkedNo Job Offer

For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool who meet Nova Scotia priorities. Consolidates the former Express Entry-aligned pathways, including Labour Market Priorities, into one stream.

Active Express Entry profile

Eligible occupation or Nova Scotia work experience

CLB 7 minimum language proficiency

Meet education requirements

Nova Scotia Graduate

Job Offer Required

For recent graduates of Nova Scotia institutions who want to stay and work in the province. Consolidates the former graduate pathways into one stream.

Graduated from a Nova Scotia institution

Job offer from a Nova Scotia employer

Work experience or study relevant to the job

Language proficiency requirements

Entrepreneur

No Job Offer

For experienced business owners and senior managers who want to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia and settle there permanently.

Business ownership or senior management experience

Minimum net worth and personal investment

Operate a Nova Scotia business before applying for nomination

Intent to settle in Nova Scotia

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

General requirements for NSNP streams. Specific requirements vary by stream.

Express Entry Streams

Active Express Entry profile
Meet stream-specific requirements
Language proficiency (CLB 5-7)
Work experience in eligible occupation

Employer-Sponsored

Job offer from Nova Scotia employer
Employer in good standing
Position is permanent and full-time
Meet occupation requirements

Healthcare Workers

Recruited through the consolidated Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams
Valid or pending license
Relevant credentials and training

Draw Information

NSNP Draws & Invitations

NSNP conducts targeted draws based on labor market needs

Draw Frequency

Targeted draws under the Express Entry stream

Score Range

Varies by occupation category

Application Fees

Provincial Fee$1,000 worker / $2,000 entrepreneur (from 1 Sep 2026; EOI free)

Federal PR Fee$1,590 CAD (PR application, principal applicant, from April 30, 2026)

CRS Boost+600 Points

A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 points to your CRS score, which puts most candidates above the cut-off in provincial nominee rounds of invitations.

Calculate your CRS score with PNP boost

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the NSNP

Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program?

Nova Scotia Nominee Program welcomes skilled workers, international graduates, Express Entry candidates, and entrepreneurs who meet stream criteria. Streams target occupations in demand like healthcare, skilled trades, IT, and hospitality. From 1 September 2026, NSNP charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream when an EOI is selected for assessment. Submitting an EOI is free. AIP still has no provincial application fee. Processing takes 3-12 months provincially. A paid consultation verifies your occupation match and points profile against Nova Scotia criteria.

How much does the Nova Scotia Nominee Program cost in 2026?

From 1 September 2026, Nova Scotia charges a provincial NSNP application fee after an Expression of Interest is selected for assessment: $1,000 for worker streams (Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Nova Scotia: Express Entry) and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream. There is no fee to submit an EOI. The fee is per principal applicant and does not change with dependents. It is non-refundable except where required by law or after an administrative error. Worker-stream candidates have 7 calendar days to pay after the selection notice. Entrepreneur payment windows are 90 days after an Invitation to Apply (new business or international graduate) or 180 days if buying an existing business. Selection letters issued before 1 September 2026 are not charged. AIP is not part of this change and still has no provincial application fee. Official details: https://liveinnovascotia.com/resources/nsnp-update-application-fees-effective-september-1-2026

Is there a fee to submit an NSNP expression of interest?

No. Nova Scotia does not charge a fee to submit an NSNP Expression of Interest. The $1,000 worker-stream fee or $2,000 Entrepreneur fee is due only after your EOI is selected for assessment on or after 1 September 2026. You cannot pre-pay. You cannot split the payment across cards. If you miss the payment window, Nova Scotia closes that EOI and you may submit a new one if you still meet the criteria. Paying the fee does not guarantee a nomination and does not speed up processing.

Which province is easiest to get provincial nomination?

Ease depends on occupation, language, and work experience, not a free application. Nova Scotia still runs four streams after the February 2026 consolidation (Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia: Express Entry, Nova Scotia Graduate, and Entrepreneur) with 3-12 month provincial processing. From 1 September 2026 it charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for entrepreneurs when an EOI is selected; the EOI itself stays free. PEI and Newfoundland also rank highly with frequent draws. Compare fees and labour demand before you pick a province.

What is the 2 year rule for PR in Canada?

The 2-year physical presence rule typically applies after receiving permanent resident status and before accessing certain benefits. You must be in Canada for 2 of 5 years to retain PR status. Some PNP streams provide faster pathways to PR, reducing the wait. Nova Scotia nominees typically receive PR within 12 months of provincial nomination. Your timeline depends on the stream and federal processing.

Which city in Canada gives PR easily?

Halifax and other Nova Scotia cities offer accessible PR routes through NSNP with 3-12 month timelines. From 1 September 2026, NSNP charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for entrepreneurs when an EOI is selected; submitting the EOI stays free. Calgary and Edmonton appeal to skilled workers through Alberta PNP. Smaller cities like Fredericton and St. John's benefit from provincial labour demands and lower competition. Ease hinges on occupation match and language proficiency rather than location alone.

What is the provincial nominee program in Halifax Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia Nominee Program represents Halifax's main pathway for skilled immigrant recruitment. After consolidating 10 streams into 4 on February 18, 2026, the program runs the Skilled Worker stream, the Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream for federal candidates, the Nova Scotia Graduate stream for local graduates, and the Entrepreneur stream for business owners. From 1 September 2026, NSNP charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream when an EOI is selected. EOI submission stays free. AIP still has no provincial application fee. Processing spans 3-12 months after nomination. Halifax offers career opportunities in healthcare, tech, and hospitality.

Which province is easy to get PR in Canada in 2026?

Nova Scotia still has four accessible streams and 3-12 month provincial processing, but from 1 September 2026 it charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for entrepreneurs when an EOI is selected. The EOI itself stays free. Saskatchewan requires 60+ SINP points but remains merit-based. PEI runs monthly EOI draws (3-6 month timeline). Newfoundland offers Skilled Worker and International Graduate paths (3-6 months). Ease varies by occupation, language, and work experience.

Which is the easiest province for PNP nomination in Canada?

Nova Scotia Nominee Program still ranks among the more accessible PNPs because of four streams and 3-12 month processing, but it is no longer free. From 1 September 2026, NSNP charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for entrepreneurs when an EOI is selected; EOI submission stays free. PEI's monthly draws and 3-6 month timeline also appeal to candidates. New Brunswick prioritizes French speakers and critical workers. Saskatchewan requires higher SINP points (60+). Your easiest match depends on occupation, language credentials, and provincial labour demands.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.