Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Last updated: 2026-09-17
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) lets the province select and nominate candidates for permanent residence. Candidates file a free Expression of Interest to join a pool, and the province draws from it periodically based on labour market needs, occupational priorities, likelihood of retention, region of employment and program capacity — selection is discretionary, not first-come-first-served. Only selected candidates file a full application, pay the fee and are assessed; nominees then apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Nova Scotia is the largest economy in Atlantic Canada, and the province sets lower entrepreneur thresholds for business outside Halifax.
- Who it suits
- Skilled workers with a permanent full-time offer, graduates of NS institutions in four in-demand occupations, Express Entry candidates with NS work experience, and entrepreneurs
- Age
- 21 to 55 for skilled worker and Express Entry; 19 to 55 for the graduate stream; 21+ for entrepreneurs
- Language
- Skilled worker: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3, CLB 4 for TEER 4–5; Express Entry: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1
- Fees
- The EOI is free; from September 1, 2026 selected candidates pay CAD $1,000 (worker streams) or $2,000 (entrepreneur)
Official processing times
Taken from IRCC's own processing times tool and synced twice a month.
| Application type | Published processing time |
|---|---|
| Provincial nominee — Express Entry | about 7 months |
| Provincial nominee — base track | about 13 months |
IRCC data updated: October 9, 2026 · Synced by us: 2026-10-20
Processing times are IRCC's statistics on applications it has already finished — a guide, not a commitment. Individual files vary with document completeness, requests for more information and background checks. For applications where the time depends on where you file, only a few common locations are listed; use IRCC's tool for others.
The four streams
Skilled Worker
- For candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- Comparatively low language thresholds: CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5 occupations
- TEER 4 and 5 candidates must already have worked six months for that employer
- PGWP holders working in a TEER 5 position are not eligible
Nova Scotia Graduate
- For graduates of designated NS institutions entering four in-demand occupations
- Paramedical occupations, pharmacy technicians, nurse aides and patient service associates, early childhood educators
- At least 50% of the program must have been completed in Nova Scotia, over at least 30 weeks
- Lower age floor: candidates may apply from 19
Nova Scotia: Express Entry
- Two pathways: skilled work experience in Nova Scotia, and physicians
- The work-experience pathway requires one year in the province in a TEER 0–3 occupation
- An active federal Express Entry profile is required
- A nomination adds 600 CRS points
Entrepreneur
- For candidates investing in and actively running a business in Nova Scotia
- Net worth and investment thresholds are lower outside Halifax Regional Municipality
- A separate International Graduate Entrepreneur stream serves local graduates already running a business
- Candidates come on a work permit and are nominated after operating the business
Skilled worker requirements
- A permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer (temporary and seasonal work does not qualify)
- One year of work experience related to the position; TEER 4 and 5 candidates must instead have worked six months for that employer
- Age 21 to 55, with at least a high school diploma
- Language: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations, CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5
- Native English and French speakers still need test results for TEER 4 and 5 positions
- Appropriate training, skills or accreditation for the job
- Enough settlement funds; PGWP holders in a TEER 5 position are not eligible
The four occupations under the graduate stream
This stream is not open to all graduates of Nova Scotia institutions — only to these four occupation codes.
| NOC code | Occupation | Credential |
|---|---|---|
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations | Diploma |
| 32124 | Pharmacy technicians | Diploma |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | Certificate, diploma or degree |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants | Diploma or degree |
Other shared requirements: graduation from a designated NS institution within the last three years; a program of at least 30 weeks (24 for nursing assistant roles) with at least 50% completed in Nova Scotia; age 19 to 55; CLB 5; any licensing required by Nova Scotia regulators; enough settlement funds. Nominees must apply to IRCC within 12 months of receiving the certificate.
Official Nova Scotia Graduate requirements →The two Express Entry pathways
- Skilled work experience in Nova Scotia: one year of work in the province in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation; age 21 to 55; a Canadian high school credential or equivalent; CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3; an active federal Express Entry profile
- Physicians: an approved opportunity with Nova Scotia Health or the IWK Health Centre, plus a signed Return for Service Agreement with the provincial Department of Health and Wellness for at least two years
- The physician pathway works differently: the province issues a Letter of Interest first, and the EOI must be filed within 30 calendar days
- Both pathways require enough funds for settlement and immigration costs, and legal status in the country of residence
Entrepreneur thresholds
| Item | Entrepreneur | International Graduate Entrepreneur |
|---|---|---|
| Net worth | CAD $600,000; $400,000 outside Halifax Regional Municipality | No net worth requirement |
| Investment | CAD $150,000; $100,000 outside HRM | No minimum investment |
| Business experience | Three years owning and actively managing a business (1/3 ownership minimum), or five years in senior management | One year continuously owning and actively managing the current NS business (33.33% minimum) |
| Language | CLB 5 | CLB 7 |
| Age / education | 21 or older | A degree or diploma from an NS university or community college, at least two academic years full-time and in person |
| Status | Come on a work permit and operate the business | A valid post-graduation work permit |
Thresholds are clearly lower outside Halifax, which is a real advantage for candidates willing to operate in a smaller community. Entrepreneurs also get longer to pay once selected: 90 days for a new business or international graduate, 180 days when purchasing an existing business.
Official entrepreneur requirements →How to apply
- 1
Confirm which stream fits
The skilled worker and graduate streams both require a permanent full-time offer from a Nova Scotia employer; the graduate stream also limits you to four occupation codes.
- 2
File an Expression of Interest
Submit a free EOI through the provincial system to join the pool. An EOI does not guarantee selection, assessment or approval.
- 3
Wait to be selected
The province draws periodically based on labour market needs, occupational priorities, likelihood of retention, region of employment and capacity — at its discretion, not first-come-first-served.
- 4
Complete the application and pay within 7 days
Worker-stream candidates have 7 calendar days to review the application, upload current documents and pay the CAD $1,000 fee, or the EOI is closed.
- 5
Provincial assessment and nomination
The province assesses the complete application and issues a Nominee Certificate.
- 6
Apply for permanent residence within 12 months
Express Entry candidates add 600 points to their profile; others must file their PR application with IRCC within 12 months of the certificate.
Common questions
What does the NSNP cost now?+
Since September 1, 2026: CAD $1,000 for the skilled worker, Nova Scotia graduate and Express Entry streams, and CAD $2,000 for the entrepreneur stream. The EOI is still free and the fee is only charged once you are selected from the pool. Fees are non-refundable and there are no exemptions; candidates selected before September 1, 2026 do not pay.
I studied in Nova Scotia — does the graduate stream cover me?+
Not necessarily. The stream is open only to four occupation codes: paramedical occupations (32102), pharmacy technicians (32124), nurse aides and patient service associates (33102), and early childhood educators and assistants (42202). Graduates in other fields normally use the skilled worker or Express Entry streams.
Are the language requirements high?+
The skilled worker stream is among the more accessible in Canada: CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 and CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5. Two things to watch, though: candidates in TEER 4 and 5 positions must take a test even if English or French is their first language, and the Express Entry stream is much more demanding, at CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1.
Is it really only 7 days after selection?+
For the worker streams, yes — 7 calendar days to review the application, upload documents that are currently valid, and pay. Language results, credential assessments, the job offer and proof of funds should therefore be ready and unexpired from the moment you file the EOI, not gathered after selection.
What is the advantage of starting a business outside Halifax?+
The entrepreneur thresholds drop: net worth from CAD $600,000 to $400,000, and investment from $150,000 to $100,000. The province wants investment directed outside the capital, so candidates willing to operate in a smaller community face a lower bar.
Wondering whether you qualify?
Contact us for an assessment and plan tailored to your background.
Book a consultationThis page summarizes official information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for general reference only. Immigration rules change often, so always check IRCC's latest requirements. Every case is different — contact us for an assessment of your situation.