Explore Your Nova Scotia Immigration Options
Learn about provincial nomination pathways for workers, graduates, and business owners. Let Kap Unity Canada help you understand your next step.
Important Nova Scotia Immigration Updates
NSNP Application Fees Effective September 1, 2026
Effective: September 1, 2026 (announced August 6, 2026)
The Province of Nova Scotia now assesses a provincial application fee for submissions under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. Submissions submitted prior to September 1, 2026 were not subject to this fee.
One-Time Expansion of Selection Priorities (Strict June 30, 2026 EOI Cutoff)
Effective: July 14, 2026 (one-time initiative)
Important notice: This was a strictly one-time selection expansion that applied only to candidates whose Expression of Interest (EOI) was already in the pool on or before June 30, 2026 and who had a work permit expiring in 2026 or earlier meeting specific sector, wage, or regional criteria. New or subsequent EOI submissions do not qualify for this one-time initiative; standard stream eligibility and current provincial selection priorities govern all other selections.
Accommodation & Food Services Intake Volume Restriction
Effective: April 17, 2024 (12:00 noon ADT) — Ongoing Active Restriction
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program has an active pause on new submissions for candidates in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72). Submissions from this sector remain stopped while the province processes its inventory. Do not assume hospitality or food counter positions can submit under the standard skilled worker pathway while this restriction remains in place.
Four Nova Scotia Nominee Program Streams
Select a program to jump to its dedicated section.
Start or Buy a Business in Nova Scotia
The Entrepreneur stream is for experienced business owners or senior managers who want to live permanently in Nova Scotia by starting or buying a business and actively managing it. Nova Scotia also offers an International Graduate Entrepreneur stream for recent graduates who have already operated a Nova Scotia business.
Experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live permanently in Nova Scotia, actively managing a new or purchased Nova Scotia business.
Key eligibility requirements
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing the business
- Have at least 3 years of active business ownership & management experience (minimum 33.33% ownership) OR more than 5 years in a senior business management role
- Score at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French
- Complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from LSI
Business ownership & operating requirements
- Must own at least 33.33% (one-third) of the business
- Must actively participate in the day-to-day management and direction of the business from within Nova Scotia
- Must operate the business continuously for at least 1 full year under a signed Business Performance Agreement (BPA) before requesting provincial nomination
- Business must create or maintain employment for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Investment & net-worth comparison
| Requirement | Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) | Outside HRM |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum net worth | $600,000 CAD minimum verified net worth | $400,000 CAD minimum verified net worth |
| Minimum personal investment | $150,000 CAD minimum personal investment | $100,000 CAD minimum personal investment |
Language requirement: CLB 5 minimum in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
Invitation & nomination process
- Submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) in the provincial portal
- If selected, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from LSI and submit a full application with verified net worth and financial review
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) and receive a Nova Scotia support letter to apply for a temporary work permit with IRCC
- Move to Nova Scotia, establish and actively operate the business for at least 1 continuous year
- Submit a nomination request upon meeting all terms of the BPA; upon provincial nomination, apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 12 months
Graduated in Nova Scotia?
This pathway is for eligible graduates who completed a program of study in Nova Scotia and have a full-time permanent job offer in one of the listed occupations. It is not available to all graduates — only those whose occupation and credential match the current list.
Current eligible occupations
| NOC code | Occupation | Credential | Program length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations | Diploma from an eligible NS institution | At least 30 weeks in length (min. 50% completed in NS) |
| 32124 | Pharmacy technicians | Diploma from an eligible NS institution | At least 30 weeks in length (min. 50% completed in NS) |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (Continuing Care Assistants) | Certificate, diploma, or degree from an eligible NS institution | At least 24 weeks in length (min. 50% completed in NS) |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants | Diploma or degree from an eligible NS institution | At least 30 weeks in length (min. 50% completed in NS) |
Age
19 to 55 years old
Job offer
Full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the 4 listed NOC categories that corresponds directly with the applicant's recent field of study
Eligible studies & completion
Completed a program of study at an eligible Nova Scotia designated learning institution (DLI) within 3 years of application date. At least 50% of the program must have been completed in Nova Scotia.
Education minimum
High school diploma plus the eligible NS post-secondary credential
Language
CLB 5 minimum in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French
Certifications
Required professional certifications issued by the relevant Nova Scotia regulatory body for the occupation
Settlement funds
Sufficient financial resources to settle yourself and your family in Nova Scotia
Have a Job Offer From a Nova Scotia Employer?
The Skilled Worker stream has several categories. Each has its own eligibility and, in some cases, its own intake restrictions. Review the relevant tab carefully.
Active intake restriction
Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72) intake remains paused due to inventory volume.
Official Skilled Worker noticeKey eligibility requirements
- Job offer: Full-time permanent job offer from a verified Nova Scotia employer. The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to fill the position with a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
- Work experience: 1 year of related work experience. (Workers in TEER 4 or 5 must already have at least 6 months of continuous paid work experience with the supporting Nova Scotia employer.)
- Age: 21 to 55 years old
- Education: High school diploma and appropriate training, skills, and/or industry accreditation for the position
- Language: CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (native English/French speakers may use first-language proof). CLB 4 for TEER 4 or 5 with mandatory approved test results even if first language is English or French.
- Settlement funds: Sufficient financial resources to successfully establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia
- PGWP restriction: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders working in TEER 5 positions are strictly NOT eligible.
Explore Nova Scotia's Express Entry Pathway
This provincial stream connects with the federal Express Entry system. Nova Scotia can select candidates directly from the Express Entry pool. Having an Express Entry profile does not guarantee provincial selection.
Key eligibility requirements
- Express Entry profile: Must have an active, eligible profile in IRCC's federal Express Entry system
- Nova Scotia work experience: At least 1 year of continuous, authorized work experience in Nova Scotia in an occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- PGWP condition: Applicants claiming work experience gained on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must have graduated from an educational institution located in Nova Scotia.
- Age: 21 to 55 years old
- Education: Canadian high school credential or foreign equivalent verified with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3 in all four language abilities
- Settlement funds: Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to establish in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool through Expressions of Interest (EOI) or Letters of Interest (LOI). Having a profile does not guarantee provincial nomination.
Have an Employer or Want to Learn More?
Whether you have a Nova Scotia job offer, are an employer seeking support, or want to understand your immigration options, contact Kap Unity Canada.
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program Overview
- Entrepreneur Stream Portal
- Nova Scotia Graduate Stream Portal
- Skilled Worker Stream Portal
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry Portal
- 2026 Selection Priorities Announcement
- LSI Application Fee Announcement (Sept 2026)
Information reviewed November 7, 2026. Rules verified on November 7, 2026. Kap Unity Canada is an independent service provider. IRCC makes the final permanent residence decision. This is general information and does not guarantee nomination, selection, employment, or permanent residence.