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Nova Scotia nominee program streams
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NS Construction Worker PilotThe Critical Construction Worker Pilot was a Nova Scotia Nominee Program route for construction workers with a job offer from a Nova Scotia construction employer. On February 18, 2026 it became the construction sub-criteria of the Skilled Worker stream, with the same eligibility rules. It covers 19 construction occupations, from managers and electricians to trades helpers and labourers.NS EntrepreneurThe Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream is for experienced business owners and senior managers who start or buy a business in Nova Scotia and run it day to day. After operating the business for a year, you may be nominated for permanent residence. You need a net worth of at least $600,000 ($400,000 outside Halifax) and at least $150,000 ($100,000 outside Halifax) to invest, and you apply only if invited.NS Experience: Express EntryNova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSEEE) was the Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream for Express Entry candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia. On February 18, 2026 it was merged into the new Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream, which keeps the same eligibility rules. If you would have qualified for NSEEE, apply under Nova Scotia: Express Entry instead.NS Express EntryThe Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream nominates skilled workers who already have a profile in Canada's federal Express Entry pool. The main route is for people with at least one year of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia; a second route is for physicians with an approved offer who receive a Letter of Interest. A nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System score, which usually leads to an invitation to apply for permanent residence.NS Graduate streamThe Nova Scotia Graduate stream helps recent international graduates of Nova Scotia schools become permanent residents if they have a full-time, permanent job in their field. As of September 2026 it is open only to four occupations: paramedical workers, pharmacy technicians, nurse aides and related workers, and early childhood educators and assistants. It replaced the International Graduates in Demand stream on February 18, 2026.NS Intl Graduate EntrepreneurInternational Graduate Entrepreneur was a Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream for graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College who have run their own Nova Scotia business for at least a year. Since February 18, 2026 it is the International Graduate sub-criteria of the Entrepreneur stream, with the same requirements. You need a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit, at least one-third ownership of the business, and CLB 7 language scores.NS Intl Graduates in DemandInternational Graduates in Demand was a Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream for recent international graduates of Nova Scotia schools working in specific in-demand jobs. On February 18, 2026 its eligibility requirements became the new Nova Scotia Graduate stream. As of September 2026 that stream covers four job categories in health care and early childhood education.NS Labour Market PrioritiesLabour Market Priorities was a Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream in which the province searched the federal Express Entry pool and invited people who matched specific labor needs to apply. On February 18, 2026 it was merged into the Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream, which keeps the same eligibility rules. You cannot apply to it directly now; keep an up-to-date Express Entry profile and look at Nova Scotia's other streams.NS LMP for PhysiciansLabour Market Priorities for Physicians was a Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream that nominated doctors through the federal Express Entry system after they received a Letter of Interest. On February 18, 2026 it became the physician sub-criteria of the Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream, with the same requirements. Doctors need an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre and a signed Return for Service Agreement.NS Occupations in DemandOccupations in Demand was a Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream for TEER 3, 4 and 5 jobs the province named as in high demand. Since February 18, 2026 it is a sub-criteria of the Skilled Worker stream, and as of September 2026 Nova Scotia lists no occupations under it, so no one can currently qualify this way. Workers in intermediate and entry-level jobs should look at the general Skilled Worker criteria or the Atlantic Immigration Program.NS Physician streamThe Nova Scotia Physician stream helped the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre hire family doctors and specialists from abroad. Since February 18, 2026 it is no longer a separate stream: the same eligibility rules now sit in the physician sub-criteria of the Nova Scotia Skilled Worker stream. Doctors still need a signed approved opportunity from one of those two employers.NS Skilled WorkerThe Skilled Worker stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) lets a Nova Scotia employer support a foreign worker or recent international graduate for permanent residence. You need a full-time, permanent job offer, one year of related work experience, a high school diploma, and basic English or French. Since February 18, 2026 the stream also contains sub-criteria for construction workers, physicians, and occupations in demand.
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