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Nova Scotia

NSNP — Provincial Nominee Program

70
/ 100
MEDIUM
Opportunity Score
  • + EE with high CRS (514) — strong profile required
  • + Active provincial PNP with recent draws
  • + 8 LMIA-approved job(s) in the province

Canada's Ocean Playground

Nova Scotia is a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, known for its rugged coastline, fishing heritage and vibrant local culture. Halifax is a growing tech and education hub, home to Dalhousie University and a major naval base.

Official government website
Location
Atlantic Canada, a peninsula connected to New Brunswick, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Fundy.
Demographics
Population: 1.0 million
Capital: Halifax
Key Sectors
Ocean & Maritime Industries Technology & Defence Healthcare Education Tourism & Hospitality Construction
Economy

Ocean economy (fishing, aquaculture, offshore oil), technology, education (Dalhousie University) and a growing defence sector. Halifax has the largest container port in Atlantic Canada.

History

One of the four original provinces at Confederation in 1867, Nova Scotia was home to the Mi'kmaq for more than 10,000 years. The British founded Halifax in 1749. The province has strong ties to Scottish, Irish and Acadian heritage.

Latest Immigration News

PNP Streams

Skilled Worker
OPEN
NOC TEER 0–5CLB 5 (TEER 0–3)CLB 4 (TEER 4–5)Age 21–55Job offer

Full-time permanent job offer from a NS employer. 1 year of experience related to the position. TEER 4–5: minimum 6 months with the same employer + CLB 4 required even for native English/French speakers. As of May 1, 20…

⚠ Accommodation & Food Services closed since Apr/2024 · PGWP in TEER 5: ineligible

Occupations in Demand
OPEN
NOC TEER 3–5CLB 4Age 21–55Job offer

Stream for TEER 3–5 occupations in high demand in the NS labour market. CLB 4 required even for native speakers. The 6-month same-employer requirement does not apply here. Eligible occupations are defined and changed by…

Skilled Worker Referral NEW
OPEN
EOIReferral

NSNP stream for skilled workers referred by employers in Nova Scotia. Requires a job offer and formal employer referral.

NS Graduate
OPEN
32102321243310242202Age 19–55CLB 5

Permanent job offer in NS in the candidate's field of study. Graduation from a designated NS institution within the last 3 years — minimum 30-week program (24 weeks for 33102), with at least 50% completed in NS. As of M…

⚠ NS regulatory certifications mandatory · EOIs expire after 12 months (as of May 1, 2026)

Occupations in Demand NEW
OPEN
EOIOccupations

NSNP stream for workers in high-demand occupations in Nova Scotia. Candidates need a job offer in an eligible occupation.

Skilled Worker Overseas NEW
OPEN
EOIOverseas

NSNP stream for skilled workers residing outside Canada who want to settle in Nova Scotia. Requires a job offer and connection to the province.

Express Entry (NS)
EE-Linked
CLB 7 (TEER 0–1)CLB 5 (TEER 2–3)Active EE profile

Requires 1 year of work experience in NS + active Express Entry profile. NOC TEER 0–3 (TEER 4–5 not eligible). PGWP holders must have graduated from a NS institution. As of May 1, 2026, EOIs expire after 12 months. ⚠️ …

⚠ Provincial nomination adds +600 pts to CRS · EOIs expire after 12 months (as of May 1, 2026)

Nova Scotia Demand NEW
OPEN
EOIWorker

NSNP stream for workers in high-demand Nova Scotia occupations, without Express Entry linkage. Requires a full-time, permanent job offer.

Entrepreneur (NS)
By invitation
Age 21+CLB 5Min. assets $600kMin. invest. $150k

For business owners or senior managers who want to open or buy a business in NS. After 1 year of operation, may be nominated for PR.

Intl. Graduate Entrepreneur (NS)
By invitation
CLB 7Valid PGWPNS grad

For graduates of NS universities or NSCC (diploma/degree after 2 in-person years) who have already opened or bought a business in NS. Requires 1 continuous year managing the current business (min. 33.33% ownership).

Nova Scotia Experience NEW
OPEN
EOIExperience

NSNP stream for workers with work experience in Nova Scotia. Candidates with local employment history have priority in the nomination process.

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry NEW
OPEN
EE-LinkedEOI

Express Entry-linked version of the Nova Scotia Demand stream. For workers with an active federal profile in high-demand occupations in the province.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry NEW
OPEN
EE-LinkedExperience

Express Entry-linked version of the Nova Scotia Experience stream. For workers with an active federal profile and work experience in Nova Scotia.

International Graduate Entrepreneur NEW
OPEN
GraduateBusiness

For international graduates from Canadian institutions who want to start a business in Nova Scotia. Combines Canadian academic experience with local entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneur NEW
Business
BusinessNSNP

For business owners or senior managers who want to open or buy a business in Nova Scotia. After 1 year of successful operation, the candidate may be nominated for PR.

African Nova Scotian Needs NEW
OPEN
EOICommunity

NSNP stream for descendants of African Nova Scotians, providing adapted pathways for their specific immigration needs.

Physician NEW
OPEN
PhysicianHealthcare

NSNP stream dedicated to qualified physicians who want to practice medicine in Nova Scotia. Facilitates nomination for medical professionals recruited by the province.

Labour Market Priorities NEW
OPEN
By invitationEE-Linked

By-invitation NSNP stream where Nova Scotia identifies and invites Express Entry candidates who meet the province's labour market priorities.

Entrepreneur
OPEN
BusinessExploratory visitCLB 7+

For entrepreneurs who wish to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. Requires an exploratory visit to the province and a business plan approved by Nova Scotia. Candidate enters with a temporary work permit and…

Physician
OPEN
PhysiciansJob offerCLB 7+

For physicians with a job offer in Nova Scotia. Requires a provincial medical license and a commitment to practice in an area of need. Processed on a priority basis given the province's healthcare staffing shortage.

Draws — Nova Scotia

Date Stream / Program Score Invitations
09/04/2026 International Graduate Entrepreneur 47 EOI 2
09/04/2026 Entrepreneur 88 EOI 19
22/10/2025 International Graduate Entrepreneur 53 EOI 2
22/10/2025 Entrepreneur 91 EOI 16
31/07/2025 Entrepreneur 86 EOI 21
30/06/2025 International Graduate Entrepreneur 43 EOI 2
30/06/2025 Entrepreneur 87 EOI 12
29/05/2025 Entrepreneur 97 EOI 9
30/04/2025 International Graduate Entrepreneur 45 EOI 1
30/04/2025 Entrepreneur 84 EOI 26
27/03/2025 International Graduate Entrepreneur 63 EOI 1
27/03/2025 Entrepreneur 91 EOI 9
06/03/2025 Entrepreneur 117 EOI 1
27/02/2025 Entrepreneur 78 EOI 13
31/01/2025 International Graduate Entrepreneur 70 EOI 2
31/01/2025 Entrepreneur 86 EOI 8

RCIP — Rural Community Immigration Pilot

Periodic intakes

Designated rural communities that recommend candidates for PR — no draws, each community opens independent intake windows. Requires a job offer from a local employer.

Pictou County
TEER 0-4 CLB 4+

Manufacturing, fishing, healthcare, retail

Periodic intakes

RCIP has no draws — each community opens separate intakes with their own criteria and spots. Keep an eye on the official community website for upcoming dates.

EOI Selection — NSNP

For Skilled Worker, NS Graduate, and Express Entry streams — monthly selection without a published minimum score.

Update — Apr 27, 2026: As of May 1, 2026, all EOIs are valid for 12 months. The NSNP will prioritize candidates with genuine intent to permanently reside in Nova Scotia, with a focus on critical provincial labour market needs. View details

How does EOI selection work in Nova Scotia?

For the Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, and Express Entry streams, Nova Scotia selects candidates directly from the EOI pool — no draw with a published minimum score. The government defines monthly how many candidates will be invited, prioritizing occupations aligned with provincial labour market needs. Only selected candidates are notified by email.

After receiving the provincial nomination certificate (NSNP), the candidate has 12 months to submit the PR application to IRCC.

Candidates selected per month (2026) Updated: April 27, 2026
January 2026 363
February 2026 357
March 2026 370
April 2026 TBD
May 2026 TBD
June 2026 TBD
Current occupational focus

Candidates are prioritized from the following areas:

  • Healthcare occupations
  • Skilled trades
  • Other priority occupations aligned with current labour‑market needs

Priority sectors are periodically reviewed by the provincial government based on Nova Scotia's labour market needs.

Stream Status Requirements Description
Skilled Worker OPEN
NOC TEER 0–5CLB 5 (TEER 0–3)CLB 4 (TEER 4–5)Age 21–55Job offer 22 NOCs

Full-time permanent job offer from a NS employer. 1 year of experience related to the position. TEER 4–5: minimum 6 months with t…

⚠ Accommodation & Food Services closed since Apr/2024 · PGWP in TEER 5:…
View
Entrepreneur Business
BusinessNSNP

For business owners or senior managers who want to open or buy a business in Nova Scotia. After 1 year of successful operation, t…

View
African Nova Scotian Needs OPEN
EOICommunity

NSNP stream for descendants of African Nova Scotians, providing adapted pathways for their specific immigration needs.

View
Physician OPEN
PhysicianHealthcare

NSNP stream dedicated to qualified physicians who want to practice medicine in Nova Scotia. Facilitates nomination for medical pr…

View
Labour Market Priorities OPEN
By invitationEE-Linked

By-invitation NSNP stream where Nova Scotia identifies and invites Express Entry candidates who meet the province's labour market…

View
Occupations in Demand OPEN
NOC TEER 3–5CLB 4Age 21–55Job offer

Stream for TEER 3–5 occupations in high demand in the NS labour market. CLB 4 required even for native speakers. The 6-month same…

View
Skilled Worker Referral OPEN
EOIReferral

NSNP stream for skilled workers referred by employers in Nova Scotia. Requires a job offer and formal employer referral.

View
NS Graduate OPEN
32102321243310242202Age 19–55CLB 5

Permanent job offer in NS in the candidate's field of study. Graduation from a designated NS institution within the last 3 years …

⚠ NS regulatory certifications mandatory · EOIs expire after 12 months …
View
Occupations in Demand OPEN
EOIOccupations

NSNP stream for workers in high-demand occupations in Nova Scotia. Candidates need a job offer in an eligible occupation.

View
Skilled Worker Overseas OPEN
EOIOverseas

NSNP stream for skilled workers residing outside Canada who want to settle in Nova Scotia. Requires a job offer and connection to…

View
Express Entry (NS) EE-Linked
CLB 7 (TEER 0–1)CLB 5 (TEER 2–3)Active EE profile

Requires 1 year of work experience in NS + active Express Entry profile. NOC TEER 0–3 (TEER 4–5 not eligible). PGWP holders must …

⚠ Provincial nomination adds +600 pts to CRS · EOIs expire after 12 mon…
View
Nova Scotia Demand OPEN
EOIWorker

NSNP stream for workers in high-demand Nova Scotia occupations, without Express Entry linkage. Requires a full-time, permanent jo…

View
Entrepreneur (NS) By invitation
Age 21+CLB 5Min. assets $600kMin. invest. $150k

For business owners or senior managers who want to open or buy a business in NS. After 1 year of operation, may be nominated for …

View
Intl. Graduate Entrepreneur (NS) By invitation
CLB 7Valid PGWPNS grad

For graduates of NS universities or NSCC (diploma/degree after 2 in-person years) who have already opened or bought a business in…

View
Nova Scotia Experience OPEN
EOIExperience

NSNP stream for workers with work experience in Nova Scotia. Candidates with local employment history have priority in the nomina…

View
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry OPEN
EE-LinkedEOI

Express Entry-linked version of the Nova Scotia Demand stream. For workers with an active federal profile in high-demand occupati…

View
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry OPEN
EE-LinkedExperience

Express Entry-linked version of the Nova Scotia Experience stream. For workers with an active federal profile and work experience…

View
International Graduate Entrepreneur OPEN
GraduateBusiness

For international graduates from Canadian institutions who want to start a business in Nova Scotia. Combines Canadian academic ex…

View
Entrepreneur OPEN
BusinessExploratory visitCLB 7+

For entrepreneurs who wish to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. Requires an exploratory visit to the province and …

View
Physician OPEN
PhysiciansJob offerCLB 7+

For physicians with a job offer in Nova Scotia. Requires a provincial medical license and a commitment to practice in an area of …

View

Jobs in Nova Scotia

general farm worker - harvesting
Allen Farms Limited
Centreville (NS)
$16.75 hourly
29/03/2026
LMIA
catering service manager
Compass Group Canada
Halifax (NS)
$21.95 hourly
20/01/2026
LMIA
physician assistant
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Inverness (NS)
$55.62 to $63.28 hourly (to be negotiated)
04/03/2026
LMIA
cleaner
NEW INFINITY CLEANING SERVICES LTD.
Halifax (NS)
$17.05 hourly
03/02/2026
LMIA
cook
Sushi moto
Bedford (NS)
$17.00 hourly
18/01/2026
LMIA
housekeeping room attendant
Cabot Cape Breton
Inverness (NS)
$18.75 hourly
21/01/2026
LMIA
light duty cleaner
Halifax Tower Hotel /Comfort Hotel
Beechville (NS)
$17.50 hourly
22/01/2026
LMIA
fruit farm labourer
Bragg Lumber Company
Oxford (NS)
$17.45 hourly
25/01/2026
LMIA
line cook
PIZZA HUT
Greenwood (NS)
$17.00 hourly
17/05/2026
Foreign Work
cook
Cheese Curds and Habaneros
Bedford (NS)
$18.00 hourly
16/05/2026
Foreign Work
food and beverage server
KAI BRADY'S
Halifax (NS)
$16.75 hourly
15/05/2026
Foreign Work
cook
Fong Sing Restaurant
Halifax (NS)
$19.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
fruit farm worker
Van Meekeren Farms Ltd.
Kentville (NS)
$17.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
front desk hotel clerk
RUMRUNNER INN & RESTAURANT
Lunenburg (NS)
$18.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
esthetician
Veda Bliss
Halifax (NS)
$16.75 to $18.00 hourly (to be negotiated)
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
insurance broker
Contrast Insurance Inc.
Halifax (NS)
$30.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
carpenter
Jeep PB03
Halifax (NS)
$31.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
filing clerks supervisor
Skyshot Immigration
Halifax (NS)
$22.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
carpenter
DOMUS PHARE HOME & ENTRETIEN SOLUTIONS INC.
New Glasgow (NS)
$25.00 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work
dishwasher
The Simon Hotel Sydney
Sydney (NS)
$17.20 hourly
14/05/2026
Foreign Work

Federal Government Jobs in Nova Scotia GC Jobs

Investment Funds Advisor
Canadian Forces Non-Public Funds
Greenwood (Nova Scotia)
$85,980 to $101,190
English essential
Deadline: 2026-05-24
Gov. Federal
Driver/Operator – Road Maintenance II (INVENTORY)
Parks Canada
Cheticamp (Nova Scotia)
$28.82 to $31.31 per hour
English essential
Deadline: 2028-02-18
Gov. Federal
Driver/Operator - Road Maintenance II
Parks Canada
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada (Nova Scotia), Ingonish Beach (Nova Scotia)
$28.82 to $31.31 per hour
English essential
Deadline: 2027-09-10
Gov. Federal
Student Interpreter - INVENTORY
Parks Canada
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada (Nova Scotia), Cheticamp (Nova Scotia), Ingonish Beach (Nova Scotia)
$17.75 to $28.30 per hour
Various language requirements and/or profiles
Deadline: 2027-05-03
Gov. Federal
Visitor Services Attendant - INVENTORY
Parks Canada
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (Nova Scotia)
$27.47 to $29.85 per hour
Bilingual - imperative
Deadline: 2027-03-31
Gov. Federal
Visitor Facilities Attendant - INVENTORY
Parks Canada
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (Nova Scotia)
$22.33 to $24.30 per hour
English essential
Deadline: 2027-03-31
Gov. Federal
Visitor Facilities Attendant - INVENTORY
Parks Canada
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada (Nova Scotia), Cheticamp (Nova Scotia), Ingonish Beach (Nova Scotia)
$22.33 to $24.30 per hour
English essential
Deadline: 2026-12-15
Gov. Federal
Visitor Services Attendant II- INVENTORY
Parks Canada
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada (Nova Scotia), Cheticamp (Nova Scotia), Ingonish Beach (Nova Scotia)
$27.47 to $29.85 per hour
Various language requirements and/or profiles
Deadline: 2026-12-10
Gov. Federal
Heritage Presenter I
Parks Canada
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (Nova Scotia), Louisbourg (Nova Scotia)
$52,053 to $58,597
Various language requirements and/or profiles
Deadline: 2026-11-15
Gov. Federal
Student Visitor Services Attendant - INVENTORY
Parks Canada
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada (Nova Scotia), Cheticamp (Nova Scotia), Ingonish Beach (Nova Scotia)
$17.75 to $28.30 per hour
Various language requirements and/or profiles
Deadline: 2026-10-01
Gov. Federal

Official Guide — NSNP

Updated on 18/05/2026 13:32

Information extracted directly from the official government website of Nova Scotia.

NSNP — Streams and Draws
Atlantic Immigration Program
Employment & Employers
Living in Nova Scotia

Main Cities

Halifax
Pop. 450K
21 jobs
Official site →
Dartmouth
Pop. 90K
Official site →
Sydney
Pop. 30K
Official site →
Truro
Pop. 12K
Official site →
New Glasgow
Pop. 9K
Official site →
Glace Bay
Pop. 16K
Official site →
Yarmouth
Pop. 6K
Official site →
Amherst
Pop. 9K
Official site →

LMIA-Approved Employers in Nova Scotia

125 employers · ESDC 2025Q4 data · Top 20 by approved positions

LMIA
💡 Employers with an approved LMIA have already gone through the process of hiring foreign workers. This significantly increases the chance of a job offer that supports your immigration. Learn more about LMIA →
Employer City NOC Stream Positions
Millen Farms Ltd Great Village 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 203
Balamore Farm Ltd Great Village 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 112
Stirling Fruit Farms (2000) Ltd Greenwich 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 71
Vermeulen Farms Limited Canning 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 70
Louisbourg Seafoods Limited Louisbourg 94142 Fish and seafood plant workers Low Wage 60
Aquashell Holdings Company Wallace 94142 Fish and seafood plant workers Low Wage 60
Allen Farms Limited Billtown 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 55
Lismore Seafoods Company Lismore 94142 Fish and seafood plant workers Low Wage 55
J & B Millen Farms Limited Great Village 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 44
Randsland Farms Inc Canning 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 36
Eyking Brothers Farm Ltd Millville 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 29
Canard Orchards Ltd Centreville 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 27
Crisp Growers Incorporated Berwick 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 25
Birchleigh Farms LTD. Berwick 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 24
Webster Farms Limited Cambridge 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 22
Walsh Farms Inc ROCKLAND 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 20
Bragg Lumber Company Collingwood 85100 Livestock labourers Primary Agriculture 19
Apple Lane Farm Inc Morristown 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 18
Spurr Brothers Farms Ltd Melvern Square 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 16
Town Plot Orchards Ltd Port Williams 85101 Harvesting labourers Primary Agriculture 15

Source: ESDC — LMIA-approved employer data, 2025Q4. Showing top 20 by approved positions.