How Nova Scotia Selects EOIs
Since November 28, 2025, all NSNP streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Nova Scotia states that "Selections are not made on a first-come, first-served basis, and are not guaranteed." Its April 27, 2026 priorities say healthcare and skilled trades occupations "are a top priority for nomination at TEER levels 0–4 only," that for occupations outside the priority groups nominations are limited to TEER 0, 1 and 2 and temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia, and that "TEER 5 occupations are not being prioritized in any category at this time" (Nominee Program Priorities). For the latest draw information, see Nova Scotia's EOI Selection page. Candidates in the Express Entry pool who are nominated through the Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream receive 600 additional CRS points.
NSNP Streams
- The stream "helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia. An employer can only hire foreign workers for positions they have been unable to fill with permanent residents or Canadian citizens" (Skilled Worker).
- Job offer and experience: "have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer" and "have 1 year of work experience related to the job. (Workers in TEER 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification must already have six months' experience with the employer.)"
- Age and education: "be 21 to 55 years old" and "have a high school diploma."
- Language: "prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if you are in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. If your first language is English or French, that is enough proof. Workers in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation must have test results to prove they meet CLB 4 even if their first language is English or French."
- "Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders working in TEER 5 positions are not eligible." Positions "must receive competitive wages for their industry or sector as per the Government of Canada Website."
- Construction sub-criteria: a full-time permanent job offer "from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23)" in one of the listed construction NOCs, 1 year of related experience, and "Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) or CLB Level 4 (NOC TEER 4 and 5) even if your first language is English or French."
- Physicians sub-criteria: "only open to general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) with signed approved opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre."
- Occupations in Demand sub-criteria: "There are no occupations listed in this category at this time."
Recent Official Changes
August 6, 2026: Nova Scotia introduced NSNP application fees effective September 1, 2026. "There is no fee to submit an EOI"; the fee applies only after an EOI is selected for assessment (fee update).
July 14, 2026: A one-time expansion of selection from active EOIs submitted on or before June 30, 2026, for candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia whose work permit expires in 2026 or earlier and who meet at least one listed criterion (2026 selection priorities).
May 1, 2026: A 12-month validity period applies to EOIs submitted on or after this date. EOIs submitted before May 1, 2024 were closed; EOIs submitted between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026 expire on April 30, 2027 if not selected. "Closing an EOI is not a refusal" (EOI validity update).
February 18, 2026: "NSNP streams will be consolidated from 10 to 4." Nova Scotia stated that consolidation "will not impact eligibility or the procedures for selecting submissions in priority areas such as Healthcare, Construction, and Manufacturing," and that existing EOIs remained in the pool.
Eligibility Points to Check
Sources: Government of Nova Scotia (liveinnovascotia.com) — Nova Scotia Nominee Program, Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Nova Scotia: Express Entry, Entrepreneur, Critical Vacancies, EOI Selection (last updated August 17, 2026), Processing Policy: Expression of Interest (November 28, 2025), and NSNP updates of February 5, April 27, July 14 and August 6, 2026; canada.ca — Comprehensive Ranking System criteria. This page is general information provided by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and is not a substitute for the official requirements at liveinnovascotia.com. Last reviewed by Amer Rehman, RCIC (R515343): October 13, 2026.