The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has modernized its immigration streams to create clearer pathways for newcomers and employers and to streamline processing.
What has Changed
Ten NSNP immigration streams, each with different eligibility requirements based on occupation, work experience, education and language ability, have been consolidated into a new structure with four streams. As of February 18, 2026, the NSNP streams are:
Eligibility Remains the Same
These streams include sub-criteria that mirror the eligibility requirements of the old streams.
Skilled Worker:
- The Construction Worker sub-criteria are the same eligibility requirements as the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot.
- The Physician sub-criteria are the same eligibility requirements as the Physician Stream.
Entrepreneur:
- The International Graduate sub-criteria are the same eligibility requirements as the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
Nova Scotia Graduate:
- The eligibility requirements for International Graduates in Demand are included in the new Nova Scotia Graduate Stream.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry:
- The former Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Streams have been consolidated into the new Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream. This stream includes all the same eligibility requirements.
New Submissions
- These changes apply only to new Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions submitted to the NSNP after February 18, 2026.
- The changes do not affect the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Existing EOI Submissions
- EOI submissions already in the NSNP pool remain active and are not affected.
- The consolidation of NSNP streams does not affect your eligibility.
- No action is required from you.
We appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the efficiency and clarity of our immigration programs.