July 14, 2026
Nova Scotia is implementing a one-time expansion of its immigration selection priorities to align with current labour market needs and available nomination spaces in 2026.
Nova Scotia continues to experience strong interest in its immigration programs while operating within limited federal immigration allocations. As a result, the Province must make strategic decisions about how nomination and endorsement spaces are used to support economic growth, workforce needs, and population retention.
Nova Scotia seeks to balance retaining individuals who are already living and working in the province and may have limited temporary status remaining with addressing the province's long-term labour market needs. This includes retaining workers who are contributing to Nova Scotia's economy today while continuing to support sectors and occupations experiencing persistent workforce shortages that cannot be filled through the local labour market.
Meeting eligibility requirements for a program does not guarantee selection, as the Province must also consider program integrity, available spaces, and broader labour market and economic priorities when selecting Expressions of Interest.
Limited Expansion of Selection Priorities
Nova Scotia will continue to prioritize candidates in previously published priority occupations.
As a one-time initiative, the Province is expanding its selection from active EOIs submitted on or before June 30, 2026, to include additional candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia. This approach supports workforce retention and helps address labour market needs within Nova Scotia’s available nomination spaces.
The expanded selection includes candidates who have already submitted an EOI and who have a work permit expiry date in 2026 or earlier, and who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Working in a TEER 0-4 occupation that supports key sectors of Nova Scotia's economy, such as Professional & Scientific, Manufacturing, Construction, Health & Social Services, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Transportation;
- Graduating from a Nova Scotia designated learning institution and working in a TEER 0-5 occupation;
- Living in a community outside the Halifax Regional Municipality and working in a TEER 0-5 occupation;
- Working in a Sales and Service occupation (TEER 0-2) and earning at least $20 per hour at the time of EOI submission; or
- Working in Nova Scotia in any occupation and earning at least $27 per hour at the time of EOI submission.
Work permit expiry may be considered as a secondary factor when determining the order in which selected applications are processed.
For international recruitment, Nova Scotia will continue to focus on occupations experiencing significant workforce shortages. This includes healthcare occupations, skilled trades, and selected occupations that support the delivery of critical services in Nova Scotia communities.
Candidates selected through this one-time initiative will be contacted directly by the Department. If you are not contacted, your existing EOI will remain in the pool and may be considered under the Province's previously published selection priorities, which remain in effect.
Priorities May Change Over Time
Nova Scotia's immigration priorities are responsive to changing labour market conditions, workforce needs, and available immigration allocations. As these factors evolve, selection priorities may also change.
Candidates are encouraged to pursue education, training, and employment opportunities that align with their skills, experience, interests, and long-term goals. Immigration priorities are intended to respond to labour market needs at a particular point in time and should not be viewed as permanent. Choosing a program of study, occupation, or career path solely based on current immigration priorities may not improve future selection prospects, as provincial priorities will continue to evolve.
The Province will continue to publish updates when significant changes to selection priorities occur.
Expression of Interest Draws
Nova Scotia conducts regular selections from its Expression of Interest pool. Applicants selected from the pool will be contacted directly by the Department.
For information on recent selections, visit the Expression of Interest Draws page.