Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Complete reference to Nova Scotia's 2026 provincial streams, Labour Market draws, and fee-free application process.
Unlike Ontario, BC, or Alberta, **Nova Scotia does not charge any application or processing fees ($0 CAD)** for the NSNP. This makes it one of the most accessible provincial nominee programs in Canada.
Primary NSNP Worker Pathways
The NSNP targets skilled, semi-skilled, and healthcare workers under several active streams:
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: For highly skilled workers (TEER 0-3) who have already completed at least **one year** of full-time skilled work experience in Nova Scotia.
- Labour Market Priorities: B.C. and Ontario draw from EOI pools, but Nova Scotia draws **directly from the federal Express Entry pool** based on specific occupation demands (like Early Childhood Educators or Tech professionals).
- Skilled Worker Stream: For workers who have received a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. Helps businesses hire foreign workers for positions they cannot fill locally.
- Occupations in Demand: Focuses on semi-skilled roles (TEER 4-5) that are in severe shortage (such as transport truck drivers, food and beverage servers, or heavy equipment operators).
General Eligibility Criteria
Standard parameters required to secure a provincial nomination under the NSNP include:
- Employer Verification: The sponsoring business must have been operating in Nova Scotia for at least 2 years and prove they attempted to hire Canadian citizens first.
- Age Bracket: Applicants must be between **21 and 55 years of age** at the time of submission.
- Settlement Funds: Unless already working in Canada, you must prove you have sufficient savings to support your relocation and housing setup in Nova Scotia.
Provincial Program Cost Details
The application fees for Nova Scotia nominee processing are completely free:
| Stream Category | Application Fee (CAD) | Fee Details |
|---|---|---|
| All Worker and Express Entry Streams | $0 | No application fee, no registration fee, and no EOI filing fee. |
| Entrepreneur Streams | $0 | The nomination process is entirely free of charge. |
This guide compiles official Nova Scotia nominee rules and guidelines sourced directly from:
• Nova Scotia Immigration Portal: novascotiaimmigration.com
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Guide: novascotiaimmigration.com/labour-priorities