Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program 2025: Streams, Target Occupations & What to Expect in 2026

Nova Scotia's Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) continues to be a vital pathway for skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada's beautiful Maritime province. However, 2025 has brought significant changes to processing priorities, making it essential for prospective applicants to understand which streams are currently accepting applications and what to expect moving forward.

Current State of NSNP in 2025

Important Update: As of July 16, 2025, Nova Scotia is receiving more applications than it can approve for the year. This has resulted in a strategic shift in processing priorities, with the province focusing on specific sectors and applicant categories.

Who Nova Scotia is Prioritizing in 2025

1. People already living and working in Nova Scotia with work permits expiring in 2025

2. International applicants in priority sectors: Healthcare, social assistance, and construction

3. Most applications from outside Canada in non-priority sectors are not being processed at this time

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Exception: Employers in the Atlantic Immigration Program hiring in healthcare, social assistance, and construction may still proceed with applications.

Overview of NSNP Streams and Target Occupations

1. Skilled Worker Stream

Target Occupations: All TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (with sector restrictions)

Purpose: Helps Nova Scotia employers recruit foreign workers and recent international graduates whose skills are needed in the province.

Key Requirements:

• Valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer

• Employer must demonstrate inability to fill position with Canadian citizens or permanent residents

• Competitive wages as per Government of Canada standards

  
  

Current Status: 

• CLOSED for Accommodation and Food Services sector (as of April 17, 2024)

• Applications in this sector are not being accepted due to significant backlog

  
  

2. Occupations in Demand Stream

Target Occupations: Specific TEER category 3, 4, or 5 occupations in high demand

This stream focuses on occupations that are experiencing critical labour shortages in Nova Scotia. Eligible occupations are subject to change based on labour market information.

Key Requirements:

• Valid job offer in an eligible occupation

• Minimum 1 year of work experience in the occupation

• High school education or equivalent

• Language proficiency (CLB 4 minimum)

  
  

Current Status:

• CLOSED for Accommodation and Food Services sector (as of April 17, 2024)

• Priority given to healthcare, social assistance, and construction occupations

  
  

3. Critical Construction Worker Pilot

Target Occupations: Specific construction sector NOCs

This pilot program addresses Nova Scotia's critical need for skilled construction workers.

Eligible NOCs include:

• Carpenters

• Construction managers

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• Heavy equipment operators

• Other construction trades

  
  

Key Requirements:

• Permanent, full-time job offer from Nova Scotia employer in construction sector (NAICS 23)

• Minimum 1 year of work experience

• High school education

• Language proficiency (CLB 4 minimum)

  
  

Current Status: OPEN - Construction is a priority sector for 2025

4. International Graduates in Demand Stream

Target Occupations: Specific NOC job categories for recent graduates

Key Requirements:

• Graduated within past 3 years from recognized Canadian institution

• Valid job offer in eligible occupation

• Work permit allowing employment in Nova Scotia

• Minimum 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia (or 6 months for graduates of Nova Scotia institutions)

  
  

Current Status: Processing continues with priority for healthcare and construction sectors

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Target Audience: Recent graduates of Nova Scotia universities or NSCC who have started or purchased a business

Key Requirements:

• Graduated within past 3 years from Nova Scotia institution

• Owned and operated business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year

• Business must be viable and beneficial to Nova Scotia

• Application by invitation only (Expression of Interest required)

  
  

Current Status: OPEN - Invitation-based system continues

6. Entrepreneur Stream

Target Audience: Experienced business owners or senior managers

Key Requirements:

• Net worth of at least CAD $600,000

• Minimum 3 years of business management experience

• Investment of at least CAD $150,000 in Nova Scotia business

• Active day-to-day management required

• Application by invitation only (Expression of Interest required)

  
  

Current Status: OPEN - Invitation-based system continues

7. Physician Stream

Target Occupations:

• General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)

• Specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and 31101)

  
  

Key Requirements:

• Signed approved opportunity with Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre

• Must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead

  
  

Current Status: OPEN - Healthcare is a priority sector for 2025

8. Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

Target Occupations: Same as Physician Stream (NOCs 31102, 31100, 31101)

This Express Entry-aligned stream provides 600 additional CRS points to eligible physicians.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Express Entry profile

• Approved offer from NSHA or IWK

• Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia

• Meet federal Express Entry requirements

  
  

Current Status: OPEN - Healthcare priority continues

9. Labour Market Priorities Stream

Target Occupations: Varies by draw - candidates selected from Express Entry pool based on provincial needs

This stream allows Nova Scotia to select candidates from the federal Express Entry system who meet specific labour market needs.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Express Entry profile

• Letter of Interest from Nova Scotia

• Meet criteria specified in the draw

  
  

Current Status: OPEN - Draws continue with focus on priority sectors

10. Experience: Express Entry Stream

Target Occupations: TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations

Key Requirements:

• Minimum 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia

• Valid Express Entry profile

• Intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia

  
  

Current Status:

• CLOSED for Accommodation and Food Services sector (as of April 17, 2024)

• Priority for healthcare, social assistance, and construction workers

  
  

11. Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot

Target Occupations:

• Pharmacists (NOC 31120)

• Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)

  
  

This pilot facilitates recruitment of healthcare professionals through partnership with the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists.

Current Status: OPEN - Letter of Interest issued to eligible candidates

Have the 2025 Quotas Been Reached?

While Nova Scotia has not publicly disclosed specific numerical quotas for each stream, the July 16, 2025 update makes it clear that the province is receiving more applications than it can approve for the year. This effectively means:

• Priority sectors (healthcare, social assistance, construction) continue to have capacity

• Non-priority sectors are experiencing significant delays or closures

• Accommodation and Food Services sector has been closed since April 17, 2024

• Applications from outside Canada in non-priority sectors are largely on hold

  
  

The province is strategically managing its allocation by prioritizing:

1. Work permit holders in Nova Scotia with 2025 expiry dates

2. Healthcare professionals

3. Social assistance workers

4. Construction workers

   
   

What to Expect in 2026

Confirmed Priorities for 2026

Nova Scotia has indicated that in 2026, the province will prioritize:

1. Workers in healthcare, social assistance, and construction with permits expiring in 2026

2. Other priorities will be determined once the 2026 federal allocation is received

   
   

Potential Changes

While specific details haven't been announced, we can anticipate:

Increased Quotas:

• Federal immigration levels plans may influence provincial allocations

• Growing labour shortages in priority sectors could lead to increased nominations

• Economic recovery and population growth targets may drive higher quotas

  
  

Processing Times:

• Current backlog suggests processing times may remain extended into early 2026

• Digitization and process improvements could eventually reduce timelines

• Priority sectors may see faster processing than non-priority applications

  
  

New Streams or Modifications:

• Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot may expand to additional occupations

• Construction pilot may become permanent if successful

• Technology sector could emerge as a new priority given global trends

  
  

Sector-Specific Changes:

• Accommodation and Food Services sector may reopen once backlog is cleared

• New in-demand occupations may be added based on labour market assessments

• Some streams may introduce caps or application windows

  
  

Strategic Recommendations for Prospective Applicants

For Healthcare Professionals

• Act now - Healthcare remains the top priority

• Both Physician streams and Healthcare Professionals Pilot are actively processing

• Strong likelihood of continued priority in 2026

  
  

For Construction Workers

• Excellent timing - Critical Construction Worker Pilot is open and prioritized

• High demand expected to continue through 2026

• Consider applying as soon as you meet eligibility requirements

  
  

For Social Assistance Workers

• Priority sector status provides advantage

• Ensure your occupation falls within social assistance classification

• Prepare comprehensive application to avoid delays

  
  

For Other Occupations

• If you're outside Canada: Consider waiting for 2026 announcements unless in priority sector

• If you're in Nova Scotia: Apply before your work permit expires if eligible

• Monitor official updates for reopening of non-priority streams

  
  

For Entrepreneurs

• Invitation-based streams continue to operate

• Submit Expression of Interest to be considered for future draws

• Business viability and job creation potential are key factors

  
  

Conclusion

Nova Scotia's Provincial Nominee Program remains an attractive pathway to Canadian permanent residency, but 2025 has brought significant changes in processing priorities. The province's focus on healthcare, social assistance, and construction reflects critical labour market needs and the reality of limited nomination capacity.

For 2026, while specific quotas and processing times remain to be announced, the continued emphasis on priority sectors is clear. Prospective applicants should carefully assess their eligibility, sector alignment, and timing when considering NSNP streams.

Key Takeaways:

• Healthcare, social assistance, and construction workers have the best prospects

• Work permit holders in Nova Scotia should apply before expiry

• Accommodation and Food Services sector remains closed

• 2026 priorities will be set once federal allocations are confirmed

• Entrepreneur and physician streams continue to operate

Need help with your Nova Scotia immigration application? Contact Crossing Oceans Immigration Services for expert guidance through the NSNP process. Our team of Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants can assess your eligibility and prepare a strong application.

info@crossingoceansimmigration.com

www.crossingoceansimmigration.com