Nova Scotia PNP (NSNP)
Nova Scotia changed two things in 2026. It merged its ten immigration streams into four, and it published a priority list that decides who is invited. For applicants outside Canada, the important line is this: healthcare and skilled trades are the only occupation groups in which Nova Scotia is considering international applicants through its general pool.
The four streams
Since 18 February 2026:
| Stream | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Workers with a Nova Scotia job offer. Includes separate criteria for construction workers and physicians |
| Nova Scotia: Express Entry | Candidates in the federal Express Entry pool. Combines the former Experience, Labour Market Priorities and physician streams |
| Nova Scotia Graduate | Graduates of Nova Scotia institutions in in-demand occupations |
| Entrepreneur | People starting or buying a business in the province, including international graduate entrepreneurs |
The old streams did not disappear. Their requirements now sit inside these four as sub-criteria.
How selection works
Nova Scotia moved to an Expression of Interest model in December 2025. You submit an Expression of Interest, and the province selects from the pool according to its priorities. From 1 May 2026, an Expression of Interest is valid for 12 months.
The priority levels announced on 27 April 2026
| Level | Occupations | Open to applicants outside Canada |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare and skilled trades, at TEER 0 to 4 | Yes |
| 2 | Additional priority occupation groups | No, only temporary residents already in Nova Scotia |
| 3 | Other occupations at TEER 0, 1 and 2 | No, only temporary residents already in Nova Scotia |
Occupations at TEER 5 are not being considered.
On 14 July 2026, Nova Scotia announced a one-time expansion of its priorities for the rest of the year, to include TEER 0 to 4 occupations that support key sectors: professional and scientific services, manufacturing, construction, health and social services, natural resources, agriculture and transportation. The province stressed that meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection.
What this means if you are in India
- Nurses, doctors, care workers and other health staff are Nova Scotia’s first priority and can be selected from abroad.
- Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders and other tradespeople are in the same top level.
- Everyone else should treat Nova Scotia as a second step. Working or studying in the province first is what opens levels 2 and 3.
The Atlantic Immigration Program
Nova Scotia also takes part in the Atlantic Immigration Program, which runs separately from the NSNP and was not affected by the stream changes. It is employer-led: a designated employer in Nova Scotia offers you a job and endorses your application. For many overseas applicants with a job offer, it is the more direct route.
Life in Nova Scotia
Halifax is the main city, a port and university town with a growing technology and health sector. Living costs are lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, though Halifax rents have risen sharply in recent years. Winters are milder than on the prairies and wetter. The Indian community is smaller but growing quickly.
Questions people ask us most
Can I apply for Nova Scotia PNP from India?
Yes, in healthcare and skilled trades occupations. Other occupations are currently limited to people already living and working in the province.
Do I need a job offer for Nova Scotia?
The Skilled Worker stream requires one. The Express Entry stream has its own criteria, which you should check against your profile.
How long is a Nova Scotia Expression of Interest valid?
12 months, for those submitted from 1 May 2026.
What happened to the Labour Market Priorities stream?
It is now part of the Nova Scotia: Express Entry stream.
Find out if Nova Scotia will consider you
Send us your occupation and experience. We will check it against the current priority levels and tell you whether the NSNP or the Atlantic Immigration Program fits better.