The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has undergone a major restructure, simplifying and modernizing its immigration streams to make the process clearer and more focused for prospective immigrants and employers.
As of February 18, 2026, the NSNP has consolidated its previous **10 provincial immigration streams into just four core pathways, helping streamline how skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs and Express Entry candidates can pursue permanent residence in Nova Scotia.
đź“Ś What Changed Under the New NSNP Model
Previously, Nova Scotia operated ten separate provincial immigration streams with different application requirements, intake processes, and eligibility criteria. Under the new structure, these have now been grouped into four broad streams that cover all economic immigration pathways for the province.
🆕 The Four Main NSNP Streams
Nova Scotia’s updated provincial immigration pathways now include:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Nova Scotia Graduate Stream
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream
These consolidated streams replace the previous ten, making it easier for applicants to understand where they fit and what they must do to qualify.
🤔 What This Means for Candidates
🧾 Existing Expression of Interest (EOI) Profiles
If you already have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) in the NSNP candidate pool, you do not need to take any action. Your profile has been carried over to the new system, and you will remain in the pool under the consolidated streams.
đź“Ť Easier Navigation for New Applicants
For new applicants, having four main pathways — instead of 10 separate ones — makes it much easier to choose the right program and understand the eligibility requirements for each. Whether you’re:
- a skilled worker with a job offer,
- an international graduate from a Nova Scotia school,
- an entrepreneur with a business plan, or
- someone aiming to settle through Express Entry aligned streams —
the updated structure helps clarify where your profile belongs.
đź› Why the Change Was Made
Nova Scotia’s immigration overhaul comes as part of a broader trend across Canada toward modernizing provincial nominee programs (PNPs) to be more responsive to labour market needs, more efficient in processing, and more aligned with federal priorities for economic immigration.
The new model also reflects Nova Scotia’s ongoing efforts to remain competitive in attracting newcomers who will contribute to the province’s economy and fill important workforce gaps — particularly in skilled jobs and in communities outside major urban centres.
đź“Ť What Each Stream Focuses On
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each of the four NSNP streams typically targets:
1. Skilled Worker Stream
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a skilled occupation.
2. Nova Scotia Graduate Stream
For recent graduates from Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who want to stay and work toward permanent residence.
3. Entrepreneur Stream
For business owners or senior managers interested in starting or buying a business in Nova Scotia and settling in the province.
4. Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream
For candidates who are in the federal Express Entry pool and have a connection or intention to settle in Nova Scotia.
đź“Ť How the NSNP Works Now
Along with the consolidation, the NSNP modernized its application platform — including a temporary closure of the portal while updates are implemented from February 13 to February 18, 2026.
Candidates now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to indicate their interest and profile details. Nova Scotia periodically invites top scoring EOIs from the pool to apply for a nomination. This model — similar to what other provinces use — helps the province respond more quickly to labour market needs and select applicants with the greatest potential to succeed.
đź“Ś Final Thoughts
Nova Scotia’s revamp of its provincial immigration pathways is designed to simplify the journey for immigrants, reduce redundancy, and align the province’s immigration system with broader Canadian trends in economic migration.
Whether you’re a skilled worker, an international graduate, an entrepreneur, or an Express Entry candidate, the new NSNP structure makes it easier to find the right permanent residence route and plan your immigration path to Nova Scotia.
