Nova Scotia PNP Introduces Major Updates for 2026

The Government of Nova Scotia has released a series of significant updates to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) effective April 27, 2026. These changes cover three key areas: a new 12-month validity period for Expressions of Interest (EOIs), updated occupation priorities for nominations, and the latest EOI selection figures for 2026. 

Together, these updates reflect the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program push to align its immigration program with real labour market needs while keeping its nominee pool current and manageable.

Candidates currently in the system or planning to submit an EOI should review these changes carefully, as they directly affect eligibility, timing, and the chances of receiving a nomination this year.

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Nova Scotia Introduces New Validity Period and Transition Measures

Effective May 1, 2026, Nova Scotia will introduce a 12-month validity period for Expressions of Interest as part of improved inventory management and program efficiency measures.

The transition will apply differently depending on when the EOI was submitted:

Expiry or closure of an EOI does not mean an application has been refused. EOIs are expressions of interest, not applications for nomination. Applicants may submit a new EOI at any time, provided they continue to meet program requirements and remain eligible to immigrate to Canada.

Nova Scotia PNP Occupation Priorities for 2026

Nova Scotia's nominee programs focus on addressing the province's most critical labour market needs while managing limited nomination spaces, with an emphasis on candidates who demonstrate a genuine intention to live, work, and settle in the province long term.

Healthcare and Skilled Trades — Top Priority

Healthcare and skilled trades occupations are a top priority for nomination at TEER levels 0 to 4 and may be considered for both international applicants and temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia. TEER 5 occupations are not being prioritized.

Other Priority Occupations

In addition to healthcare and skilled trades, the Nova Scotia occupation in demand list may consider nominations for temporary residents already in the province in the following occupational groups:

• NOC 2 - Natural and Applied Sciences
• NOC 4 - Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services
• NOC 8 - Natural Resources and Agriculture
• NOC 9 - Manufacturing and Utilities. Consideration is limited to TEER levels 0 to 4 only

Remaining Occupations

For occupations outside the priority groups, nominations are currently limited to TEER 0, 1, and 2 only, and are restricted to temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia.

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Nova Scotia EOI Selection of 2026

Nova Scotia selected the following number of candidates from the EOI pool in Q1 2026:

Total selected in Q1 2026: 1,090 candidates

Candidates were selected primarily from healthcare occupations, skilled trades, and other priority occupations aligned with current labour market needs. Only candidates selected in the Nova Scotia PNP draw are contacted directly. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection.

Healthcare workers, skilled trades professionals, and those already living and working in Nova Scotia as temporary residents are in the strongest position for nomination right now. With 1,090 candidates already selected in the first three months of 2026 and selection volumes holding steady, the program remains active.

Candidates are strongly advised to check their EOI status, review the updated occupation priorities, and resubmit if their current EOI is due to expire.

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Source: liveinnovascotia.com

Tags: Nova Scotia PNP Nova Scotia nominee program Nova Scotia PNP new rules Nova Scotia immigration program updates Nova Scotia PNP eligibility criteria 2026 Nova Scotia immigration draw 2026