Nova Scotia Expands 2026 Immigration Selection Priorities for Certain Existing EOI Candidates

Nova Scotia has announced a one-time expansion of its 2026 selection priorities under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This temporary measure is intended to retain workers who are already contributing to the province’s economy while making the best use of Nova Scotia’s limited nomination allocation.

The announcement is particularly important for applicants who have already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are currently living and working in Nova Scotia.

What Is Changing?

Nova Scotia will continue to prioritize candidates in its previously published priority occupations. However, as a one-time initiative, the province is expanding its selection from the existing EOI pool to include additional candidates who are already established in Nova Scotia.

This expanded selection applies only to applicants who:

  • Submitted an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on or before June 30, 2026;
  • Are currently living and working in Nova Scotia;
  • Have a work permit that expires in 2026 or earlier; and
  • Meet at least one of the additional selection criteria described below.

The province has indicated that this initiative is designed to support workforce retention while addressing labour shortages within its available nomination spaces.

Expanded Selection Criteria

Eligible candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Working in a Key Economic Sector (TEER 0–4)

Applicants working in a TEER 0–4 occupation that supports Nova Scotia’s key industries may be considered.

Priority sectors include:

  • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Health Care and Social Assistance
  • Natural Resources
  • Agriculture
  • Transportation

This criterion recognizes workers who are helping address labour shortages in sectors that are critical to Nova Scotia’s economy.

2. Graduates of Nova Scotia Designated Learning Institutions

Candidates may also qualify if they:

  • Graduated from a Nova Scotia Designated Learning Institution (DLI); and
  • Are currently working in a TEER 0–5 occupation within the province.

This expansion supports the retention of international graduates who have already established themselves in Nova Scotia.

3. Living and Working Outside the Halifax Regional Municipality

Applicants who:

  • Live in a community outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM); and
  • Work in a TEER 0–5 occupation

may also be selected under this initiative.

This measure supports regional economic development by encouraging newcomers to build their careers in communities across Nova Scotia.

4. Sales and Service Workers

Candidates working in a Sales and Service occupation (TEER 0–2) may qualify if they were earning at least $20 per hour at the time they submitted their EOI.

This recognizes experienced workers in an important sector of Nova Scotia’s economy.

5. Higher-Wage Workers in Any Occupation

Applicants may also qualify if they:

  • Were working in any occupation in Nova Scotia; and
  • Were earning at least $27 per hour at the time of their EOI submission.

Unlike the other categories, this criterion is not limited by occupation or TEER level and instead recognizes higher-wage workers who are already contributing to the provincial workforce.

Important Points to Remember

This expanded selection is:

  • A one-time initiative announced by the Province of Nova Scotia.
  • Limited to active EOIs submitted on or before June 30, 2026.
  • Intended for individuals already living and working in Nova Scotia.
  • Designed to maximize the province’s limited nomination allocation while helping employers retain experienced workers.

Meeting one or more of these criteria does not guarantee that an applicant will receive an invitation, nomination, or endorsement. Nova Scotia will continue to assess applications based on program requirements, labour market needs, and available nomination spaces.

What Should Applicants Do?

If you submitted an EOI on or before June 30, 2026, and your work permit expires in 2026 or earlier, it is worthwhile to review whether you meet any of the expanded selection criteria.

If you are uncertain about your eligibility or would like to discuss your immigration options, the team at Atlantic Summit Immigration Consulting Inc. can assess your situation and help you determine the most appropriate pathway based on the latest provincial guidance.