Nova Scotia Adds New PNP Application Fees From September

Nova Scotia will introduce application fees for its Provincial Nominee Program for the first time on September 1, 2026, adding a new cost for workers and entrepreneurs seeking a provincial nomination.

Under the new fee structure, applicants selected under worker streams will pay $1,000, while candidates applying through the Entrepreneur stream will pay $2,000.

Submitting an Expression of Interest, or EOI, will remain free. Candidates will only have to pay after Nova Scotia selects their profile for assessment.

Why Nova Scotia Is Adding Fees

Nova Scotia says demand for immigration nominations has grown while its federal nomination allocation remains limited.

The province plans to use the new fees to help cover the cost of processing and assessing applications. Nova Scotia also noted that most other Canadian provinces already charge application fees for their nominee programs.

The change does not alter eligibility requirements for the affected NSNP streams. It only changes the cost of moving forward once a candidate is selected.

Worker and Entrepreneur Fees Differ

The $1,000 application fee will apply to candidates selected under:

• Nova Scotia Skilled Worker
• Nova Scotia Graduate
• Nova Scotia Express Entry

Candidates selected through the Entrepreneur stream will pay $2,000.

The fee applies only to the principal applicant. Including a spouse or dependent children will not increase the provincial fee.

Applicants must make payment online in one transaction using Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Split or partial payments will not be accepted.

Applicants Face Strict Payment Deadlines

Payment deadlines depend on the immigration stream.

Workers will have only seven calendar days after receiving payment instructions to submit the fee.

Entrepreneur applicants will receive more time. Those starting a new business or applying as international graduates will have 90 days, while applicants purchasing an existing Nova Scotia business may receive up to 180 days.

Applicants who miss their payment deadline will not move forward to assessment. However, they may submit another Expression of Interest later if they remain eligible.

All fees will be non-refundable, and Nova Scotia has not introduced waivers or exemptions under the new system.

Atlantic Immigration Program Not Affected

The change applies to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program but does not affect the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Candidates using the AIP will continue to face no provincial application fee, in line with the system used by other Atlantic provinces.

Who Will Not Have to Pay?

Applicants who already received a selection letter before September 1, 2026, will not be subject to the new fee.

Those still waiting in the EOI pool should prepare for the added cost and keep their supporting documents ready.

Because worker-stream applicants will have just seven days to pay after selection, candidates may want to budget in advance rather than wait until they receive an invitation to proceed.