Nova Scotia has streamlined its immigration program by cutting the number of pathways from ten to four.
Nova Scotia has reduced its provincial immigration streams from 10 to four. The change took effect on February 18, 2026, under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
Officials say the move will make the system easier to understand for newcomers and employers. The province states it wants to “modernize its immigration streams to create clearer pathways for newcomers and employers, and to streamline processing.”
The update does not change eligibility rules. It only groups existing pathways under broader stream names.
The NSNP now includes these four streams:
Each stream now includes pathways that previously operated under separate names.
The Skilled Worker stream now includes four former pathways: Skilled Worker, Critical Construction Worker Pilot, Physicians, and Occupations in Demand.
Applicants must meet general requirements. They must be between 21 and 55 years old. They need a full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. They must show the right training or certification for the role. Most jobs require at least one year of related work experience. Some lower-skilled roles require six months with the same employer.
Candidates also need a high school diploma, meet language standards, and show proof of settlement funds.
Under the construction pathway, some applicants may skip the high school requirement if they completed industry training. Eligible construction jobs include carpenters, electricians, welders, crane operators, roofers, and several other trades.
The Physicians pathway requires a job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre. Eligible roles include general practitioners, medical specialists, and surgeons.
The Occupations in Demand pathway applies to certain mid- and lower-skilled roles, though the province has not listed specific occupations yet.
This stream replaces the former Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream. It also includes Labour Market Priorities and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians.
Applicants must already have a federal Express Entry profile. They must be between 21 and 55 years old and have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia in an eligible occupation. Language and education standards apply.
Physicians under this stream must receive a Letter of Interest through Express Entry. They must sign a Return for Service Agreement and commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for at least two years.
The Entrepreneur stream now includes both the Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur pathways.
Business owners must plan to actively manage a business in Nova Scotia. Minimum net worth and investment requirements depend on whether the business operates inside or outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Experienced business owners need at least three years of active management experience. Senior managers need five years. Language standards also apply.
International graduates must hold a valid post-graduation work permit. They must have managed their Nova Scotia business for at least one year and meet education and language requirements.
The stream previously known as International Graduates in Demand now operates as Nova Scotia Graduates.
Applicants need a full-time job offer in a field related to their recent studies. Eligible jobs include early childhood educators, nurse aides, paramedical workers, and pharmacy technicians.
Candidates must meet age, education, language, and settlement fund requirements.
Applicants who already submitted Expressions of Interest do not need to take action. Their profiles remain active and unaffected.
The changes apply only to new submissions made after February 18, 2026.
The province has not made changes to its participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program.
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