Effective February 18, 2026, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has consolidated ten immigration streams, each with different eligibility requirements based on occupation, work experience, education and language ability, into a new structure with four streams.
The new NSNP streams are:
- Skilled Worker
- Entrepreneur
- Nova Scotia Graduate
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry
These streams include sub-criteria that mirror the eligibility requirements of the old streams:
Skilled Worker:
- The Construction Worker sub-criteria are the same eligibility requirements as the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot.
- The Physician sub-criteria are the same eligibility requirements as the Physician Stream.
Entrepreneur:
- The International Graduate sub-criteria are the same eligibility requirements as the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
Nova Scotia Graduate:
- The eligibility requirements for International Graduates in Demand are included in the new Nova Scotia Graduate Stream.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry:
- The former Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities and Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Streams have been consolidated into the new Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream. This stream includes all the same eligibility requirements.
Note the following:
- These changes apply only to new Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions submitted to the NSNP after February 18, 2026.
- The changes do not affect the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
- EOI submissions already in the NSNP pool remain active and are not affected.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.