Nova Scotia has announced a one-time expansion of its immigration selection priorities, allowing more candidates already living and working in the province to be considered for provincial nomination as it responds to current labour market needs and limited federal immigration allocations.
The update, announced on July 14, 2026, is designed to help retain workers who are already contributing to Nova Scotia’s economy while continuing to address workforce shortages in key sectors.
Key Highlights of the Update
- The expansion applies only to active Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted on or before June 30, 2026.
- Candidates must have a work permit expiring in 2026 or earlier.
- Nova Scotia will continue prioritizing occupations previously identified as provincial priorities while temporarily expanding eligibility to additional workers already in the province.
The province noted that meeting the eligibility requirements for an immigration program does not guarantee selection, as nomination decisions also consider available nomination spaces, labour market priorities, program integrity, and economic needs.
Who May Benefit From the Expanded Selection?
As part of this one-time initiative, Nova Scotia may select candidates who have already submitted an eligible Expression of Interest and meet at least one of the following conditions:
- They are working in a TEER 0 to TEER 4 occupation that supports key sectors such as professional and scientific services, manufacturing, construction, healthcare and social services, natural resources, agriculture, or transportation.
- They graduated from a Nova Scotia designated learning institution and are working in a TEER 0 to TEER 5 occupation.
- They live outside the Halifax Regional Municipality and work in a TEER 0 to TEER 5 occupation.
- They work in a Sales and Service occupation (TEER 0 to 2) and were earning at least $20 per hour when they submitted their Expression of Interest.
- They work in Nova Scotia in any occupation and were earning at least $27 per hour when they submitted their Expression of Interest.
The province also stated that work permit expiry dates may be considered as a secondary factor when determining the order in which selected applications are processed.
Focus on Workforce Retention
Nova Scotia explained that the initiative is intended to balance two priorities: retaining individuals who are already living and working in the province while continuing to attract skilled workers needed to support long-term economic growth.
For international recruitment, the province will continue prioritizing occupations experiencing significant labour shortages, including healthcare professions, skilled trades, and other occupations that support essential services across Nova Scotia communities.
Candidates selected through this initiative will be contacted directly by the Department. Those who are not selected will remain in the Expression of Interest pool and may still be considered under Nova Scotia’s existing selection priorities.
Selection Priorities May Continue to Change
The province emphasized that its immigration priorities are not permanent and will continue to evolve based on labour market conditions, workforce demands, available nomination allocations, and broader economic needs.
Nova Scotia also encouraged prospective applicants to make education and career decisions based on their long-term goals rather than current immigration priorities alone, noting that occupations selected today may not remain priorities in future invitation rounds.
What This Means for Applicants
The latest announcement offers an additional opportunity for some temporary residents already living and working in Nova Scotia, particularly those whose work permits are approaching expiry.
However, the province has made it clear that eligibility alone does not guarantee selection. Candidates will continue to compete within the available nomination spaces while Nova Scotia balances workforce retention with its broader economic priorities.
Individuals with active Expressions of Interest who meet the expanded criteria should monitor their email for any communication from the province while ensuring their immigration documents remain current.
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Conclusion
Nova Scotia’s one-time expansion of its immigration selection priorities reflects the province’s efforts to retain workers already contributing to its economy while continuing to address critical labour shortages.
The initiative creates additional opportunities for some candidates with active Expressions of Interest submitted before June 30, 2026, particularly those whose work permits are approaching expiry. At the same time, the province has confirmed that nomination decisions will continue to be guided by available spaces, labour market needs, and economic priorities.
Applicants who believe they may qualify under the expanded criteria should stay informed about provincial updates and ensure they are prepared if contacted by Nova Scotia.
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