Nova Scotia Consolidates NSNP into Four Simplified Streams
Date Posted:February 24, 2026
Last Updated:February 24, 2026
Index
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has reorganized its immigration streams, consolidating multiple categories into four main streams to make the system easier to understand and more efficient for applicants and employers.
The goal of this change is to simplify the program and streamline the processing of applications.
NSNP Consolidates Ten Previous Streams into Four Categories
Previously, NSNP had 10 separate streams based on occupation, work experience, education, and language ability.
As of February 18, 2026, these streams have been consolidated into the following four categories:
- Skilled Worker
– for applicants with at least one year of work experience - Entrepreneur
– for business owners or entrepreneurs - Nova Scotia Graduate
– for graduates of schools in Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia: Express Entry
– linked to the federal Express Entry system
While the stream names have been simplified and consolidated, the basic eligibility requirements remain largely unchanged.
NSNP Maintains Existing Eligibility Standards Under New Structure
This consolidation is intended to organize the categories, not to change the program requirements.
Skilled Worker Stream
- Requirements for the construction sector under the former Critical Construction Worker Pilot are now part of the Skilled Worker Stream.
- Requirements for physicians under the former Physician Stream are also carried over.
Entrepreneur Stream
The former International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is now included in the Entrepreneur Stream.
Nova Scotia Graduate Stream
Requirements for International Graduates in Demand are now part of the Nova Scotia Graduate Stream.
Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream
The following previously separate streams are now combined into a single Nova Scotia: Express Entry Stream:
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Labour Market Priorities
- Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
All eligibility requirements remain the same.
New Rules Apply to Post-February 2026 Submissions
These changes apply only to new Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions made on or after February 18, 2026.
- EOIs already in the NSNP pool remain valid.
- The consolidation does not negatively affect your eligibility.
- No additional action is required.
No Impact on Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The changes do not affect the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which covers the four Atlantic provinces（Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador）.
From Visa JP Canada
This update is aimed at simplifying the system, and it does not mean:
- stricter eligibility requirements
- fewer applicants being accepted
- cancellation of existing applications
For prospective applicants, the reorganization makes the program easier to understand.
If you are considering moving to Nova Scotia, it is important to check which category you qualify for.
At Visa JP Canada, we provide consultation for NSNP and other provincial nominee programs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
This article is a summary prepared by Visa JP Canada based on the official announcement from Nova Scotia Government, organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Source: NSNP Update: Four Consolidated Streams
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