Nova Scotia Consolidates NSNP into Four Simplified Streams
Date Posted:February 24, 2026
Last Updated:February 24, 2026
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 Shiraishi 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 Shiraishi 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 Shiraishi 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
Reviewed by
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in the USA, worked for six years as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency in New York, involved in the planning and development of travel products. Concurrently attended the MBA program at the City University of New York. Returned to Japan and worked as a manager at the visa centre of the same travel company, primarily handling foreign nationality clients and managing various visa applications from around the world. Immigrated to Canada in 2005 as a skilled worker. Completed the Immigration Consultant Program at the University of British Columbia and obtained the qualification of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Specializes in consulting for permanent residence and short-term visas (work, study, temporary stay, etc.) in Canada. Adheres to the motto, 'Every person has the potential to obtain Canadian permanent residence,' and is skilled in proposing the best permanent residence scenarios for individual clients, based on a wide range of visa information. A regular member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, as well as the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Active as a supervisor of visa-related information and a seminar lecturer in various media and the Japanese community in Canada. As a president of Kiyukai (Vancouver Japanese Business Association), she supports Japanese entrepreneurs in BC, those who want to start their own business, and all those who work in BC. She is also a president of Visa JP Canada and Jinzai Canada.
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