On July 14, 2026, the Government of Nova Scotia announced a one time expansion of its immigration selection priorities under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The measure is intended to help the province retain more temporary workers who are already contributing to the local economy while making the best use of its limited nomination and endorsement spaces for 2026.

According to the province, interest in Nova Scotia’s immigration programs continues to exceed the number of nomination spaces available from the federal government. As a result, the province will temporarily broaden its selection criteria while continuing to prioritize occupations that address critical labour market needs.

Under this one time initiative, Nova Scotia will review active Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted on or before June 30, 2026. To be considered, candidates must also hold a work permit that expires in 2026 or earlier and meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Working in a TEER 0 to 4 occupation that supports key sectors such as Professional and Scientific Services, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social Services, Natural Resources, Agriculture, or Transportation.

• Graduated from a designated Nova Scotia learning institution and currently working in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation.

• Living outside the Halifax Regional Municipality and working in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation.

• Working in a Sales and Service occupation (TEER 0 to 2) with a wage of at least $20 per hour at the time the EOI was submitted.

• Working in any occupation in Nova Scotia with a wage of at least $27 per hour at the time the EOI was submitted.

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration will contact candidates who are selected through this initiative. Applicants who are not contacted do not need to submit a new EOI. Their existing EOI will remain in the pool and may still be considered under Nova Scotia’s previously published selection priorities.

The province emphasized that this is a one time expansion and does not replace its existing selection priorities. Nova Scotia also noted that immigration priorities may continue to change in response to labour market conditions, available nomination allocations, and the province’s economic needs.