Nova Scotia expands nominations to target workers with expiring permits
Nova Scotia has launched a one-time initiative to issue provincial nominations to workers currently in the province whose work permits are expiring in 2026 or earlier, provided they submitted expressions of interest by June 30, 2026.
Key points
✓Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is targeting workers with expiring or expired work permits through a one-time initiative
✓Eligible candidates must have active expressions of interest submitted on or before June 30, 2026, and work permits expiring in 2026 or earlier
✓Selection criteria include earning at least $27/hr, working in designated sectors, graduating from Nova Scotia institutions, or living outside Halifax Regional Municipality
✓Selected candidates will be contacted directly; work permit expiry may be considered when processing applications
✓This initiative does not replace the province's previously announced priority occupations from April
What this means for you
If you are a foreign worker currently in Nova Scotia with a work permit expiring in 2026 or earlier and an active expression of interest filed by June 30, 2026, you may be invited to apply for provincial nomination through this special program. Meeting one of several criteria—such as earning at least $27 per hour, working in key sectors, or having graduated from a Nova Scotia institution—makes you eligible. Selected candidates will be contacted directly to proceed with their applications.
Full detail
Nova Scotia has announced a one-time initiative through its Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) to select workers currently living and working in the province whose work permits are set to expire in 2026 or earlier. To be considered, candidates must have submitted an active expression of interest on or before June 30, 2026.
Eligible candidates fall into one of five categories: workers earning at least $27 per hour; workers in TEER 0–2 Sales and Service occupations earning at least $20 per hour; graduates of Nova Scotia postsecondary institutions; workers living outside Halifax Regional Municipality; or workers in TEER 0–4 occupations in key sectors including Agriculture, Construction, Health and Social Services, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, Professional and Scientific Services, and Transportation.
The province confirmed that selected candidates will be contacted directly and that work permit expiry may serve as a secondary factor in processing application order. The initiative was published on the NSNP website on July 14, 2026, and was clarified not to replace the province's priority occupations announced in April.
To obtain permanent residence through NSNP, applicants must meet stream requirements, create an expression of interest, be invited to apply, submit a complete application, receive a provincial nomination, and apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Applicants must also meet Canada's general entry requirements and may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit in certain situations.
Who is eligible for this one-time Nova Scotia initiative?
Workers currently in Nova Scotia with work permits expiring in 2026 or earlier, who submitted an active expression of interest by June 30, 2026. Applicants must also meet one of five criteria: earning at least $27/hr, earning at least $20/hr in TEER 0–2 Sales and Service roles, graduating from a Nova Scotia postsecondary institution, living outside Halifax Regional Municipality, or working in TEER 0–4 occupations in designated key sectors.
How will selected candidates be notified?
According to the province's announcement, candidates selected through this initiative will be contacted directly.
Does this initiative replace Nova Scotia's existing priority occupations?
No. The province confirmed that this one-time initiative is not intended to replace or supersede the priority occupations it announced in April.
What happens after I am selected?
Selected candidates must submit a complete application for provincial nomination to NSNP, receive a provincial nomination, and then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. They must also meet Canada's general entry requirements. In some cases, they may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — confirm details on the official source above and, for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.