Nova Scotia Introduces New Priority Occupations for PR

New Immigration Priorities Under NSNP

Nova Scotia has announced new selection priorities under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), changing how provincial nominations will be issued moving forward. Essentially, the province is now using a three-level priority system to fast-track workers in occupations facing labour shortages.

Importantly, healthcare professio nnals and skilled trades workers are receiving the highest priority, while many other occupations may face tighter restrictions.

A New 3-Level Priority System

Level 1: Healthcare and Skilled Trades Get Top Priority

Firstly, Nova Scotia has placed healthcare workers and skilled tradespeople at the top of its priority list.

This category covers occupations under TEER 0 to TEER 4 and is the only priority level open to both:

• Candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia
• Applicants applying from outside Canada

As a result, people working in healthcare and trades currently have the strongest opportunities through the NSNP.

Level 2: Additional Priority Occupations

Secondly, Nova Scotia may also nominate temporary residents already in the province working in certain other priority occupations.

These include:

• NOC 2: Natural and Applied Sciences
• NOC 4: Education, Law, Social and Government Services
• NOC 8: Agriculture and Natural Resources
• NOC 9: Manufacturing and Utilities

However, unlike Level 1, this category is only open to temporary residents already in Nova Scotia.

Therefore, candidates applying from abroad in these occupations may find their options much more limited.

Level 3: Limited Consideration for Remaining Occupations

Thirdly, for all other occupations not listed above, Nova Scotia will only consider candidates who:

• Are already temporary residents in Nova Scotia
• Work in TEER 0, 1, or 2 occupations

In other words, opportunities under this category are quite restricted.

TEER 5 Occupations Not Being Considered

Another major update is that TEER 5 occupations are not being considered at this time.

This includes lower-skilled occupations such as:

• Food counter attendants
• Cashiers
• Similar entry-level roles

So for now, these occupations are outside Nova Scotia’s nomination priorities.

What This Means for Applicants Outside Canada

For overseas applicants, this change is significant.

If you work in healthcare or skilled trades, opportunities remain strong.

However, if you are in other occupation groups, especially outside Canada, access through the general NSNP pool may now be much more limited.

Overall, Nova Scotia is becoming more selective and targeted in who it nominates.

Other Pathways to Permanent Residence in Nova Scotia

Physicians Stream

Meanwhile, doctors may still have a separate route through Nova Scotia’s physician-focused stream linked to Express Entry.

This stream targets:

• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
• Surgeons
• General practitioners and family physicians

To qualify, applicants need:

• An active Express Entry profile
• A valid job offer from Nova Scotia health authorities

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

Additionally, some workers may qualify through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot in Pictou County.

In 2026, the region is prioritizing occupations across sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Skilled Trades
• Manufacturing
• Education

However, applicants need a job offer from a designated regional employer.

Why Nova Scotia Made These Changes

These changes follow Nova Scotia’s shift to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model announced in late 2025.

The goal is to:

• Address labour shortages
• Align nominations with economic needs
• Prioritize in-demand workers

At the same time, the province has said priorities may change as labour market needs evolve.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Nova Scotia’s new priority system clearly favors healthcare workers and skilled trades professionals, while creating tighter rules for many other occupations.

While this may limit opportunities for some candidates, it also creates clearer pathways for workers in sectors the province urgently needs.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).