Nova Scotia Launches One-Time Nomination Drive for Workers with Expiring Permits

Maple News reports that Nova Scotia is launching a one-time expansion of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) to target workers in the province whose work permits are expiring or have already expired. The initiative will see Invitations to Apply for provincial nomination issued to eligible candidates who are living and working in Nova Scotia. To qualify, applicants must meet two conditions: their work permit must expire in 2026 or earlier, and they must have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted on or before June 30, 2026.\n\nEligible applicants may qualify if they meet at least one of the following criteria: earnings of at least $27 per hour at the time of EOI submission; or earnings of at least $20 per hour in TEER 0–2 Sales and Service occupations at the time of EOI submission; or being a Nova Scotia postsecondary graduate employed in any occupation; or living outside the Halifax Regional Municipality and employed in any occupation; or working in a TEER 0–4 occupation in a key sector such as agriculture, construction, health and social services, manufacturing, natural resources, professional and scientific services, or transportation.\n\nThe NSNP states that candidates selected through this one-time initiative will be contacted directly, and that work permit expiry may be considered as a secondary factor when determining the order in which applications are processed. The province published details on July 14, 2026, on the NSNP updates page, and emphasized that this initiative is not intended to replace the priority occupations announced in April.\n\nPath to permanent residence through the NSNP remains the same: meet the requirements of a provincial immigration stream, create an online EOI, be selected and invited to apply, submit a complete provincial nomination application, obtain a provincial nomination, and then apply to the federal immigration authorities for permanent residence. Applicants must also meet Canada’s general entry requirements, including not being inadmissible due to prior immigration violations, a criminal record, or serious medical conditions. A provincial nominee who has applied for permanent residency may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in certain circumstances.\n\nMaple News will continue tracking NSNP developments and provide updates as they unfold.