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Canadian Immigration to Nova Scotia

Last updated · Reviewed by Immigration Content Lead · Review cadence 60 days

Quick answer

Nova Scotia nominates candidates through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program for employer-supported candidates. The province's economy includes healthcare, fisheries and ocean industries, and a range of skilled trades.

Key takeaways

  • The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) includes labour market priority streams and Express Entry-aligned categories.
  • Nova Scotia also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program, an employer-driven pathway used across the Atlantic provinces.
  • Healthcare is a significant and often prioritised sector in Nova Scotia's nomination streams.
  • Fisheries and ocean-related industries are historically important to the province's economy.
  • Skilled trades support both construction and Nova Scotia's marine and manufacturing sectors.
  • Settlement services are concentrated in Halifax but available in smaller communities as well.

Nova Scotia's nomination pathways

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) includes several streams, such as labour market priorities streams that periodically target specific occupations like healthcare, and Express Entry-aligned categories. Nova Scotia also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program, a federal-provincial pathway for employer-supported candidates that connects to /programs/atlantic-immigration-program for its shared eligibility framework.

Because NSNP streams and Atlantic Immigration Program employer designation change over time, applicants should verify current occupation priorities and employer eligibility directly with the province and IRCC.

Labour market character

Nova Scotia's labour market includes a significant healthcare sector, long-standing fisheries and ocean industries along its extensive coastline, and skilled trades supporting both construction and marine-related manufacturing. Halifax anchors much of the province's services and public sector employment.

Major industries

  • Healthcare, frequently prioritised in provincial nomination streams.
  • Fisheries and ocean industries along the Atlantic coastline.
  • Skilled trades supporting construction and manufacturing.
  • Tourism, supported by Nova Scotia's coastal geography and heritage sites.

Settlement in Nova Scotia

Halifax hosts the majority of Nova Scotia's IRCC-funded settlement services, with additional supports available in smaller communities across the province, covering language training, employment support and newcomer orientation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between NSNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program in Nova Scotia?
The NSNP is Nova Scotia's own Provincial Nominee Program, while the Atlantic Immigration Program is a separate federal-provincial pathway requiring a designated employer; both operate in the province but have different eligibility rules.
Is healthcare a priority occupation in Nova Scotia?
Healthcare has frequently been targeted by Nova Scotia's labour market priorities streams, though specific priority occupations are reviewed and can change over time.
What are Nova Scotia's key industries?
Healthcare, fisheries and ocean industries, skilled trades, and tourism are significant parts of Nova Scotia's economy.
Where are settlement services concentrated in Nova Scotia?
Halifax has the largest concentration of settlement services, though supports are also available in smaller Nova Scotia communities through IRCC-funded organisations.

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Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.