Nova Scotia One-Time Nomination for Workers with Expiring Permits
Nova Scotia NSNP: One-time initiative to nominate workers with expiring or expired work permits
What changed and why it matters
Nova Scotia has launched a one-time expansion under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) to target workers living and working in the province who hold work permits expiring in 2026 or earlier — including permits that have already expired. The NSNP updates page published the announcement on July 14, 2026. Candidates with active Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted on or before June 30, 2026, may be invited to apply for provincial nomination. For many foreign workers this could provide an extra path toward permanent residence outside the regular draws tied to priority occupations.
Context behind the initiative
This measure is an additional, targeted step and does not replace the priority occupations announced in April 2026. The province says selected candidates will be contacted directly and notes that work permit expiry may be used as a secondary factor when deciding processing order for selected applications.
Who the province will consider under this one-time initiative
Candidates must meet the timing conditions (work permit expiring in 2026 or earlier and an active EOI submitted on or before June 30, 2026) and fall into one of these groups at the time the EOI was submitted:
– Workers earning at least CAD 27 per hour.
– Workers earning at least CAD 20 per hour in a TEER 0–2 Sales and Service occupation.
– Graduates of a Nova Scotia postsecondary institution who are employed in any occupation.
– Workers living outside Halifax Regional Municipality who are employed in any occupation.
– Workers employed in a TEER 0–4 occupation in key sectors: Agriculture; Construction; Health and Social Services; Manufacturing; Natural Resources; Professional and Scientific Services; or Transportation.
How this fits with NSNP processes and PR application steps
A provincial nomination is the first stage toward permanent residence; federal processing and admissibility checks still apply. To obtain PR through NSNP, a foreign national must:
– Meet the requirements of an NSNP provincial stream;
– Create an Expression of Interest in the NSNP online system;
– Be selected by NSNP and receive an invitation to apply;
– Submit a complete provincial nomination application to NSNP and receive a provincial nomination;
– Then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
Candidates also must meet Canada’s general entry requirements, including not being inadmissible for prior immigration violations, criminality, or medical reasons.
Why the wage and TEER conditions matter
Selection will rely on the wage declared and the TEER level reported on the EOI at the time of submission. TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) ranks occupations from 0 (highest skilled) to 5 (lowest). Nova Scotia’s criteria combine hourly wages and TEER levels to prioritise workers who meet wage thresholds or who work in designated skill levels or key sectors.
Who stands to benefit most
– Workers with permits expiring in 2026 or earlier.
– Recent graduates of Nova Scotia postsecondary institutions who are employed.
– Employees living outside Halifax Regional Municipality.
– Workers in key sectors in TEER 0–4 roles.
– Sales and service workers in TEER 0–2 roles earning at least CAD 20/hr.
Employers in these sectors may also benefit if more employees move toward permanent residence.
Practical impacts for applicants
– Selected candidates will be contacted directly by the province.
– A provincial nomination can help secure status by enabling the federal PR application, subject to federal admissibility.
– Accurate wage reporting and correct TEER classification on the EOI are essential.
– Work permit expiry may influence processing order but is a secondary factor, not the sole selection basis.
What applicants should check now
– Confirm your EOI is active and was submitted on or before June 30, 2026.
– Verify your work permit expiry date is recorded and falls in 2026 or earlier.
– Ensure wage and occupation details on your EOI match employer records.
– Confirm your residential address if you live outside Halifax Regional Municipality.
– Gather employer letters, pay stubs, and proof of Nova Scotia residence so you can respond quickly if contacted.
– Review federal inadmissibility risks that could affect final PR approval.
Limitations and cautions
– Meeting the criteria does not guarantee an invitation.
– EOIs submitted after June 30, 2026, are not covered by this initiative as described in the release.
– Provincial selection does not replace the federal PR process and admissibility checks.
Actions for employers and settlement advisors
Employers should review employee EOIs and supporting documents. Settlement advisors and community organizations can help eligible candidates confirm EOI dates, collect employment and wage evidence, and prepare for direct contact from NSNP.
Numbers and deadlines from the announcement
– EOI cutoff date: Active EOIs submitted on or before June 30, 2026.
– Work permit expiry window: Permits expiring in 2026 or earlier (including expired permits).
– NSNP release publication date: July 14, 2026.
– Hourly wage thresholds: CAD 27/hr (general); CAD 20/hr for TEER 0–2 Sales and Service occupations.
– Eligible TEER range for key sectors: TEER 0–4.
– Key sectors: Agriculture; Construction; Health and Social Services; Manufacturing; Natural Resources; Professional and Scientific Services; Transportation.
Final checklist for eligible candidates
– Verify your EOI exists and was submitted on or before June 30, 2026.
– Confirm your work permit expiry date is correctly recorded and falls in 2026 or earlier.
– Ensure wage and occupation information on your EOI matches employer records.
– Gather employer letters, pay stubs, and proof of Nova Scotia residence.
– Watch for direct contact from NSNP and be ready to respond quickly.
– Review federal inadmissibility risks.
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