On May 12, 2026, the federal and Nova Scotia governments announced new workforce support measures that could also benefit many newcomers and immigrant workers employed in industries affected by tariffs and global market shifts. Support will be delivered through provincial programs and will focus on retraining, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives to help workers remain employed or transition into new roles. The measures may include training opportunities for unemployed work

Nova Scotia has refined its immigration priorities to address critical labour shortages, with a primary focus on healthcare and skilled trades. Effective April 27, 2026, candidates in these sectors at TEER levels 0–4 are prioritized, including both international applicants and temporary residents already working in the province. Additionally, the province may consider candidates already working in Nova Scotia in selected sectors, including natural sciences, education, natural

Effective May 1, 2026, Nova Scotia will implement a 12-month validity period for all Expressions of Interest (EOI) to enhance inventory management and ensure alignment with current labour-market needs. Under the new measures, EOIs submitted before May 1, 2024, will be closed immediately on the effective date. Those submitted between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, will remain active until April 30, 2027, unless selected sooner. For all new submissions moving forward, profile

Nova Scotia has restructured its immigration system by consolidating ten separate streams into four main pathways. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program now offers clearer options for newcomers through the Nova Scotia Graduate, Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia: Express Entry streams. This change took effect on February 18, 2026, and applies only to new applications submitted after that date. Existing applications remain unaffected, and all eligibility requirements sta

Nova Scotia’s Pictou County has announced the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), with employer designation applications opening on February 17, 2026. As one of only 14 selected communities in Canada, Pictou County will use this permanent residency pathway to fill critical roles in healthcare, trades, and technology across municipalities like New Glasgow and Stellarton. The program aims to align regional labour needs with international talent, offering a

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program will temporarily close its application portal from February 13 to February 18, 2026, as part of a major modernization effort. During this period, applicants with in-progress Expression of Interest submissions must complete them by February 13 at 4:00 PM, or they will be automatically cancelled. The program is also consolidating its streams from 10 to 4, aiming to provide greater clarity and a more streamlined application experience. Importantl

Starting October 1, 2025, workers in five Canadian provinces will benefit from minimum wage increases designed to combat inflation and...

In response to overwhelming application volumes exceeding 2025 approval capacity, Nova Scotia's Immigration and Population Growth Branch...

Pictou County has identified strategic priority sectors and occupations as part of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), marking...

Nova Scotia invests $1.6 million over three years to support rural entrepreneurs and startups through Ignite Atlantic, a startup...

Nova Scotia's Immigration and Population Growth Branch is modernizing its Atlantic Immigration Program with a new online endorsement...