Immigrating to Nova Scotia: nominee program, steps and processing times

The provincial nominee program of Nova Scotia, the two ways to apply with a nomination, how to follow your application and what to do on arrival.

The provincial or territorial nominee program

Nova Scotia runs the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). A province or territory can nominate people who want to live and work there; a nomination then leads to a permanent residence application to the federal government. Official program page ↗

Two ways to apply after a nomination

• Through Express Entry ↗: a nomination adds points to your Express Entry profile.
• Outside Express Entry ↗: a paper or online application directly to IRCC.

Follow your application

• IRCC processing times ↗
• Processing times by country (our tool)
• Check your application status ↗

When you arrive

Follow the first steps in Nova Scotia (health card, driver’s licence, taxes, online accounts), then see renting and working.

Source: IRCC, Provincial Nominee Program ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.

Guides for this province

• Renting in Nova Scotia: rights, rent increases and average rents
• Working in Nova Scotia: minimum wage, standards and wages
• Moving to Nova Scotia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
• Cost of living in Nova Scotia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
• Buying a home in Nova Scotia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
• Health care in Nova Scotia: health card, drug plans and dental help
• Studying in Nova Scotia: tuition, student aid and grants
• Seniors in Nova Scotia: pensions, supplements and programs
• Taxes in Nova Scotia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
• Families in Nova Scotia: child benefits and family programs
• Immigrating to Nova Scotia: nominee program, steps and processing times