Skilled Worker
Nova Scotia's main employer-driven stream for workers who hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. Following a consolidation of the nominee program in February 2026, this single stream also carries the targeted sub-criteria that used to sit in separate streams: construction workers in listed trades, physicians with an approved Nova Scotia Health or IWK opportunity, and workers in in-demand occupations such as nurse aides, truck drivers and cleaners. Candidates register an expression of interest and the province invites selected profiles to apply.
Open
Status
Job offer
How you apply
Key requirements
| Age | 21 to 55 years |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent; the construction sub-criteria also accept a construction-specific training program |
| Language | CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 occupations; CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5 occupations (minimum CLB 4) |
| Work experience | At least 1 year of related work experience; applicants in TEER 4 or 5 occupations need at least 6 months of that experience with the Nova Scotia employer offering the job |
| Job offer | Required |
| Ties to the province | Must intend to live in Nova Scotia permanently; post-graduation work permit holders in TEER 5 occupations are not eligible |
| How you apply | Expression of Interest (EOI) — you register a profile and wait to be invited |
| Employer requirements | Nova Scotia employer offering a full-time, permanent position located in the province |
Summary only — requirements change and details decide real cases. Always confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying: https://liveinnovascotia.com/skilled-worker (this record was verified against that source on 23 Oct 2026). This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
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How long will it take?
Current IRCC processing-time estimates, recorded daily.