Nova Scotia launches an Express Entry job initiative to help connect Express Entry candidates with employers facing labour shortages in the province.
The province has started sending Notices of Interest (NOIs) to eligible Express Entry candidates as part of this effort.
At the moment, the initiative is focused on two important sectors:
- Construction; and
- Healthcare.
Nova Scotia recently introduced the program by adding a new “Critical Vacancies” section to its official “Live in Nova Scotia” website.
The province says the goal is to help employers struggling to hire workers locally by connecting them directly with skilled foreign workers already in the federal Express Entry system.
Who Can Qualify Under The New Initiative?
Nova Scotia says it is using the federal Express Entry system to identify skilled workers who may match current labour shortages in the province.
To receive a Notice of Interest, candidates must already have an active Express Entry profile.
At this time, there is no requirement for candidates to have:
- Canadian work experience; or
- Work experience specifically in Nova Scotia.
The province has not yet listed specific healthcare occupations under the initiative.
However, Nova Scotia has uploaded forms for six construction-related occupations.
These occupations are:
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
- 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 73100 – Concrete Finishers
The province says the initiative is mainly designed to connect employers with workers who may be suitable for vacant positions.
Notice Of Interest Is Not A Nomination
Nova Scotia has clarified that receiving a Notice of Interest does not automatically mean a candidate has received a provincial nomination.
It is also not the same as:
- An Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP); or
- An endorsement under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Instead, the NOI acts as an early connection between skilled workers and employers looking to fill important positions.
However, receiving a job offer through this process may improve a candidate’s immigration options later.
In some situations, candidates may eventually receive an Invitation to Apply directly through their Express Entry profile.
What Happens After Receiving A Notice Of Interest?
Candidates who receive a Notice of Interest will need to submit additional information about themselves.
This includes details related to:
- Work experience
- Education
- Professional qualifications
Applicants must complete a form available through Nova Scotia’s Critical Vacancies webpage.
After receiving submissions, the province will review applications and match suitable candidates with employers.
Employers may then contact selected candidates for interviews.
If an employer is satisfied with the candidate’s background and qualifications, they may offer a job.
Even if a candidate does not immediately receive an Invitation to Apply through Express Entry, having a valid job offer may still help strengthen future immigration applications.
Candidates may later apply through federal or provincial immigration pathways that best match their qualifications and work experience.
Nova Scotia Continues Focusing On Key Workers
This latest initiative reflects Nova Scotia’s broader immigration priorities announced earlier in 2026.
In April 2026, the province confirmed that healthcare workers and skilled trades workers would receive the highest priority under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
Workers in occupations classified under TEER 0 to TEER 4 are currently receiving stronger consideration for provincial nomination.
These groups are also among the few categories open to both:
- International applicants outside Canada; and
- Temporary residents already working in Nova Scotia.
Workers from sectors such as education, manufacturing, and natural and applied sciences may still qualify for provincial nomination.
However, many of these candidates must already be living and working in Nova Scotia as temporary residents.
Nova Scotia’s Immigration System Continues To Change
Nova Scotia has introduced several changes to its immigration system over the past year.
On November 28, 2025, the province announced plans to move toward an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for its immigration streams.
Under this system, applications submitted to Nova Scotia immigration programs are now treated as Expressions of Interest and placed into one centralized selection pool.
Before this change, candidates were able to submit complete applications directly for review.
The province later introduced another important update on May 1, 2026.
Under the revised rules, EOIs now remain valid for only 12 months.
Previously, profiles could stay in the pool without any expiry period.
Nova Scotia says these changes are meant to help manage applications more efficiently while responding faster to labour shortages across the province.
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