Nova Scotia launches initiative to connect Express Entry candidates with job offers
Nova Scotia has begun sending out Notices of Interest (NOIs) to Express Entry candidates, to connect them with employers in priority sectors that are experiencing labour shortages.
As of the time of this time of writing, only two sectors have been identified under this initiative: construction and healthcare.
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Nova Scotia announced this initiative over the last week by adding a "Critical Vacancies" tab to its "Live in Nova Scotia" webpage.
Who is eligible for the “critical vacancies” initiative?
Nova Scotia has stated that it is "leveraging the Express Entry system" to identify qualified skilled workers for local employers unable to recruit locally. Candidates must hold an active Express Entry profile to receive an NOI.
There is no requirement to have Canadian or Nova Scotia-specific work experience. At this time, Nova Scotia has not listed any specific healthcare occupations being targeted. Under the construction trades sector, forms for six occupations have been uploaded:
- 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
It is important to note that an NOI is not an invitation to apply (ITA) for provincial nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), nor an endorsement under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). It is primarily a way for the province to connect qualified foreign workers with local employers who have been unable to fill roles domestically.
That said, candidates who receive a job offer through this process may be well-positioned to pursue a federal or provincial immigration pathway. In some cases, a candidate may receive an ITA through their Express Entry account, as part of this process.
I have received a Notice of Interest. What’s next?
Those who receive a NOI will be asked to provide details about their work experience, education, and qualifications.
In order to do so, they will have to submit a form that they can access from the Critical Vacancies webpage.
The province will then review all submissions and screen candidates based on the requirements of roles. Qualified candidates will be shared with employers.
Employers will then contact the shortlisted candidates to schedule interviews and may extend a job offer to those who meet their needs.
The province has stated that, in some cases, candidates may receive an ITA in their Express Entry account as part of their process. If they do not, they may still pursue the immigration pathway that best fits their occupation and eligibility (provincial or federal), as a job offer in hand may provide an immigration advantage.
Nova Scotia's immigration priorities for 2026
This initiative aligns with priorities Nova Scotia announced in April 2026 for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
Under this framework, healthcare workers and skilled tradespeople in TEER 0-4 receive the highest priority for provincial nomination. These are the only occupational groups open to both international applicants and temporary residents already living and working in the province.
Workers in other sectors, such as natural and applied sciences, education, and manufacturing, may also be considered for nomination, but only if they are already residing in Nova Scotia as temporary residents.
About Nova Scotia’s evolving immigration system
On November 28, 2025, Nova Scotia's PNP announced that it would be introducing an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for intake under both its provincial immigration programs.
Under the new model, all submissions to Nova Scotia's immigration programs — including previously submitted applications — are now treated as EOIs, and entered into a centralized pool.
Before this change, NSNP candidates were able to submit full applications for assessment.
As of May 1, 2026, Nova Scotia narrowed the validity period of EOIs to 12 months (with certain transition measured in place); previously, EOIs could remain in the pool indefinitely.
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