Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) will begin charging application fees on September 1, 2026.
- Worker streams – a CAD $1,000 fee per principal applicant for Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, and Nova Scotia Express‑Entry pathways.
- Entrepreneur streams – a CAD $2,000 fee per principal applicant for Purchase of a New Business, Purchase of an Existing Business, and International Graduate routes.
The fees apply only to candidates selected from the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool on or after the effective date; invitations issued before September 1 are exempt.
Payment deadlines
- Worker streams: fee must be paid within 7 calendar days of invitation.
- Entrepreneur streams:
- New business – within 90 calendar days
- Existing business – within 180 calendar days
- International graduates – within 90 calendar days
Payments are accepted online via Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express in a single transaction; installments are not permitted. The fee is charged per principal applicant and does not increase with dependents. Fees are non‑refundable except where required by law or due to an administrative error.
If the fee is not paid by the deadline, the EOI will be closed and will not proceed to assessment. A new EOI may be submitted if eligibility criteria are still met.
Rationale
The Nova Scotia government cites persistent demand that exceeds the province’s annual federal allocation. Introducing fees is intended to “ensure limited nomination spaces are allocated in support of Nova Scotia’s labour market and economic priorities.” The province emphasizes that submitting an EOI remains free, and there is no fee for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Comparison with other provinces
| Province | Worker‑application fee | Entrepreneur fee |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Manitoba | $500 | – |
| Alberta | $1,500 | – |
| British Columbia | $1,750 | – |
| Ontario | $1,500–$2,000 | – |
Entrepreneur fees are common across Canadian provincial nominee programs.
NSNP application flow (post‑fee)
- Confirm eligibility for at least one NSNP stream.
- Submit an EOI to enter the provincial candidate pool.
- Be selected in a draw (first‑come, first‑served, based on provincial priorities).
- Receive an invitation to apply, pay the applicable fee, and submit the nomination application within the stipulated deadline.
- If nominated, file a permanent‑residence (PR) application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The current federal PR fee for economic immigration is CAD $1,590 (processing + right of permanent residence). An additional $1,590 applies for a spouse or partner, and $270 per dependent child, payable separately from the provincial fees.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
