Immigration Announcement
Nova Scotia Introduces $1,000 Fee for Worker Immigration Streams
Nova Scotia is introducing application fees for candidates selected for assessment under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), creating a new cost consideration for prospective provincial nominees. The change takes effect on September 1, 2026, and applies to selected candidates in worker and entrepreneur streams.
The province says the fees are intended to support program administration, assessment processes and the management of limited nomination spaces. Importantly, submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) will remain free. The fee will only become payable if an EOI is selected for assessment.
What Is Changing Under the NSNP?
Starting September 1, candidates selected for assessment will need to pay a non-refundable application fee based on their Nova Scotia Nominee Program stream.
The new fees are:
| NSNP Stream | Application Fee |
| Skilled Worker | $1,000 |
| Nova Scotia Graduate | $1,000 |
| Nova Scotia: Express Entry | $1,000 |
| Entrepreneur | $2,000 |
The fee applies to the principal applicant and does not increase based on the number of dependants included in the application.
Nova Scotia says the change brings its provincial nomination program more closely in line with most other provincial immigration programs that charge application fees.
When Will Candidates Have to Pay?
The key date is September 1, 2026.
Candidates who received their selection letter before September 1, 2026 will not have to pay the new fee.
However, candidates whose EOIs are selected for assessment on or after September 1, 2026 will be subject to the fee, even if they submitted their EOI before the new fee structure came into effect.
This distinction is important because the date of EOI submission does not determine whether the fee applies. The deciding factor is when the candidate’s EOI is selected for assessment.
Submitting an EOI Remains Free
Nova Scotia has confirmed that candidates will not have to pay anything to submit an Expression of Interest.
The process works in stages. A candidate first submits an EOI to enter the pool. If the province selects that EOI for assessment, the candidate receives instructions regarding the application fee.
This means applicants do not need to pay $1,000 or $2,000 simply to enter the NSNP EOI pool.
Worker Streams Will Have a $1,000 Fee
The new $1,000 application fee applies to the NSNP worker streams, including:
- Skilled Worker
- Nova Scotia Graduate
- Nova Scotia: Express Entry
For these streams, selected candidates must pay the fee within 7 calendar days of receiving notification that their EOI has been selected for assessment.
Candidates should therefore monitor their email and NSNP communications closely once their EOI enters the pool.
Missing the payment deadline can have significant consequences. Nova Scotia states that an unpaid submission will not proceed to assessment.
Entrepreneur Applicants Face a Different Fee Structure
Candidates under the NSNP Entrepreneur stream will pay $2,000.
The payment deadline depends on the type of Entrepreneur application.
Candidates starting a new business must pay within 90 calendar days of receiving an Invitation to Apply. The same 90-day period applies to the Entrepreneur stream international graduates.
Applicants purchasing an existing business have up to 180 calendar days to pay the application fee.
This gives Entrepreneur applicants substantially more time than candidates in the worker streams, but the payment requirement remains mandatory.
What Happens If a Candidate Does Not Pay?
Nova Scotia has made clear that payment is required before the application can proceed to assessment.
If the candidate does not provide proof of payment within the applicable deadline, the EOI will be closed and the submission will not move forward.
Candidates who continue to meet program requirements may submit a new EOI. However, if that new EOI is selected after September 1, the applicable application fee would again be required.
This also means applicants should not wait until the last moment to arrange payment.
Are the NSNP Fees Refundable?
Generally, no.
Nova Scotia states that application fees are non-refundable, except where required by law or where an administrative error has occurred.
Applicants should therefore make sure they understand the relevant stream and application requirements before making payment.
Paying the fee does not mean the applicant will automatically receive a provincial nomination.
Does Paying the Fee Improve the Chances of Nomination?
No.
The application fee is an administrative charge. It does not increase a candidate’s likelihood of being selected, assessed favourably or nominated.
Candidates must still satisfy the applicable NSNP requirements and undergo the normal assessment process.
Similarly, paying the fee does not provide priority processing.
What About the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The new provincial fee does not apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Nova Scotia confirmed that the AIP will continue to operate without a provincial application fee.
This distinction is particularly relevant for applicants comparing immigration options in Atlantic Canada. Provincial nominee applications and AIP applications operate under different frameworks and should not be treated as interchangeable pathways.
Why Is Nova Scotia Introducing Application Fees?
According to the province, the fees are intended to help the NSNP operate efficiently and maintain program integrity.
Nova Scotia identified several reasons for the change, including:
- Supporting program administration.
- Funding assessment activities.
- Helping manage limited nomination spaces.
- Recovering part of the administrative costs associated with processing applications.
The province also noted that demand for nominations exceeds its annual federal allocation.
The introduction of fees is therefore being presented as part of the province’s broader effort to maintain and administer its immigration programs.
What Should Prospective Applicants Do Now?
Candidates considering the NSNP should pay close attention to the timing of their application.
If an applicant’s EOI is selected before September 1, 2026, the new fee does not apply. If selection occurs on or after that date, the applicant should be prepared to pay the applicable amount.
Applicants should also:
- Confirm which NSNP stream they qualify under.
- Keep their EOI information accurate and current.
- Monitor their email for selection notifications.
- Prepare the required documents in advance.
- Understand the applicable payment deadline.
- Keep the official payment receipt for their records.
Candidates should avoid assuming that paying the fee guarantees nomination. The fee is simply one requirement that applies after selection for assessment.
What This Means for Nova Scotia Immigration Applicants
The introduction of NSNP application fees represents a significant procedural change for candidates considering Nova Scotia as a provincial nomination destination.
For worker-stream applicants, the additional $1,000 cost needs to be factored into immigration planning. Entrepreneur applicants will face a $2,000 fee.
At the same time, the province is keeping EOI submission free and is not extending the fee to the Atlantic Immigration Program.
The most important date is September 1, 2026. Candidates selected for assessment on or after that date should expect to pay the applicable fee and meet the required payment deadline.
As provincial immigration programs continue to evolve, applicants should rely on the latest official NSNP requirements rather than older application guides or information circulating online.
