The Nova Scotia Expression of Interest (EOI) System

The Expression of Interest system, known for short as the EOI, of the province of Nova Scotia is an important tool within the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). It is the first step for candidates to express an interest in settling in Nova Scotia, Canada, through a competitive scoring system.

An introduction to the Nova Scotia EOI within the NSNP programme

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)uses the Nova Scotia Expression of Interest (EOI) System to select candidates matching local labour needs, particularly in the context of the 2025 quota being cut by 50% to 3,150 places (including 1,765 NSNP places).

The Expression of Interest (EOI) System helps Nova Scotia prioritise health care, construction and other priority sector workers, with 9,774 EOIs awaiting processing as at 6 August 2025. This process is transparent, based on scores for experience, language and connection to the province.

In 2025, the Expression of Interest (EOI) System has made Nova Scotia more competitive because of the tight quota, but it remains a fast route to permanent residence.

Objectively, the Expression of Interest (EOI) System helps Nova Scotia match international skilled workers, particularly through theNSNP Express Entry – Labour Market Priorities stream.

The streams that use the EOI

The EOI applies to a number of the NSNP’s main streams, focusing on skilled workers with a connection to the province. The prominent streams are:

• Labour Market Priorities: this stream prioritises Express Entry candidates matching labour needs (health care, construction). A Letter of Interest (LOI) is received through the Express Entry profile without the need for a job offer.
• Skilled Worker: requires a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, and experience atNational Occupational Classification (NOC)or TEER 0-3.
• Entrepreneur: for entrepreneurs; the EOI scores business experience, with a minimum investment of CAD 150,000.
• NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur: graduated in Nova Scotia and has been operating a business for 1 year.

The Nova Scotia EOI application and scoring process

The Nova Scotia EOI process is straightforward but highly competitive:

1. Create a profile: submit online throughliveinnovascotia.com, filling in information on experience, language (Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)5+) and education.
2. Scoring: based on a points grid (a maximum of 100 points) assessed against factors covering age, language, experience, the job offer and the ability to connect with Nova Scotia.
3. Receiving an LOI/ITA: the highest-scoring candidates are invited to submit a full application within 30-60 days.
4. Submitting the provincial nomination application to the NSNP: after approval, on receiving the provincial nomination, the candidate is awarded an additional 600 pointsComprehensive Ranking System (CRS)where applying through the systemExpress Entry.
5. Submitting the permanent residence application: Qua Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with an application processing time of no more than 6 months.

The EOI points grid for the entrepreneur stream under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP):

Selection factor	Points
Language ability	Up to 35 points
Education	Up to 25 points
Work experience	Up to 15 points
Age	Up to 10 points
Adaptability	Up to 10 points
Nova Scotia economic priorities	Up to 10 points
Total	Up to 105 points

Factor 1: Language ability

First official language	Points
	Speaking
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 or above	7
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 8	6
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7	5
Below Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5	Not eligible

Second official language	Points
At least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 across all four skills	7

Factor 2: Education

Level of education	Points	Documents required
Completion of a Nova Scotia post-secondary credential for a two-year programme	12
A Canadian Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Evidence of completing a Canadian educational credential may include copies of:
• the post-secondary education document (certificate, diploma or degree)
• transcripts for the post-secondary studies successfully completed
Completion of a Nova Scotia post-secondary degree or credential for a programme of three years or longer	15
Two or more Canadian post-secondary degrees or credentials (at least one must be for a programme of at least three years completed at a Nova Scotia institution)	17
A Nova Scotia university degree at master’s level	22
Completion of a Nova Scotia entry-to-practice professional university degree.	22
The occupation related to the degree must be:
* National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 Skill Level A, and
* Licensed by a provincial regulatory body
A Nova Scotia university degree at doctoral (PhD) level	25

Factor 3: Work experience

Work experience	Points
Less than 3 years of work experience in the past 10 years at National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A or B	No points
3 to 5 years of work experience in the past 10 years at National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A or B	10
More than 5 years of work experience in the past 10 years at National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A or B	15

Factor 4: Adaptability

Adaptability factor	Points
The language proficiency of a spouse or common-law partner
The candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a language level in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or above across all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing)	5
Previous study by a spouse or common-law partner in Nova Scotia
The candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has completed at least two years of full-time study (on a programme of at least two years) at a secondary or post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia.
Full-time study means at least 15 hours of instruction a week, and the candidate’s accompanying spouse or common-law partner must have maintained good academic standing (as defined by the institution) throughout the period of full-time study in Nova Scotia.	5
Previous work by a spouse or common-law partner in Nova Scotia
The candidate’s spouse/common-law partner has at least one year of full-time work experience in Nova Scotia on a valid work permit or while authorised to work in Canada	5
A relative in Nova Scotia
The candidate, or where applicable the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner, has a relative aged 19 or over who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and has lived in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year. The accepted types of relative are:
* parent,
* grandparent,
* sibling,
* aunt/uncle, and
* niece/nephew.	5

Factor 5: Age

Age	Points
Under 21	Not eligible
21-39	10
40-44	7
45-55	5
56 or over	0

Factor 6: Nova Scotia economic priorities

Nova Scotia economic priorities	Points
An export-oriented business	5
The proposed business location is outside the Halifax Regional Municipality	5
Business succession	5

Points to note when applying

The Nova Scotia EOI brings significant benefits for candidates in the Express Entry system, and where they hold a provincial nomination, candidates receive a further 600 CRS points and are all but guaranteedInvitation to Apply (ITA). With an intake limit of around 7,000 permanent residents a year, the NSNP supports fast settlement and a low cost of living.