The fee applies after an EOI is selected
Nova Scotia announced the new Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) application fees on August 6, 2026, and they took effect on September 1, 2026. There is still no charge to create or submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
A fee is due only when an EOI is selected for assessment on or after September 1, whenever the EOI itself was submitted. Candidates who received their selection notice before September 1 do not pay the new fee.
$1,000 for worker streams, $2,000 for entrepreneurs
- $1,000 for the worker streams: Nova Scotia: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia: Graduate and Nova Scotia: Express Entry.
- $2,000 for the Entrepreneur stream.
- The fee is charged per principal applicant. Adding dependants does not increase it.
- The Atlantic Immigration Program is not affected and has no provincial application fee.
Payment deadlines depend on the stream
- Worker streams: within 7 calendar days after notification that the EOI was selected.
- Entrepreneur, starting a new business: within 90 calendar days after the invitation to apply.
- Entrepreneur, purchasing an existing business: within 180 calendar days after the invitation to apply.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur: within 90 calendar days after the invitation to apply.
How payment works and what happens if it is late
Payment is made online, in one payment for the full amount, using a single method. Instalments, split payments and advance payment are not permitted; the fee can be paid only after selection. The province emails a receipt, which must be kept and submitted as proof of payment. A screenshot of the confirmation page is not accepted.
If proof of payment is not provided by the deadline, Nova Scotia closes the EOI and the submission does not go to assessment. A candidate who still meets the eligibility requirements may submit a new EOI but must pay again if selected again.
The fee is non-refundable, except where required by law or where there has been an administrative error. No fee waivers or exemptions are available for any NSNP stream.
Paying does not improve the chance of nomination
The fee does not guarantee a nomination, change the assessment or speed up processing. Candidates should wait for the province's selection notice and payment instructions rather than trying to pay in advance.