Nova Scotia has introduced a sweeping transformation to how it handles immigration submissions, adopting a pool-driven intake approach that reshapes the pathway for skilled workers and employers. Announced on November 28, the update aligns the province with the broader trend among Canadian provinces that rely on Expression of Interest (EOI) systems to manage high demand.
This overhaul impacts both the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), changing the way applications are evaluated and selected for processing.
Also Read Nova Scotia Introduces New EOI-Based Selection System for Immigration Applicants
All Submissions Shift Into a Unified EOI Pool
The province confirmed that every submission – past and present – has now been reclassified as an Expression of Interest. While applicants still upload full forms and supporting documents, these files will not proceed directly to assessment. Instead, they become part of a large, continuously updated pool of interested candidates.
This significant departure from the previous first-come, first-served method allows Nova Scotia to choose candidates more strategically rather than reviewing all files chronologically.
Holding a case ID or meeting the general criteria no longer guarantees that an application will be reviewed.
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How the New Selection Rounds Will Work
The province will run periodic selection rounds to identify candidates whose profiles match priority needs. Selection decisions can be influenced by:
- Labour market pressure points
- Available nomination and endorsement capacity
- The volume and composition of the EOI pool
- Administrative and program-quality considerations
Applicants or employers chosen in a round will receive direct communication from provincial officers, indicating that their application is moving forward to the next stage. Those not selected simply remain in the pool for future consideration, with no expiry unless the province updates its rules.
Sectors Expected to Receive Early Attention
Nova Scotia indicated that its short-term focus will be on sectors that require additional talent to sustain economic growth. Early signals point to priority fields such as:
- Healthcare and clinical support
- The construction sector
- Skilled trades and apprenticeship-linked occupations
- STEM and tech-driven disciplines
- Natural resource operations
- Manufacturing and industrial support roles
These categories may change as labour shortages shift over time.
Why Nova Scotia Is Changing Its Approach
The province explained that interest in immigrating to Nova Scotia continues to exceed the number of nominations it is permitted to issue annually under federal guidelines. With limited allocation space and rising demand, the new EOI design gives officials the ability to prioritise the most critical labour market needs rather than processing all applications equally.
This transition mirrors similar adjustments adopted by other provinces earlier this year, especially those also navigating constrained nomination volumes.
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Prospects for 2025 and the Anticipated Expansion in 2026
Although 2025 remains a year of limited capacity, Nova Scotia has already experienced a mid-year increase in its nomination allotment – from 3,150 at the beginning of the year to 3,709 by October.
Even more promising, the federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2026 forecasts substantial growth in the Provincial Nominee Program category. Once implemented, these higher national figures may grant Nova Scotia more room to issue nominations, potentially easing pressure on the EOI pool.
A System Built for Flexibility and Long-Term Planning
By centralising all submissions into a single EOI mechanism, Nova Scotia aims to build a selection system that is adaptive, transparent, and aligned with economic realities. For many candidates, the shift will mean waiting for targeted invitations rather than automatic assessment. Still, the model offers the province stronger tools to match newcomers to real labour-market priorities.
