Nova Scotia has confirmed that 1,312 immigration spaces remain available for 2025 across its provincial programs.
By August 6, 2025, the province had already used at least 1,838 of its total spots under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and its share of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), according to information shared with CIC News by a provincial representative.
For this year, Nova Scotia’s combined allocation under both programs is 3,150—marking a 50% cut compared to 2024, following limits set by the federal government.
Despite the reduced allocation, interest remains strong. As of August 6, there were 9,774 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) still in the pool awaiting processing.
Out of the total allocation for 2025, 1,765 spaces have been reserved for the NSNP, while 1,365 are designated for the AIP.
| Program | Stream | Total number of EOIs |
| NSNP | Skilled Worker | 3,588 |
| Experience: Express Entry | 1,734 | |
| Occupations in Demand | 1,267 | |
| Critical Construction Worker | 434 | |
| International Graduates in Demand | 103 | |
| Labour Market Priorities for Physicians | 3 | |
| Physician | 3 | |
| Entrepreneur | 8 | |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | 1 | |
| AIP | N/A. | 2,633 |
| Total EOIs awaiting processing | 9,774 | |
Nova Scotia has not disclosed how many Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are currently in the pool for the general Labour Market Priorities Stream or the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot.
According to the provincial government, interest is especially high in the Skilled Worker and Experience: Express Entry streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), as well as in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Officials confirmed to CIC News that the decision to move forward with applications depends on a range of factors, including labour market needs in areas like healthcare and construction, regional workforce demands, application quality and timing, available allocations, and the likelihood that candidates will remain in Nova Scotia long-term.
The province has also not specified how many of its 2025 selections have been made through NSNP nominations versus AIP endorsements.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
The NSNP offers a pathway to permanent residence (PR) for foreign nationals and includes 11 streams. Some are aligned with Express Entry, while others operate independently. Eligibility requirements vary but typically focus on factors such as age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
In most streams, candidates need a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, often in a designated sector or National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Applications are reviewed stream by stream, and once assessed, candidates may receive a provincial nomination or a refusal. Successful nominees must apply for permanent residence within 12 months of receiving their nomination.
Federal processing times currently average eight months for Express Entry-linked applications and 20 months for non-Express Entry streams.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP provides skilled workers and certain international graduates with a route to permanent residence in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. As an employer-driven program, it requires candidates to secure a job offer from a provincially designated employer.
Eligibility depends on meeting requirements for education, work experience, language ability, and settlement funds. Once endorsed by the province, candidates must obtain a settlement plan and can then apply for permanent residence through IRCC. Many applicants also qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit valid for up to two years, allowing them to work in Nova Scotia while their PR application is being processed.
Processing times for AIP applications are currently around 13 months.
In July 2025, Nova Scotia announced it will prioritize applications from foreign nationals already living and working in the province with work permits expiring this year. Healthcare and social assistance workers, as well as those in construction, are receiving the highest priority. For candidates outside Nova Scotia, the same sectors are being prioritized, though the province has also made exceptions for employers recruiting in trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development.
