Nova Scotia overhauls permanent resident selection process

On November 28, the Nova Scotia Nominee Programme (NSNP) announced it would introduce a new Expression of Interest (EOI) model into its intake process — following in the footsteps of most other Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs).

Overview of the overhaul in Nova Scotia

According to the provincial website, “all applications submitted to the Nova Scotia immigration programme – regardless of when they were submitted – are now considered Expressions of Interest (EOIs)”.

The NSNP further clarified that having a profile ID or submitting an application that meets eligibility criteria does not guarantee that their immigration programme applications will be processed.

This change also applies to certifications under Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

The EOI model introduces a candidate pool system into the application intake process. Previously, candidates who submitted Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) complete applications were assessed and either “refused or nominated”; now these complete applications will be entered into a candidate pool, from which the NSNP will select candidates based on their own immigration priorities prior to assessment. This is similar to how the selection of candidates operates under the system Express Entry.

As part of this change, Nova Scotia also announced it will prioritise candidates who match current labour market and economic needs.

Priority sectors that may be listed by the province include:

• Health care;
• Construction;
• Skilled trades;
• STEM;
• Natural resources;
• Manufacturing.

The province expects these priorities to evolve.

How will the new EOI model work for NSNP and AIP candidates?

Under the revised EOI model, both NSNP candidates and AIP employers will continue to submit complete applications. However, these applications will now function as Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and be entered into a centralised pool.

Nova Scotia will periodically hold draw events to determine which EOIs will proceed to processing. Selection may depend on a number of factors, such as:

• Current provincial priorities;
• Remaining allocation of nominations or certifications;
• Size of the EOI pool;
• Programme integrity needs.

Candidates or employers selected in a draw will receive direct notification from the province confirming their application is proceeding to processing. Selection demonstrates alignment with Nova Scotia’s priorities at that time, but does not guarantee approval.

If an EOI is not selected, it simply remains in the pool. Candidates who do not receive communications can assume no change to the status of their application.

Why is Nova Scotia making this change to its immigration intake process at this time?

In its announcement of the new EOI model, the NSNP stated that “the number of individuals interested in immigrating to Nova Scotia is significantly greater than the number of applications the province can approve under its annual federal allocation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)”.

The increased selectivity that provinces must apply in their selection processes (resulting from reduced nomination allocations from IRCC) has been the driving force behind many provinces implementing EOI systems this year.

Nova Scotia’s implementation of an EOI system follows similar underlying trends, as the province seeks to direct its nomination allocations more closely to urgent labour market and demographic needs.

Although it remains so in 2025, next year may bring some relief for NSNP candidates, with a sharp overall increase in provincial immigration targets for 2026, as detailed in the new Immigration Plan. These allocations flow directly into the provincial nomination allocation, meaning Nova Scotia could soon see an increase in the number of available provincial nomination places.

In fact, Nova Scotia’s nomination allocation for 2025 has reportedly increased from 3,150 places at the start of the year to 3,709 nominations in October of this year.