Good News for NSNP and Atlantic Immigration Program Applicants in 2026

Nova Scotia has announced a one- time expansion of its expanded selection priorities in 2026. To address increasing labour market needs effectively and optimize its available provincial nomination space.

Despite being operated under limited federal immigration allocations, the province continues to face high demand across its immigration programs, including the Atlantic Immigration Program( AIP) and Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).

To support economic growth, workforce retention, and priority industries, Nova Scotia is strategically allocating its nomination spaces to applicants who can help fill critical labor shortages.

The province also aims to retain temporary foreign workers and graduates who are already living and working in Nova Scotia, ensuring employers continue to access the skilled talent needed in sectors experiencing persistent workforce shortages.

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Expansion to Nova Scotia's Selection Priorities

The expanded selection includes the applicants who have already submitted an EOI, whose work visa expires in 2026 or before, and who satisfy one or more of the following requirements.

• Graduating from a Nova Scotia-designated educational institution.
• Working in TEER 0–4 occupations within important industries like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and professional services.
• Earning at least CAD 20 per hour in eligible sales and service occupations.
• At the time of the EOI submission, you must be employed in Nova Scotia in any capacity and make at least $27 per hour.
• Living outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality.
• Additionally, the province will continue to place a high priority on hiring foreign workers for key jobs like construction and healthcare.

While deciding which applications to execute first, work permit expiration may be taken into consideration as a secondary factor.

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Nova Scotia Introduces EOI System for NSNP and AIP

For all streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and Designations and Endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Nova Scotia has formally instituted an Expression of Interest (EOI) procedure.

Unveiled on November 28, 2025, the new approach aims to improve transparency while helping the province manage its limited federal immigration quota and adapt to changing labor market demands.

How the Nova Scotia EOI process works: NSNP and AIP

• Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI): All employer submissions for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) are immediately converted to Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and added to an EOI pool. Current applications are likewise regarded as EOIs, regardless of when they were filed.

• EOI Draws for Processing: Regular EOI draws are held in Nova Scotia to choose applications based on program integrity, nomination space availability, labor market priorities, and EOI pool volume. Candidates in high-demand industries like manufacturing, healthcare, construction, skilled crafts, STEM, and natural resources may be given preference.

• If Your EOI Is Selected: For processing, the Department gets in touch with the selected applicants personally. Selection shows that the application is in accordance with Nova Scotia's current priorities, but it does not guarantee government nomination or approval.

• If Your EOI Is Not Selected: Unselected applications stay in the EOI pool and could be taken into consideration in subsequent draws. If the province doesn't get back to applicants, they should be aware that their status is still the same and that they don't need to take any more action unless the Department contacts them directly.

Nova Scotia EOI Draws 2026

As per the Nova Scotia’s updated Nova Scotia draw statistics, approximately 2,571 applicants were invited under the immigration programs in the first half of 2026 (Between January to June). It is estimated that the July 2026 draw result will be released shortly.

Nova Scotia continues to change its monthly immigration selections based on provincial nomination allocations, evolving labor market needs and program eligibility. Professionals in skilled trades, healthcare, and other high-demand fields with ongoing labor shortages are given priority.

To improve their chances of being invited to future selection rounds, applicants with a genuine Expression of Interest (EOI) should update their profiles and frequently review official announcements.

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Source: liveinnovascotia.com

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