Nova Scotia Announces Remaining Immigration Quota for 2025

The Government of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia has a total of 1,312 spaces remaining for 2025 across its provincial immigration programs.

As of August 6, at least 1,838 allocations have already been used under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the province's share of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

For 2025, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program received a combined allocation of 3,150 spots across both programs—a 50% reduction compared to 2024, imposed by the federal government.

Immigration Demand Remains High

Interest in Nova Scotia programs continues to surge, with 9,774 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) still awaiting processing as of August 6. Nova Scotia's 3,150 immigration spots for 2025 are distributed as follows:

• NSNP: 1,765
• AIP: 1,365

EOIs Awaiting Processing (by Program & Stream):

The province did not disclose the number of EOIs currently awaiting processing for the general Labour Market Priorities Stream or the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot.

According to the Government of Nova Scotia, the province is currently experiencing particularly high interest in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program Skilled Worker and Experience: Express Entry streams, as well as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Selection Priorities

Nova Scotia has indicated that application processing decisions are based on:

• Labour market needs, such as healthcare and construction;
• Regional demands;
• Application quality and timing;
• Available allocations; and
• The likelihood of a candidate staying in Nova Scotia long-term.

This province has not confirmed how many provincial selections in 2025 were nominations under the NSNP versus endorsements under the AIP.

Calculate Your CRS Points

About the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

• The NSNP offers foreign nationals a pathway to Canada PR through 11 streams.
• Some streams are Express Entry-aligned, others are not.
• Each stream of Nova Scotia has varying eligibility requirements, and criteria like age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
• Almost all Nova Scotia streams require candidates to have a job offer from a Nova Scotia Nominee Program employer to be considered, often in a certain sector or National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
• PR application must be submitted to IRCC within 12 months of nomination.
• Nova Scotia PNP requires candidates to apply for Canada PR within 12 months after receiving a nomination.
• The current PR applications submitted processing times: 8 months (Express Entry) and 20 months (non-Express Entry).

About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• The AIP is a pathway to Canada PR for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces.
• Requires a provincially endorsed job offer from an eligible designated employer.
• Eligibility requirements are based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
• The AIP current PR processing time: 13 months.
• AIP applicants may qualify for a 2-year LMIA-exempt special work permit to begin working in Canada while the PR application is processed.

Priority Focus in 2025

In July 2025, Nova Scotia announced that it will be prioritizing foreign nationals worker already living and working in the province—particularly those with work permits expiring this year.

• Among these, individuals employed in healthcare and social assistance and construction workers will receive the highest priority.
• Candidates outside Nova Scotia PNP will also be prioritized if working in the healthcare stream, social assistance stream, or construction stream.
• Nova Scotia exceptions may apply to employers hiring in trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development.

Subscribe for FREE and stay updated
With the latest Canada Immigration News!

Source: novascotiaimmigration.com

Tags: Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Nominee Program Atlantic Immigration Program Nova Scotia PNP Nova Scotia immigration Nova Scotia PNP 2025 Nova Scotia skilled worker Nova Scotia immigration allocation Canada immigration news