Nova Scotia reveals the remaining 2025 immigration spaces, i.e., the province has confirmed that a total of 1,312 provincial immigration spaces remain available in 2025 across its immigration programs.
As of August 6, 2025, the province has already used 1,838 spots across both the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and its share of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
For 2025, Nova Scotia’s combined allocation under the NSNP and AIP is 3,150 spaces, which is 50% fewer than what was available in 2024. This reduction follows a federal government decision to scale back provincial immigration numbers for the year.
Interest In Nova Scotia Programs Remains High
The demand for Nova Scotia immigration opportunities continues to grow. As of August 6, there were 9,774 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) still waiting to be processed.
Here’s how Nova Scotia’s immigration allocation for 2025 is divided:
- NSNP: 1,765 spaces
- AIP: 1,365 spaces
The table below highlights the number of EOIs currently awaiting processing by stream.
| 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 | |
Streams Under High Demand
As Nova Scotia reveals the remaining 2025 immigration spaces, let us discuss the streams that are high in demand.
While the province did not provide EOI numbers for the Labour Market Priorities Stream or the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot, officials confirmed that the NSNP Skilled Worker and Experience, i.e., Express Entry streams, along with the AIP, continue to see the highest demand.
The province also explained that its processing decisions are based on multiple factors, including:
- Immediate labour market needs, especially in healthcare and construction
- Regional demands across Nova Scotia
- Quality and timing of applications submitted
- Available provincial allocations
- Likelihood of the candidate staying in Nova Scotia long-term
At this time, Nova Scotia has not disclosed how many selections so far in 2025 have been NSNP nominations versus AIP endorsements.
About The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
The NSNP offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residence (PR) for foreign nationals interested in living and working in Nova Scotia. The program is made up of 11 different streams, some of which are aligned with Express Entry (enhanced streams), while others operate independently.
Each stream comes with its own eligibility requirements, generally based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and settlement funds.
In most cases, candidates need a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer to be considered. Job offers are usually tied to specific sectors or National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes where the province is facing labour shortages.
Once an application is submitted, candidates undergo a review process, which can lead to a provincial nomination or a refusal. If nominated, candidates must apply for PR with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 12 months.
Processing times vary depending on the route taken. Currently, PR applications submitted through Express Entry are processed in around 8 months, while applications not tied to Express Entry take closer to 20 months.
About The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is another pathway to permanent residence, specifically for skilled workers and international student graduates who wish to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia.
This program is employer-driven, meaning applicants must secure a job offer from a provincially designated employer. Once endorsed by the province, the applicant can develop a federally required settlement plan and then apply for PR through IRCC.
Eligibility is based on a mix of education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
An added advantage of the AIP is that candidates may be eligible for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permit. This temporary permit, valid for up to two years, allows applicants to start working in Canada while their PR application is being processed.
Currently, the processing time for AIP applications is 13 months.
Nova Scotia’s Current Immigration Priorities
As Nova Scotia reveals the remaining 2025 immigration spaces, let us now discuss the province’s current immigration policies.
In July 2025, Nova Scotia announced that it would prioritize applicants already living and working in the province with work permits expiring within the year.
Priority is being given to those employed in the following sectors:
- Healthcare and social assistance (NAICS 62)
- Construction (NAICS 23)
For candidates outside Nova Scotia, applications are also being prioritized for those with job offers in healthcare, social assistance, and construction. However, exceptions are being made for employers hiring in:
- Trucking
- Science and technology
- Clean energy
- Resource development
This approach reflects Nova Scotia’s strategy to address critical labour shortages while ensuring newcomers can integrate successfully into local communities.
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