Nova Scotia Confirms Remaining Immigration Spaces for 2025

Nova Scotia has confirmed that it has 1,312 immigration spaces left for 2025 across its provincial immigration programs.

As of 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). This information was shared by a provincial representative with CIC News.

The federal government has set Nova Scotia’s 2025 immigration allocation at 3,150, which represents a 50% reduction compared to 2024.

High Demand for Nova Scotia Immigration Programs

Interest in the province’s programs remains strong. As of early August, there were 9,774 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) still waiting to be processed.

Here’s how the 2025 allocation of 3,150 spaces is divided:

• NSNP: 1,765 spots
• AIP: 1,365 spots
  
  

Breakdown of EOIs awaiting processing:

The province did not release data for the general Labour Market Priorities Stream or the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot.

Factors That Influence Selection

According to Nova Scotia, the decision to process immigration applications depends on several factors:

• Labour market needs (healthcare and construction are top priorities)
• Regional demands
• Application quality and timing
• Available allocations
• Likelihood of the applicant staying long-term in Nova Scotia

The province has not yet disclosed how many selections have been nominations through the NSNP compared to endorsements through the AIP.

About the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

The NSNP offers foreign nationals a path to permanent residence (PR) in Canada through 11 different streams.

• Some streams are Express Entry-aligned (enhanced), while others are not.
• Eligibility usually depends on age, education, work experience, language ability, and settlement funds.
• Most streams require a valid job offer from a Nova Scotia employer, often in specific sectors or occupations.
• After receiving a nomination, candidates must apply for PR within 12 months.
  
  

Processing times:

• Express Entry applications: ~8 months
• Non-Express Entry applications: ~20 months
  
  

About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP provides a pathway to PR for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces.

Key features:

• It is an employer-driven program, requiring a job offer from a designated employer.
• Eligibility is based on education, work experience, language ability, and settlement funds.
• Candidates must have their job offer endorsed by the province and obtain a settlement plan before applying for PR.
• Applicants may be eligible for a special LMIA-exempt work permit (up to 2 years), allowing them to start working while their PR is being processed.
  
  

Processing time for AIP applications: ~13 months

Priority Applicants for 2025

In July 2025, Nova Scotia announced that it would prioritize candidates already living and working in the province with work permits expiring this year.

Special priority is being given to workers in:

• Healthcare and social assistance (NAICS 62)
• Construction (NAICS 23)
  
  

For candidates outside Nova Scotia, priority will be given to workers in:

• Healthcare
• Social assistance
• Construction
  
  

Exceptions may be made for employers in:

• Trucking
• Science and technology
• Clean energy
• Resource development
  
  

Final Takeaway

Nova Scotia continues to be a highly attractive destination for immigrants, despite the reduced allocation for 2025. With thousands of EOIs already in the system and limited spaces remaining, candidates should prepare strong applications that align with provincial labour market needs—particularly in healthcare and construction.