Nova Scotia immigration 2025 / August 29, 2025

Nova Scotia Reveals Remaining 2025 Spaces For Provincial Immigration Program

Nova Scotia still has 1,312 immigration spaces for 2025 through NSNP and AIP, while 9,774 applications remain in the queue.

Nova Scotia has 1,312 spots remaining for 2025 across its provincial immigration programs. As of August 6, the province has already used 1,838 spaces under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a provincial representative confirmed.

The total allocation for 2025 stands at 3,150 spots, reflecting a 50% cut compared to 2024.

High Interest in Immigration Programs
Interest in Nova Scotia immigration remains strong. As of early August, 9,774 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) were still waiting to be processed.

The 2025 spots are divided as follows:

  • NSNP: 1,765
  • AIP: 1,365

Several streams within these programs have different numbers of pending EOIs:

  • NSNP Skilled Worker: 3,588
  • NSNP Experience: Express Entry: 1,734
  • NSNP Occupations in Demand: 1,267
  • NSNP Critical Construction Worker: 434
  • NSNP International Graduates in Demand: 103
  • NSNP Labour Market Priorities for Physicians: 3
  • NSNP Physician: 3
  • NSNP Entrepreneur: 8
  • NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur: 1
  • AIP: 2,633

The province did not provide pending numbers for the general Labour Market Priorities Stream or the Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot.

Factors Affecting Application Processing
Nova Scotia said it decides which applications to process based on labour market needs, regional demands, application quality, available spots, and the likelihood a candidate will stay in the province long-term.

The province has not shared how many nominations were through NSNP versus endorsements under AIP.

About the Nova Scotia Nominee Program
The NSNP offers a path to permanent residence for foreign nationals. It has 11 streams, some aligned with Express Entry. Most streams require a job offer in Nova Scotia.

Candidates must meet requirements for age, work experience, education, language, and settlement funds. After submitting a complete application, candidates are either nominated or refused. PR applications must be submitted within 12 months of receiving a nomination. Processing times range from eight months (Express Entry) to 20 months (non-Express Entry).

About the Atlantic Immigration Program
The AIP targets skilled workers and some international graduates who want to settle in Atlantic Canada. Applicants must have a provincially endorsed job offer from a designated employer.

Candidates must meet requirements for education, work experience, language, and settlement funds. They may get a settlement plan and apply for PR. AIP applicants can receive a special work permit valid up to two years while waiting for PR approval. Current AIP processing time is 13 months.

Nova Scotia prioritizes foreign nationals already living and working in the province, especially in healthcare and construction. Candidates outside the province may be prioritized if they work in healthcare, construction, trucking, science and technology, clean energy, or resource development.

Share this article