Nova Scotia Launches New EOI-Based Immigration Selection System
Nova Scotia Introduces New EOI-Based Selection System for Immigration Applicants
Nova Scotia has unveiled a major restructuring of how it evaluates prospective immigrants, marking one of its most significant policy shifts in recent years. The province confirmed that, effective November 28, all submissions to its immigration programs, including those previously filed, will now be assessed under a new Expression of Interest (EOI)–based model.
The change affects both the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), altering the pathway for skilled workers, employers, and candidates already waiting in the intake queue.
A New Direction: All Applications Now Treated as EOIs
Under the revamped system, full applications will act as initial expressions of interest, similar to the pool-based method used in Canada’s Express Entry system. Instead of evaluating each application in the order received, Nova Scotia will select candidates from a central pool based on evolving provincial needs. This approach allows the province to be more selective as demand continues to exceed its annual nomination capacity.
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
What the EOI System Means for Applicants and Employers
- Both NSPNP applicants and AIP employers continue submitting complete applications, but these submissions automatically enter the EOI pool.
- Nova Scotia will conduct regular selection rounds, choosing which individuals or businesses progress to the assessment stage.
- Selections will depend on multiple variables,
- Provincial labour market priorities
- Remaining nomination/endorsement allocations
- The size and composition of the EOI pool
- Program integrity and quality standards
Those selected will receive a notification directly from the province confirming that their file is moving forward. Remaining EOIs will stay in the pool for future rounds, with no additional action required from applicants who have not yet been contacted.
Key Sectors Likely to Be Prioritised
Nova Scotia signalled that its selection decisions will be guided by current and emerging economic pressures. Sectors the province expects to prioritise include:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Skilled Trades
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Natural Resources
- Manufacturing
These areas may shift over time as labour gaps change.
Why the Shift Happened Now
What Applicants Can Expect in 2025 and 2026
- 2025 nomination allocation increased from 3,150 to 3,709 spots, according to provincial reporting.
Key Questions for the Upcoming Plan
The commitment suggests yes, but actual numbers will reveal how strictly it is enforced.
With pressure to bring the share below 5% of the population, will student and worker permit caps tighten further?
Provinces may argue for greater allocations reflecting regional labor and demographic needs.
In particular, under Express Entry or provincial nomination, emphasizing skills, region, and language.
Housing, healthcare, and labor market absorption remain critical constraints. Reports flagged risks of population decline and housing gaps under previous levels.
1. Percentage Reduction of Temporary Resident Population
Conclusion
Nova Scotia’s adoption of an EOI-driven selection system signals a more strategic and competitive approach to provincial immigration. For skilled workers and employers, the new model emphasises alignment with immediate economic needs rather than the timing of submission. While the transition may create uncertainty for some candidates, expanded federal targets in 2026 could bring meaningful relief and greater access to provincial nomination opportunities.
Looking Ahead
