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Dear future neighbour,

Nova Scotia has made a significant change to how it selects candidates for permanent residence. The province has moved away from evaluating each applicant as a “complete application” on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Instead, all submissions including those previously submitted are now part of a pool of candidates under a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

This update, announced on November 28, 2025, aims to make the selection process more aligned with labour‑market needs and economic priorities.

What exactly changed and what is the EOI system

• As of November 28, every submission to Nova Scotia’s immigration programs whether under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is now considered an Expression of Interest (EOI). That applies to past submissions too.

• What this means is even if you had a “case ID” or submitted a full, eligible application before, this no longer guarantees processing or nomination. The application is now sitting in a centralized candidate pool, waiting for selection.

• Periodically, Nova Scotia will run “draws” (like lotteries) from that pool. Only candidates selected in a draw will move forward for full processing.

• If you are not selected, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re rejected, your EOI just remains in the pool until the next draw.

In short submitting an application now is like raising your hand and saying “I’m interested.” It no longer guarantees that you’ll be processed; instead, you wait for a draw to see if you’re among those chosen.

Why Nova Scotia made the change

There are a few key reasons behind this shift:

• Overwhelming interest. The number of people wanting to come to Nova Scotia drastically exceeds the number of PR nominations the province can grant — especially under its 2025 quota.

• Federal constraints. For 2025, the combined allocation for NSNP and AIP dropped to 3,150 spots, a 50% reduction compared to 2024.

• Greater alignment with labour‑market and economic needs. By using an EOI pool and draws, the province can prioritize candidates whose skills or jobs match current demands (for example, in sectors needing more workers).

• Flexibility for future changes. The new system gives Nova Scotia flexibility to adapt priorities over time depending on labour demand, quota availability, and economic needs.

Who has a better shot now at what Nova Scotia is prioritizing

Under the new EOI model, selection will likely favor candidates who align with Nova Scotia’s current labour‑market and economic goals. Some of the sectors the province initially identified:

• Healthcare

• Construction

• Trades

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

• Natural Resources

• Manufacturing

That said, Nova Scotia cautions that priorities may evolve over time based on need.

What this means for previous applicants (and those applying now)

If you submitted a “full application” before November 28, 2025:

• Your application has now been converted into an EOI.

• You should not assume your application will be processed, it depends on whether it’s selected in a draw.

• If you haven’t heard anything yet, don’t panic. It may simply mean you’re still in the pool (not rejected).

• If you’re planning to apply now, treat it as submitting an EOI. Even if you meet all eligibility, selection is not guaranteed.

What you can do to improve your chances

While nothing can guarantee selection under an EOI system, you might increase your likelihood by:

• Emphasizing credentials or work experience in sectors currently prioritized by the province (e.g. healthcare, manufacturing, trades, STEM).

• Keeping your documentation ready in case you’re selected, draws may happen periodically, so being ready helps.

• Checking Nova Scotia’s official channels regularly for updates as priorities and draw criteria may shift over time.

What to expect going forward

• The EOI‑pool system may make processing longer for many applicants, since only a fraction of the pool will be selected each draw.

• The approach gives Nova Scotia flexibility: as labour‑market needs shift, the province can adapt which EOIs get called.

• For 2026 and beyond, if allocations increase (per federal plans), more draws may mean more people get selected but still likely based on demand and priorities.

• For prospective immigrants: this change underlines that applying is no longer just about meeting eligibility but about being the right fit for Nova Scotia’s needs at the right time.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

If you’re in the pool (or thinking of applying), it’s worth viewing your application as a long‑term bet, not a guarantee. Prioritize building skills and credentials in in‑demand sectors, stay updated, and be ready when a draw comes.

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a 30-minute / 60- minute consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com