November 28, 2025
Nova Scotia is formalizing an expression of interest (EOI) process for all streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and for Designations and Endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
This important step will bring clarity and predictability to both applicants and employers, while ensuring the Province can respond to changing labour market needs and support sustainable, long-term community growth.
How does an EOI Process help Nova Scotia meet its labour needs?
The number of individuals interested in immigrating to Nova Scotia is significantly higher than the number of applications the province can approve under its annual federal allocation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The EOI model is widely used across immigration systems in Canada. It enables Nova Scotia to identify and invite submissions that best align with the province’s evolving economic priorities, at the discretion of the department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI). These priorities could include sectors such as healthcare, construction and trades, STEM, natural resources and manufacturing, along with broader community and workforce needs. Please continue to visit our website for published draw information.
The EOI model also sets clear expectations for the candidate and employer while providing a transparent and predictable experience.
How our EOI process works: NSNP and AIP
- Submit your expression of interest:
Candidates (NSNP) and employers (AIP) will continue to submit full applications. These submissions are treated as EOIs and entered into an EOI pool.
- Draws for processing:
Nova Scotia will conduct periodic draws to select EOIs for processing. Factors that may guide selection include provincial priorities, remaining allocation, EOI pool volume, and program integrity considerations.
- If selected:
You will receive direct communication from our department confirming your submission has been chosen for processing. Being selected means your submission aligns with current priorities. It does not guarantee approval.
- If not selected:
Your submission remains in the EOI pool. If you do not receive communication, your status has not changed.
Existing Submissions
All submissions to Nova Scotia’s immigration programs — regardless of when they were submitted — are considered EOIs. Meeting eligibility criteria or having a case ID does not guarantee that your submission will be processed.
Processing Notifications
We will contact you if your submission is selected for processing. If you have not heard from us, it remains in the EOI pool with no new updates. You do not need to inquire, as we will notify you if your submission status changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does this announcement impact my existing submission?
A: Your submission remains in the EOI pool, and no action is required. If it is selected for processing, you will receive direct communications from our department. Until then, the status of your submission has not changed, and we have no further updates to provide.
Q: When will my EOI be selected for processing?
A: We are unable to provide a timeline for the selection of EOIs for processing. We are unable to guarantee that your EOI will be selected for processing. You may wish to monitor our website for periodic draw information.
Q: Does this announcement impact AIP Designations?
A: Yes, AIP designation submissions are considered an EOI and will follow the same process outlined above.
Q: Am I still submitting a full application?
A: Yes. The requirement to submit a complete application remains unchanged. Please ensure your submission is complete to avoid a delay in processing.
Q: How long will my submission stay in the EOI pool?
A: Your submission will stay in the EOI pool until it is drawn, or until further notice. Timelines vary depending on the number of factors, including available spaces, labour market priorities and EOI volumes. Nova Scotia will contact you only if your submission is selected.
Q: If my submission is selected does that mean it will likely be approved?
A: There are no guarantees that your submission will be approved if it is selected for processing.
Q: How do I get updates on my file?
A: You will receive direct communication from our department confirming your submission has been chosen for processing. In the meantime, you can visit our website at liveinnovascotia.ca for the most up to date program information.
Q: What submissions will you be prioritizing?
A: Nova Scotia will prioritize submissions that align with current economic and labour market needs. Priority areas may include sectors such as healthcare, construction and trades, STEM, natural resources, manufacturing, and other workforce needs across the province. These priorities will evolve over time based on labour market data and government direction. Updated selection information will be published on our website.