Nova Scotia has announced a temporary extension of its expanded selection priorities for 2026. To respond to the increasing demands of the labour market and to maximize the nomination capacity available in the province. While federal immigration quotas are limited, there is still high demand for the province’s immigration programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
Nova Scotia is strategically directing its nomination spaces to candidates who can address critical labor shortages as part of its strategy to promote economic development, retain its workforce, and focus on priority industries.
The province’s goal is to retain the temporary foreign workers and graduates currently living and working in Nova Scotia so employers can continue to access the skilled workers they need in industries with ongoing labour shortages.
Extension to Nova Scotia’s Selection Priorities
The larger group includes applicants who have submitted an EOI, whose work visa will expire on or before 2026, and who meet one or more of the following requirements.
- Studying at an institution that is recognized by Nova Scotia.
- Working in TEER 0-4 jobs in key industries like health care, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and professional services.
- Qualifying sales and service jobs that pay at least $20 an hour.
- You must be currently employed in Nova Scotia in any occupation at the time of submitting the EOI, and must be earning at least $27/hour.
- Residing outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality.
- The province will also continue to place a strong emphasis on hiring foreign workers to fill critical positions, such as in construction and health care.
When determining the order of application execution, the expiration of work permits may be considered as a secondary factor.
Nova Scotia Launches EOI Framework for NSNP and AIP
All streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and Designations and Endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) now have an Expression of Interest (EOI) process in place in Nova Scotia.
The new strategy, launched Nov. 28, 2025, aims to increase transparency and help the province deal with its limited federal immigration quota and adjust to evolving labour market needs.
Functioning of the Nova Scotia EOI procedure: NSNP and AIP
Submit Your EOI (Expression of Interest): All employer submissions for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) are converted to an Expression of Interest (EOI) and entered into an EOI pool immediately. EOIs are also accepted for current applications irrespective of the date of submission.
- EOI Draws for Processing: Nova Scotia conducts regular EOI draws to select applications considering program integrity, available nomination spaces, labor market priorities, and the volume of the EOI pool. Individuals in sought-after sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, skilled trades, STEM, and natural resources might receive priority.
- If your EOI is chosen: The Department reaches out directly to the applicants who have been selected for processing. The selection indicates that the application aligns with Nova Scotia’s existing priorities, yet it does not ensure government nomination or approval.
- If Your EOI Is Not Chosen: Applications that are not selected remain in the EOI pool and may be considered in future draws. If the province does not respond to applicants, they should understand that their status remains unchanged and that no further action is required unless the Department reaches out to them directly.
Nova Scotia EOI Draws 2026
According to the latest Nova Scotia draw statistics, around 2,571 candidates were invited through the immigration programs during the first half of 2026 (from January to June). The draw result for July 2026 is expected to be announced soon.
| Month (2026) | Selected Candidates |
| January | 363 |
| February | 357 |
| March | 370 |
| April | 161 |
| May | 789 |
| June | 531 |
| July | Expected Soon |
Nova Scotia persists in adjusting its monthly immigration choices according to provincial nomination quotas, shifting labor market demands, and eligibility criteria. Individuals in skilled trades, healthcare, and other in-demand sectors facing persistent labor shortages are prioritized.
To enhance their likelihood of being invited to upcoming selection rounds, candidates with a sincere Expression of Interest (EOI) ought to refresh their profiles and regularly check official communications.
Leave a Reply