Nova Scotia Will Not Process Certain Applications for Provincial Nomination

In a significant move, Nova Scotia has announced that it will not process certain applications for provincial nomination through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for the remainder of 2025. This decision comes in response to a reduced federal nomination allocation, impacting the province’s ability to approve immigration applications under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).

Reason for the Change

The federal government notified all PNPs in January 2025 of a 50% reduction in the number of nominations they could issue for the year. This reduced quota has directly impacted Nova Scotia’s capacity to process and approve immigration applications.

Who Will Be Prioritized in 2025

Given the constraints, Nova Scotia has established clear priorities for processing applications:

• Primary focus: Applicants already living and working in Nova Scotia, particularly those whose work permits expire in 2025, will be given top priority.
• Special attention will be given to individuals working in:
  • Healthcare and social assistance (NAICS 62)
  • Construction (NAICS 23)
• Additional considerations include regional needs and the likelihood that applicants will stay in Nova Scotia long term.

Applications from Outside Canada

For applications from outside Nova Scotia or Canada:

• International applicants in healthcare, social assistance, and construction will continue to be processed as priorities.
• Most other applications from international candidates in non-priority sectors will not be processed at this time.
• Exceptions may occur for employers in the Atlantic Immigration Program hiring workers for:
  • Trucking
  • Science and technology
  • Clean energy
  • Resource development

Additional Notes

• Not all applications that meet eligibility criteria will be processed due to the cap in nomination allocations.
• Meeting the program criteria does not guarantee approval.
• Applicants must maintain legal status in Canada and promptly report any changes in their employment or status.
• This updated approach will remain in place until further notice or until the 2026 nomination allocation is announced.

Plans for 2026

Nova Scotia plans to continue prioritizing workers in healthcare, social assistance, and construction whose permits will expire in 2026. Further priorities will be determined once the new federal allocation is known.

Application Streams

Despite this update, Nova Scotia still offers multiple NSNP streams for those with skills and experience in demand by Nova Scotia employers. However, due to oversubscription, not all streams may be open, and not all qualified applications can be processed in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• If you are currently living and working in Nova Scotia and your work permit expires in 2025, you remain eligible and may have your application processed, particularly if you work in healthcare, social assistance, or construction.
• If you are applying from outside Canada (and not in an essential sector), your application is unlikely to be processed in 2025, except for rare employer-driven exceptions.
• The province is facing an unprecedented volume of applications but is limited by reduced federal allocations and must now focus on retaining those most likely to stay and fill key labor gaps in Nova Scotia.

For more details, visit the source article.

Impact on Application Streams and Eligibility

Nova Scotia’s decision to limit certain applications has significant implications for potential immigrants. While the province continues to offer multiple streams under the NSNP, the reduced federal allocation means that not all streams may remain open throughout 2025. This oversubscription has forced the province to be highly selective in which applications it processes.

How This Affects Different Applicant Groups

The updated approach has created distinct outcomes for different groups of applicants:

• Temporary Workers in Nova Scotia: Those already living and working in the province, particularly in healthcare, social assistance, and construction, have a higher likelihood of having their applications processed. This focus reflects the province’s desire to retain workers who are already integrated into the local labor market.
• International Applicants: For those applying from outside Canada, the outlook is more challenging. Only applicants in priority sectors such as healthcare, social assistance, and construction are likely to have their applications processed. Exceptions may be made for certain employer-driven applications in fields like trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development.
• Long-Term Retention Goals: The province’s emphasis on long-term retention means that applicants who can demonstrate strong ties to Nova Scotia, such as those with local work experience or job offers, are more likely to succeed. This approach aims to address labor shortages while ensuring that immigrants are well-integrated into the province’s economy and communities.

Key Considerations for Applicants

• Legal Status: Applicants must maintain legal status in Canada throughout the application process. Any changes in employment or immigration status must be reported promptly to the relevant authorities.
• No Guarantee of Approval: Meeting the eligibility criteria for the NSNP does not guarantee that an application will be approved. The reduced federal allocation has created intense competition, and only a limited number of applications can be processed.
• Temporary Measures: The current approach is a temporary response to the reduced federal allocation. Nova Scotia has indicated that this policy will remain in place until further notice or until the 2026 nomination allocation is announced. Applicants are advised to monitor updates closely and plan accordingly.

For more details, visit the source article.

Conclusion

Nova Scotia’s decision to limit the processing of certain Provincial Nominee Program applications in 2025 is a strategic response to the reduced federal nomination allocation. The province is prioritizing applicants already living and working in Nova Scotia, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, social assistance, and construction. This approach aims to address labor shortages while ensuring long-term retention of skilled workers. International applicants in non-priority sectors may face challenges in having their applications processed, with limited exceptions for employer-driven cases in key industries. The province’s focus remains on aligning its immigration efforts with regional labor needs and economic development goals.

FAQ

1. Who will Nova Scotia prioritize for provincial nomination in 2025?

Nova Scotia will prioritize applicants already living and working in the province, especially those in healthcare, social assistance, and construction. Temporary workers whose permits expire in 2025 will also receive priority.

2. Will international applicants still be considered for provincial nomination?

International applicants in healthcare, social assistance, and construction may still be processed. Exceptions may be made for employer-driven applications in trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development. However, most other applications from outside Canada will not be processed in 2025.

3. Does meeting the eligibility criteria guarantee approval?

No. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval. The reduced federal allocation has created a highly competitive environment, and only a limited number of applications can be processed.

4. How long will these changes remain in place?

The current approach is temporary and will remain in place until further notice or until the 2026 nomination allocation is announced. Applicants are advised to monitor updates closely and plan accordingly.

5. What should applicants do if their employment or immigration status changes?

Applicants must maintain legal status in Canada and promptly report any changes in their employment or immigration status to the relevant authorities.