Nova Scotia Provides Update on Available Immigration Spots for 2025

Nova Scotia has confirmed the number of remaining immigration spaces for 2025 under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The announcement highlights how the federal government’s immigration levels plan for 2025 has significantly reshaped opportunities for skilled workers, employers, and international applicants looking to settle in the province.

Federal Immigration Allocation for Nova Scotia in 2025

In 2024, Nova Scotia was granted 6,300 immigration spots through its provincial nomination streams and the Atlantic Immigration Program. However, under the Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027, the federal government reduced Nova Scotia’s allocation by half to just 3,150 spaces in 2025.

This sharp reduction has put pressure on Nova Scotia’s immigration system, forcing the province to carefully manage its allocation and prioritize applicants who can meet critical labour shortages.

Current Status of Nova Scotia’s Immigration Quota

Nova Scotia Immigration has confirmed that the 2025 quota is already full or close to being filled, as the number of applications submitted has exceeded the provincial allocation. This means that many categories are now paused, and only select applications will continue to be processed this year.

Who Qualifies for Nova Scotia Immigration in 2025?

With limited spaces, Nova Scotia has outlined clear priority groups for processing:

1. Workers already in Nova Scotia
   • Applicants who are living and working in the province.
   • Individuals with work permits expiring in 2025.
2. High-demand occupations
   • Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, support staff).
   • Social assistance sector employees (NAICS code 62).
   • Construction workers (NAICS code 23).
3. Applicants with strong settlement potential
   • Those who demonstrate long-term commitment to living and working in Nova Scotia.
   • Candidates filling urgent regional labour market needs.

Options for International Applicants Outside Nova Scotia

For applicants currently living abroad, immigration options are now very limited. Only certain groups may still be considered:

• Healthcare, social services, and construction workers in demand by Nova Scotia employers.
• Candidates recruited under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in specific sectors such as:
  • Trucking and transportation
  • Science and technology
  • Clean energy
  • Resource development

Outside these sectors, most international applications will remain on hold until new allocations are released.

What This Means for Skilled Workers and Employers

The confirmation of Nova Scotia’s remaining provincial immigration spaces for 2025 has several important implications:

• For skilled workers: Applicants already in Nova Scotia stand the best chance of receiving a provincial nomination. International candidates must align their profiles with priority sectors.
• For employers: Businesses in healthcare, construction, and social assistance may still be able to recruit foreign talent through PNP or AIP streams, despite reduced quotas.
• For future applicants: Those who cannot apply in 2025 should prepare for the 2026 immigration allocation, which may bring new opportunities.

With only 3,150 spaces available in 2025, Nova Scotia has confirmed that it will strictly prioritize applicants who can meet its most urgent labour needs. While opportunities remain open for certain workers, the reduced allocation means competition is fierce, and many applicants will need to plan for future immigration rounds.