Due to a reduced federal allocation, Nova Scotia will not process many applications submitted to its Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) in 2025. The province has already received more applications than it can nominate this year.
Who Will Be Prioritized?
For the rest of 2025, Nova Scotia will give priority to applicants who:
- Are already living and working in the province with work permits expiring in 2025
- Work in the healthcare, social assistance (NAICS 62), or construction (NAICS 23) sectors
Further prioritization will consider regional labour needs and applicants likely to stay in Nova Scotia long term.
Applicants Outside Canada
Only international applicants in priority sectors (healthcare, social assistance, and construction) will be considered.
Exceptions may be made for employers hiring under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in:
- Trucking
- Science and technology
- Clean energy
- Resource development
2026 Outlook
Next year, Nova Scotia will again prioritize in-Canada applicants in healthcare, social assistance, and construction, with permits expiring in 2026.
Why the Change?
The federal government cut PNP allocations by 50% in 2025, reducing Nova Scotia’s nomination cap from 6,300 in 2024 to 3,150 in 2025.
