Nova Scotia Announces 2025 Immigration Allocation Update
Nova Scotia has released an update on the number of immigration spaces available in 2025 under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The province highlighted how the federal government’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan has significantly impacted opportunities for skilled workers, employers, and international applicants seeking to settle in Nova Scotia.
Federal Immigration Allocation for 2025
In 2024, Nova Scotia received 6,300 immigration spots through its provincial nomination streams and the AIP. However, under the new 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, that number has been cut by half—leaving only 3,150 spaces available for 2025. This steep reduction has placed additional pressure on the province to carefully manage nominations and prioritize applicants who address its most urgent labour shortages.
Current Quota Status
Nova Scotia Immigration confirmed that the 2025 allocation is already full—or nearly at capacity—as applications have surpassed the available spaces. As a result, several categories have been paused, and only select cases will continue to be processed this year.
Priority Groups for 2025
With limited immigration spots, Nova Scotia will focus on the following groups:
- Workers already in Nova Scotia
- Applicants currently living and working in the province.
- Individuals with work permits expiring in 2025.
- High-demand occupations
- Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, support staff).
- Social assistance sector employees (NAICS 62).
- Construction workers (NAICS 23).
- Applicants with strong settlement potential
- Candidates who demonstrate long-term commitment to living in Nova Scotia.
- Workers addressing critical regional labour needs.
Options for Applicants Outside Nova Scotia
For those living abroad, opportunities in 2025 are extremely limited. Only certain groups may still qualify:
- Healthcare, social services, and construction workers recruited by Nova Scotia employers.
- Candidates under the AIP in specific industries such as trucking, transportation, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development.
Most other international applications will remain on hold until future allocations become available.
Impact on Workers and Employers
- Skilled Workers: The best chance of selection lies with those already in Nova Scotia, while international candidates must fit into high-demand sectors.
- Employers: Businesses in healthcare, construction, and social services may still be able to hire foreign workers through the PNP and AIP despite the reduced quota.
- Future Applicants: Those unable to apply in 2025 should prepare for the 2026 allocation, which may provide renewed opportunities.
Key Takeaway
With only 3,150 spots available this year, Nova Scotia is strictly prioritizing candidates who meet its most urgent labour needs. While opportunities still exist in certain industries, competition is intense, and many applicants will need to prepare for upcoming immigration rounds in 2026.