The best is yet to come
OK
Log out of UNA?
Log out
Cancel
Revolutionizing Immigration with AI
My Appointments
Welcome to UNA
Nova Scotia Adjusts PNP Processing to Prioritize In-Province Applicants in Key Sectors

The Government of Nova Scotia released a critical update on its official website on July 16, outlining a new application processing approach for its 2025 Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP). Citing that the volume of applications received has already exceeded its federal allocation for the year, the province stated it is unable to process all eligible applications and has established a new priority order for processing.

Priority for In-Province Applicants in Critical Industries

According to the announcement, Nova Scotia’s immigration processing for the remainder of 2025 will be strategically focused. The immigration authority will prioritize applications from individuals who are already residing in the province and hold a valid work permit that is set to expire in 2025.

Within this priority group, resources will be further directed toward skilled workers in two key industries:

  • Healthcare and Social Assistance (NAICS code 62)
  • Construction (NAICS code 23)

The provincial government added that beyond these industry criteria, it will also consider comprehensive factors such as "regional needs across the province" and the "likelihood of applicants remaining in Nova Scotia long-term" to ensure that nominations best serve the province's socio-economic development.

Processing of Overseas Applications Restricted, with Some Exceptions

For applicants outside of Canada, the new policy means that application pathways will be significantly narrowed. The announcement states that for 2025, while the PNP will still prioritize overseas skilled workers with experience in the three key sectors of healthcare, social assistance, and construction, most international applications from non-priority sectors will not be processed.

However, the province has maintained a pathway for employers recruiting through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), allowing them to hire foreign talent in the following specific sectors:

  • Trucking
  • Science and technology
  • Clean energy sectors
  • Resource Development

2026 Policy Outlook: A Continuation of Prioritization

Looking ahead, the provincial government has also provided preliminary guidance for the coming year. It is anticipated that in 2026, Nova Scotia will continue to implement a similar prioritization strategy, with the focus remaining on applicants already working in Canada in the healthcare, social assistance, and construction sectors whose work permits are expiring in the same year.

Policy Context: Reduced Federal Immigration Allocations

The primary driver behind Nova Scotia's strategic shift is the federal government's adjustment to national immigration allocations for 2025.

In January 2025, the federal government informed all provinces that their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations for the year would be reduced by 50% compared to 2024 levels. This change aligns with the federal government's 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which lowered the national PNP landing target from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 for both 2025 and 2026.

As a result, Nova Scotia’s combined allocation for its PNP and the AIP was cut from 6,300 in 2024 to 3,150 in 2025. This reduction has necessitated that the provincial government adjust its nomination strategy to meet the most pressing labour market needs within its limited quota.

It is noteworthy that other Canadian provinces have also responded to this change. In the first half of 2025, major immigration provinces including British Columbia and Ontario adjusted their respective PNPs by pausing certain streams or modifying eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick were able to secure increased 2025 nomination allocations from the federal government in exchange for agreeing to accept more asylum claimants and other humanitarian migrants.

加拿大移民语言测试添新选项 托福Essentials将被纳入永久居民申请
Canada to Add New Language Test Option for Immigration; TOEFL Essentials to be Accepted for Permanent Residence Applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed it will begin accepting a new English language test, the TOEFL Essentials, for its economic permanent residence programs. Once implemented, this will provide applicants with a fourth option for proving English proficiency, alongside the existing IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core tests. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the test, is collaborating with IRCC on the final details, and the official start date and available test locations will be announced upon confirmation.
08/23/2025
加拿大大西洋移民计划2025年最新动向:各省聚焦重点行业与岗位
Canada's Atlantic Immigration Program: 2025 Updates See Provinces Prioritize Key Sectors and Occupations
In 2025, Canada's Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is entering a new strategic phase due to adjusted federal immigration allocations. To manage reduced quotas, the four Atlantic provinces are concentrating their resources on key sectors vital to their local economies. Healthcare, construction, and information technology have become focal points for attracting talent. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the latest priority sectors and occupations for each province, examines the alternative pathways available in New Brunswick following its AIP pause, and offers authoritative guidance for applicants planning to immigrate through this program in 2025.
08/21/2025
加拿大快速通道移民系统最新抽签,向医疗保健行业候选人发出2500份邀请
Canada's Express Entry System Issues 2,500 Invitations to Healthcare Candidates in Latest Draw
On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new round of targeted draws through the Express Entry system. This draw specifically invited candidates in the healthcare and social services category, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. This draw highlights Canada's continued emphasis on attracting professionals in the healthcare sector.
08/20/2025
加拿大快速通道最新抽签:省提名分数线飙升至800分
Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw Sees PNP Score Requirement Hit 800
On August 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw, specifically targeting candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The draw issued 192 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 800. This score marks the second-highest of the year, reaffirming the central role of PNPs in Canada's immigration system.
08/19/2025
魁北克PSTQ移民项目扩大邀请范围:首次向中等及体力技能类别发出273份邀请
Quebec Expands PSTQ Invitations, Issuing 273 ITAs in First-Ever Draw for Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 273 invitations to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This draw is particularly significant as it is the first time the province has specifically targeted candidates under the "Intermediate and Manual Skills" stream, marking a steady expansion of the program's scope. The initiative aims to provide an immigration pathway for workers already in Quebec who possess specific work experience and French-language skills, in order to address labor shortages in various regions of the province.
08/18/2025
超级签证:加拿大父母及祖父母团聚移民的“快车道”与替代方案
Super Visa: Canada's 'Fast Track' Alternative for Parent and Grandparent Reunification
For many families hoping to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada, the limited lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents a significant hurdle. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Canada's Super Visa program, which serves as an attractive alternative by offering a long-term visitor visa with year-round applications. The report details the core differences between the Super Visa and the PGP, outlines eligibility criteria and application procedures, and offers professional strategies to address common reasons for refusal, helping applicants increase their chances of success.
08/17/2025
加拿大省提名移民项目新动向:多省发布定向邀请,聚焦特定行业与战略人才
New Trends in Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs: Multiple Provinces Issue Targeted Invitations, Focusing on Key Sectors and Strategic Talent
Recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada reveal a growing trend towards highly targeted invitations for specific industries and communities. Manitoba issued a small number of high-scoring invitations through a strategic initiative; Alberta focused on construction and tech workers with two targeted, low-score draws; and Newfoundland and Labrador invited nearly 400 candidates through its provincial and Atlantic programs. These actions underscore a nationwide shift towards using immigration to precisely fill specific economic and community needs.
08/15/2025
加拿大“快速通道”移民或迎重大调整:拟增设三大新职业类别,吸纳全球顶尖人才
Canada's Express Entry May See Major Overhaul: Three New Occupational Categories Proposed to Attract Global Top Talent
The Canadian federal government is contemplating a significant reform of its flagship immigration program, Express Entry, by proposing three new selection categories for 2026 targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move aims to more strategically attract top-tier talent capable of driving Canada's economic growth, enhancing its global competitiveness, and supporting national security. The proposal is now open for public consultation until September 3, 2025. These adjustments not only signal a shift in Canada's future immigration strategy but could also have far-reaching implications for the study choices and post-graduation career paths of international students.
08/15/2025
加拿大快速通道移民政策重大调整:2025年8月起须预先完成体检
Major Overhaul to Canada's Express Entry: Upfront Medical Exams Mandatory from August 21, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pivotal change to its Express Entry system. Effective August 21, 2025, all candidates applying for permanent residence through this stream will be required to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This marks a significant shift from the current "apply-then-test" model to a new "upfront medical" protocol, directly impacting future applicants' timelines and preparatory strategies.
08/13/2025
草原省份强势崛起!2025加拿大移民就业最新指南:萨斯卡通、卡尔加里、里贾纳位列三甲
Prairie Provinces Surge! 2025 Guide to Immigrant Jobs in Canada: Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina Claim Top Spots
According to the latest BMO Labour Market Report Card released on July 11, 2025, the landscape for immigrant employment in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation. Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina have emerged as the top three cities for newcomers to find a job, driven by strong employment growth and falling unemployment rates. The report not only highlights the economic vitality of the Prairie provinces but also provides an invaluable guide for skilled workers and prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.
08/13/2025
Sorry, your request failed
Please try again
OK