Nova Scotia Introduces Full EOI Candidate Pool System
Nova Scotia’s Office of Immigration has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the provincial immigration intake system, confirming that the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) will adopt an Expression of Interest (EOI) model moving forward. This change applies to all submissions, including previously submitted applications still awaiting review. The same system will also apply to employer endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The province clarified that receiving a case ID or meeting eligibility requirements no longer ensures movement to processing. The previous system—where complete applications were reviewed immediately—will be replaced by a “candidate pool and draw” model, similar to the federal Express Entry system.
How the New EOI System Works
Under the new framework, NSPNP applicants and AIP employers will continue submitting full applications. However, these submissions will now function as EOIs placed into a centralized pool. Nova Scotia will run periodic draws to determine which EOIs advance into processing.
Selection decisions may consider:
- Current labor market and economic priorities
- Remaining provincial nomination or endorsement allocation
- Size of the EOI pool
- Program integrity and operational needs
Applicants or employers selected in a draw will receive direct communication confirming advancement to processing. Importantly, selection does not guarantee final approval, only that the submission aligns with the province’s immediate priorities.
EOIs not selected remain in the pool, and applicants who do not hear from the province can assume no change in file status.
Why Nova Scotia Is Implementing This Change Now
In its announcement, Nova Scotia stated that “the number of individuals interested in immigrating to Nova Scotia far exceeds the number of applications the province is permitted to approve under its annual federal allocation.”
Given IRCC’s reduced nomination allocations for several provinces, many jurisdictions—including Nova Scotia—have shifted to EOI systems to manage demand more selectively.
The province has identified several potential priority sectors:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Skilled Trades
- STEM
- Natural Resources
- Manufacturing
These priorities will continue evolving as market needs change.
Increased Opportunities Expected in 2026
While 2025 saw heightened competition due to allocation pressure, the newly released Immigration Levels Plan indicates that provincial immigration targets will increase significantly in 2026. Higher federal allocations typically translate into more provincial nomination spaces.
Notably, Nova Scotia’s 2025 provincial nomination allocation has already increased during the year—from 3,150 at the start of 2025 to 3,709 spots by October. With further increases expected in 2026, candidates in the EOI pool may benefit from more frequent selection rounds.
