On November 28, the provincial government announced the introduction of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) model to their immigration programs, aligning with other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada.

The province now considers all submissions to Nova Scotia’s immigration programs as EOIs, regardless of when they were submitted, emphasizing that having a case ID or meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee processing.

This change also extends to endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

An EOI model establishes a candidate pool system, where complete applications are placed for selection based on immigration priorities, similar to the Express Entry system.

Nova Scotia will prioritize candidates aligned with current labour market and economic needs, focusing on sectors like Healthcare, Construction, Trades, STEM, Natural Resources, and Manufacturing.

How the New EOI Process Works

Under the revised model, NSNP applicants and AIP employers will submit full applications, treated as EOIs and placed in a centralized pool for periodic draws based on provincial priorities, nomination slots, pool size, and program integrity.

Selected candidates will receive direct notice for processing, indicating alignment with Nova Scotia’s priorities without guaranteeing approval. Unselected EOIs remain in the pool, with no change in status for applicants.

Reasons for the Change

The implementation of the EOI model addresses the high demand for immigration to Nova Scotia, surpassing the province’s annual federal allocation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).