Halifax, Nova Scotia — In response to unprecedented demand, Nova Scotia’s Immigration and Population Growth branch has made significant changes to its economic immigration agenda for 2025.
Applications Outpace Capacity
Officials report that applications for both the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) have surged far beyond processing capacity in 2025 (Live in Nova Scotia). As a result, the province is restructuring its intake priorities to focus resources on applicants most likely to transition to permanent residence quickly.
Top Priorities for 2025
1. In‑Province Visa Holders with Expiring Permits
Nova Scotia is giving precedence to foreign workers already living and working in the province whose work permits expire in 2025. Within this group, further emphasis is being placed on applicants working in healthcare, social assistance (NAICS 62), and construction (NAICS 23) sectors (Live in Nova Scotia).
2. Select International Applications
While most external applications in non-priority fields may be deferred or declined, international candidates in healthcare, social assistance, and construction remain eligible for processing. Limited exemptions exist for AIP-supported hires in industries such as trucking, science & technology, clean energy, and resource development (Live in Nova Scotia).
Program-Specific Adjustments
- NSNP Changes: As of April 17, 2024, the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72) has been suspended within NSNP due to backlog. Applications in other sectors continue under strict eligibility criteria (Live in Nova Scotia).
- AIP System Upgrade: The AIP endorsement application process will transition to a new online platform on May 1, 2025, aiming to streamline the employer-driven immigration path (Live in Nova Scotia).
Looking Toward 2026 and Beyond
Nova Scotia is set to replicate its 2025 prioritization strategy in 2026, focusing first on those holding work permits that expire in 2026, particularly in healthcare, social assistance, and construction. Final priorities will depend on the province’s 2026 federal allocation (Live in Nova Scotia).
Broader National Context
Nova Scotia’s shift aligns with changes at the federal level. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which signals a multi-year reduction in permanent resident admissions, especially across economic categories like Atlantic Immigration and PNP streams nationwide (Government of Canada).
Nationally:
- Canada plans to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, down from earlier projections.
- This includes economic admissions representing about 58% of total entries, with a continued emphasis on transitioning applicants already in Canada.
- The province-specific Atlantic Immigration Program target for 2025 is around 5,000 admissions, consistent through to 2027 (Government of Canada).
Implications & Advice for Applicants
For temporary workers in Nova Scotia:
- Those with expiring permits in the current year—especially in key sectors—should act quickly to submit applications before further restrictions tighten.
- Legal status must be maintained, and updates to job or personal circumstances must be reported to immigration officials (Live in Nova Scotia).
International applicants outside Canada:
- Immigration opportunities in non-priority sectors are highly likely to be restricted through the end of 2025.
- Those in prioritized sectors aligned with government-backed AIP employers may still apply under exceptions.
Analysis: Why the Shift?
Nova Scotia is grappling with limited processing capacity amid record application levels. By adjusting focus toward existing temporary workers and specific labor shortages, the province aims to retain skilled talent already embedded in the workforce, ease backlog pressures, and improve settlement outcomes for newcomers.
What’s Next?
- The province will update its 2026 priorities once federal allocations are confirmed.
- The May 2025 rollout of a new AIP system is expected to improve endorsement turnaround and administrative efficiency.
- Ongoing demand may result in further refinements or additional sectoral suspensions.
Key Takeaways
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025 Priority Groups | Temporary workers in health, social assistance, construction |
| International Exceptions | Only in key sectors via AIP: trucking, clean energy, science & tech, resource development |
| NSNP Pause | Accommodation & Food Services sector suspended since April 2024 |
| System Upgrade | AIP endorsement moves online on May 1, 2025 |
| National Context | IRCC reducing overall immigration targets; emphasis on economic and in-Canada applicants |
Nova Scotia’s 2025 immigration update underscores a critical shift toward prioritizing internal applicants and labour-specific foreign demand. For prospective newcomers and employers, keeping pace with evolving priorities is essential. As federal and provincial programs adapt, targeted planning and timely applications will be decisive for success.
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