Nova Scotia will no longer process certain applications to its Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) for 2025, after exceeding its federal nomination allocation for the year. According to Maple News, this means not all eligible applicants will receive nominations, despite meeting program criteria.
For the remainder of 2025, Nova Scotia will refocus its efforts on candidates who are already living and working in the province, especially those with valid work permits expiring this year. The province is prioritizing applicants with occupations in high-demand sectors, specifically healthcare and social assistance (classified under NAICS 62) and construction (NAICS 23).
Alongside occupational priorities, the province will also assess applicant profiles based on regional labour needs and long-term settlement potential. This move aims to ensure that nominees are not only filling critical workforce gaps but are also likely to remain in the province and contribute to local communities over the long term.
Applicants based outside Canada will also face stricter selection criteria. Only those with work experience in the aforementioned priority sectors—healthcare, social assistance, and construction—will be considered for provincial nomination in 2025. Most international candidates from non-priority sectors will not have their applications processed this year.
Nova Scotia’s update, published on July 16, also hints at continued prioritization in 2026, suggesting that the province is aligning its immigration strategy closely with labour market needs and federal quota caps.
This development underscores the growing competition for provincial nominations across Canada as provinces balance economic needs with limited allocations from the federal government. Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed on evolving criteria and consider seeking immigration pathways that align with current provincial priorities.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on updates to the NS PNP and other provincial programs across Canada.