NOVA SCOTIA OFFICIALLY IMPLEMENTS EOI SYSTEM FOR ALL NSNP AND AIP STREAMS (2025–2026)
Nova Scotia has announced a major overhaul of its immigration selection system. From now on, every NSNP application, as well as all AIP Designation and Endorsement requests, will be treated as an Expression of Interest (EOI) and placed into an EOI pool.
In simple terms:
The number of people wanting to immigrate to Nova Scotia far exceeds the federal quota the province is allowed to process. Nova Scotia now needs a filter, and the EOI system is exactly that.
How the new EOI system works
- Submit a full application
Applicants (NSNP) and employers (AIP) still submit complete applications as usual.
However, the submission is now treated as an EOI and placed into the pool.
- The province will conduct “selection rounds”
Nova Scotia will review the pool and pull applications based on:
• Provincial economic priorities
• Remaining quota
• The number of EOIs in the pool
• Integrity considerations
Priority sectors may include: healthcare, construction, skilled trades, STEM, natural resources, manufacturing and other community workforce needs.
- If selected
The province will contact you directly and begin processing your file.
Selection means your profile matches current priorities, not that approval is guaranteed.
- If not selected
Your application simply remains in the EOI pool.
If you hear nothing, nothing has changed.
Key points you must know
- All previously submitted files have been automatically converted into EOIs.
• Having a case ID or meeting eligibility does not mean your file will be processed.
• There is no predictable timeline for when (or if) an EOI will be selected.
• AIP employer Designation requests must now pass through the EOI system just like NSNP.
• The province only contacts you if selected. Emailing for updates is pointless.
What this means for applicants and employers
For applicants
- Applying no longer guarantees processing.
• Your file must be complete and aligned with priority sectors.
• You must monitor draw announcements to understand your chances.
For employers
- Designation and Endorsement are no longer automatic.
• You must show a genuine workforce need that matches Nova Scotia’s priorities.
• Strong documentation increases the chance of being selected earlier.
How SICON can help
- Assess how well your profile aligns with Nova Scotia’s priority needs
• Build a strategy to increase your chance of being selected from the pool (NSNP or AIP)
• Strengthen employer and applicant files to avoid being left behind
• Track draws and adjust your recruitment or immigration plan in real time
If you have a file already in the system or are preparing to submit to Nova Scotia, send your details to SICON and we will analyze your case and recommend the best strategy moving forward.
