Nova Scotia Introduces EOI System for All Immigration Stream

What Has Nova Scotia Announced?

Nova Scotia has decided to use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for:

• All streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Designations and Endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

This change makes the immigration process more organized, fair, and predictable for both applicants and employers.

Why Is Nova Scotia Using an EOI System?

Firstly, more people want to immigrate to Nova Scotia than the number of spots available each year (as limited by IRCC).

Therefore, an EOI system helps the province:

• Select applicants who fit current labour market needs
• Respond quickly to economic changes
• Support long-term growth in communities

Many provinces in Canada already use this model — so Nova Scotia is aligning itself with what works best.

How Does the EOI System Help the Province?

With this model, Nova Scotia can focus on applicants who match its top priorities such as:

• Healthcare
• Construction & trades
• STEM
• Manufacturing
• Natural resources
• Other workforce gaps

In addition, the EOI system gives clear expectations to both candidates and employers and reduces confusion.

How the New EOI Process Works

Step 1: Submit Your Expression of Interest

Even though you are still submitting a full application, Nova Scotia will now treat it as an EOI and place it into the EOI pool.

This applies to:

• NSNP candidates
• AIP employers

Your application stays in the pool until selected.

Step 2: Nova Scotia Conducts Draws

From time to time, the province will select EOIs from the pool for processing.
Selection depends on:

• Provincial labour priorities
• Remaining spots in the yearly quota
• How many EOIs are in the pool
• Program integrity (fraud/accuracy checking)

If You Are Selected

You will receive a direct email/notification from the government confirming that your EOI is chosen for processing.

However, it is important to note:

• Being selected means your profile matches current priorities
• It does NOT guarantee approval

If You Are Not Selected

Your EOI stays in the pool.
If you receive no communication, that simply means:

• Nothing has changed
• Your application is still waiting in the pool

There is no need to contact them.

What Happens to Existing Submissions?

All Old Applications Become EOIs

Regardless of when you applied:

• Your submission is now treated as an EOI
• Meeting eligibility or having a case ID does not guarantee processing
• Only selected EOIs will move forward

How Will You Get Updates?

If your EOI is selected, Nova Scotia will contact you directly.
If not, your status stays the same.
You can keep checking their website for draw updates.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).