Nova Scotia given higher immigration targets
Every year the federal government, through the IRCC, allocates a certain number of nominations a province can put forward for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). For 2022, Nova Scotia has been given 5,430 spots, slightly over 40% of a higher target than last year, across both these programs. The federal government has also committed to increasing the total amount of allocations for these programs over the next 3 years.
Nova Scotia’s targets
In 2022, Nova Scotia’s PNP allocation was increased by 17% from last year. This amounts to 400 more spots. In 2021, they approved 2,443 applicants.
The federal government has also given Nova Scotia 1,173 more spaces for the AIP in 2022 than in 2021. This represents a considerable 75% increase year-over-year. Last year, Nova Scotia accepted 1,657 applicants from the AIP.
Growth in the province
These new targets come after Nova Scotia accepted a record high of 9,025 permanent residents into the province in 2021. This beat their previous record by 19%.
“Nova Scotia is a special place and we are excited that more and more people see a future for themselves and their families here,” said Minister Balser. “Population growth is vital to our economic success. We have been preparing for growth, working with employers, communities and settlement organizations to get ready for more people to call Nova Scotia home.”
Moreover, the 2022/2023 budget also increases the province’s capacity to support newcomers through investing considerable funds. It includes $1 million going into immigration and population growth campaigns. Plus, $895,000 is going towards hiring more navigators and program officers for newcomer arrivals and immigration programs. Finally, community-based settlement services across Canada are getting an additional $1.4 million across the budget year.
Additionally, Nova Scotia has welcomed over 500 Ukrainians since February of this year.
About Immigration under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The PNP immigration stream looks for skilled workers from all different backgrounds that have experience as well as education at a college or university. The Provincial Nominee Program also targets investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons, who can bring new innovations to Canada. If you want to know more about the PNP, please visit the following article:
About the Atlantic Immigration Program
The AIP is a new, permanent immigration stream as of January 2022. It started off as a pilot program for the Atlantic provinces in 2017 and has seen high retention rates among successful applicants. There are 3 streams for the AIP: the Atlantic International Graduate Program, the Atlantic High-skilled Program, and the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program. To learn more about these different streams, read our article on the program.
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If you have a general question about immigration to Nova Scotia or Canada, please fill out the following form. However, if the question is case-specific, we’ll advise you to book a consultation session. You may alternatively fill out our assessment form.
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