December 17th, 2015 the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration announced that most prospective immigrants to Nova Scotia are able to apply for immigration through a new online system. Paper-based applications will still be accepted until the end of June 2016.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that "E-processing is more convenient for applicants, giving them immediate feedback on incomplete files." She went on to say, "It should speed up their completion of applications and will reduce our burden of paper-based files."

In order to process the large number of applications, the province will also temporarily pause the intake of new applications for its Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream, effective immediately. Applications under this stream postmarked December 17th, 2015 will be accepted. The stream is expected to reopen for applications later in 2016.

The Family Business Worker stream will close at the end of 2015. These applicants will be able to apply under the Skilled Worker stream which has the same requirements.