What IELTS score do you need for the Nova Scotia PNP (NSNP)?

Both guides list IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results must have been issued within two years of the date you submit your expression of interest, and Nova Scotia does not accept results dated more than 2 years before your submission.

For Skilled Worker jobs in TEER 0 to 3, the guide also accepts transcripts or employment records showing that English or French was your main language of study or work. A test is mandatory for TEER 4 and 5, and for every Express Entry applicant.

Nova Scotia's guides print the same minimums as IRCC: CLB 5 is IELTS listening 5, reading 4, writing 5 and speaking 5, or PTE Core 39, 42, 51 and 51. Each ability converts separately; an overall IELTS band does not count. Convert your own scores with our CLB calculator or the PTE Core CLB calculator.

Every stream now starts with an expression of interest, and Nova Scotia says selections are not first-come, first-served (NSNP). Since 1 May 2026 an EOI is valid for 12 months, fees apply from 1 September 2026, and new EOIs from the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72) have been paused since 17 April 2024. A one-time 2026 expansion adds some candidates already working in Nova Scotia whose EOIs were submitted on or before 30 June 2026.

Nova Scotia: Express Entry needs a profile in IRCC's Express Entry system and at least one year of TEER 0 to 3 work in Nova Scotia. Under the Comprehensive Ranking System, a provincial or territorial nomination is worth 600 points. To be nominated through Express Entry you must also qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class programme (IRCC), whose minimums are CLB 7 (FSW), CLB 7 or 5 by TEER (CEC) and CLB 5 speaking and listening with CLB 4 reading and writing (FST) (IRCC). See our Express Entry guide.

IRCC's provincial nominee language page (modified 23 June 2026) lists IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English, plus TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French, and its equivalency charts say results must not be more than 2 years old when IRCC receives your application. For Express Entry, IRCC says you must take the IELTS General Training option and does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake (IRCC); IELTS Academic is not on any IRCC economic-immigration list.

Provincial programmes change often, sometimes with no notice. Confirm the current rule on the Nova Scotia Nominee Program page before you book a test or submit an expression of interest. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.