Nova Scotia PNP points calculator

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Nova Scotia Points Grid (Max 100 Points)

This grid applies to the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream (specifically for candidates with a profile in the federal pool).

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Factor 1: Education (Max 25 Points)

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Education Level: Points

Doctoral (PhD): 25

Master’s Degree / Professional Degree: 23

Two or more post-secondary credentials (One must be 3+ years): 22

Bachelor's Degree (3+ years): 21

Two-year Diploma/Certificate: 19

One-year Diploma/Certificate: 15

High School Diploma: 5

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Factor 2: Language Proficiency (Max 28 Points)

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Points are awarded for your first official language (English or French).

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• CLB 9+: 6 points per ability (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) = 24 points.

• CLB 8: 5 points per ability = 20 points.

• CLB 7: 4 points per ability = 16 points.

• Second Language Bonus: 4 points total if you score CLB 5 or higher in the other official language.

Factor 3: Work Experience (Max 15 Points)

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Work experience must be in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

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• 6+ years: 15 points

• 4–5 years: 13 points

• 2–3 years: 11 points

• 1 year: 9 points

Factor 4: Age (Max 12 Points)

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• 18–35 years: 12 points

• 36 years: 11 points (The score drops by 1 point for every year until age 47).

• 47+ years: 0 points

Factor 5: Adaptability (Max 10 Points)

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You can claim points for factors that show you are likely to settle successfully:

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• Previous Work in Canada (1+ year): 10 points

• Previous Study in Canada: 5 points

• Spouse's Language Ability (CLB 4+): 5 points

• Relative in Canada (18+, Citizen/PR): 5 points

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Nova Scotia Priority Sectors (2026 Update)

Even if you score 67+ points, Nova Scotia heavily prioritizes specific sectors. For 2026, the province has shifted its focus to Health Care, Social Assistance, and Construction.

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Priority Sector - Key Occupations - 2026 Strategy

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1. Health Care - Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacy Techs, Paramedics. - Dedicated draws; often bypasses the 67-point minimum.

2. Construction - Carpenters, Electricians, Heavy Equip Operators. - Recent focus on workers already in NS with expiring permits.

3. Childcare - Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). - Frequent draws for TEER 42202.

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Important Eligibility Streams (Non-Points Based)

If you don't meet the 67-point mark, you may still be eligible through these criteria-based pathways:

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• Nova Scotia Experience (Express Entry): Requires at least 1 year of full-time work experience in Nova Scotia in a TEER 0–3 job within the last 3 years. No points grid is used—if you meet the criteria and the province needs your NOC, you are eligible for nomination.

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• Skilled Worker Stream: Requires a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. You must be between 21 and 55 years old and have 1 year of related work experience.

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• Occupations In-Demand: Specifically for lower-skilled roles (TEER 4 & 5) like Truck Drivers, Nurse Aides, and Construction Labourers. Requires a job offer and CLB 4 language level.