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Entrepreneur Stream
Summary:
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who want to start or acquire a business and settle permanently in Nova Scotia.
This stream operates on a temporary-to-permanent residence model. Approved applicants first obtain a work permit and must actively manage a business in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year before being considered for a provincial nomination. The program functions through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Applicant Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Possess a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000, verified by third-party professionals designated by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI).
Show that net worth was legally accumulated.
Have at least 3 years of business ownership experience with 33.3% ownership, OR more than 5 years of senior business management experience in the last 10 years.
Make a minimum investment of CAD $150,000 in establishing or purchasing a Nova Scotia business.
Meet language requirements: CLB 5 or higher in English or French in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Accepted tests:
English: CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training)
French: TEF
Hold at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (within 5 years prior to EOI).
Submit a Business Establishment Plan and show detailed knowledge of it.
Commit to residing in Nova Scotia.
Business Requirements
A qualifying business must:
Have the applicant own at least 33.3% equity.
Require the applicant’s active, ongoing management from within Nova Scotia.
Be a for-profit entity generating income through goods or services.
Comply with local laws and operate as a permanent establishment under Canadian tax regulations.
Pay taxes in Nova Scotia on income generated in the province.
Provide clear economic benefit to Nova Scotia, such as:
Increasing exports, manufacturing, or tourism.
Advancing research, technology, or innovation.
Filling gaps in under-served markets.
Transferring expertise and specialized knowledge.
Additional rules:
Starting a business: Must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (not a relative).
Purchasing a business:
Business must have been in continuous operation for 5+ years under the same owner.
Applicants must complete an exploratory visit.
Proof of fair market value is required.
The business must be active and not in receivership.
Existing employees must be retained with current wages and terms.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
Expression of Interest (EOI) Points System
Candidates are scored (max 150 points) on eight factors:
Language ability: up to 35 points
Education: up to 25 points
Business/management experience: up to 35 points
Net worth: up to 10 points
Age: up to 10 points
Adaptability: up to 10 points
Nova Scotia priorities: up to 10 points
Investment: up to 15 points
Applicants with the highest scores aligned to provincial needs are invited to apply.
Application Process
The Entrepreneur Stream follows six steps:
Step 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates complete an online profile and enter the pool (valid for 12 months).
Step 2 – Invitation to Apply (ITA): Top candidates are invited by NSOI to submit a full application, including:
Application form and supporting documents (within 90 days).
Business Establishment Plan.
Net Worth Verification Report (within 180 days).
Step 3 – Interview & Business Performance Agreement: Candidates attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia. If successful, they sign a Business Performance Agreement and receive an Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
Step 4 – Work Permit & Business Setup: Applicants apply for a work permit, move to Nova Scotia, and must establish/acquire their business within one year.
Step 5 – Request for Nomination: After running the business for at least one continuous year and meeting agreement terms, candidates submit a Nomination Request with audit documents.
Step 6 – Apply for Permanent Residence: Successful nominees apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months. Approval leads to Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Business Establishment Plan
A strong Business Establishment Plan should:
Demonstrate investment and managerial commitment.
Show economic and market research in Nova Scotia.
Include a detailed Action Plan (finances, staffing, timelines, risk assessment, and growth strategy).
Highlight the candidate’s full knowledge of the plan.
Applicants unfamiliar with their plan may be deemed ineligible.
Fees
No application fee for submitting an Expression of Interest.
Net Worth Verification Report and Audit Services costs must be paid directly to designated third-party verifiers.
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I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).