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Entrepreneur Stream
Summary:
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream is a business immigration pathway under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) for experienced entrepreneurs and business managers who want to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia and actively manage it.
Successful applicants first receive support to apply for a temporary work permit so they can move to Nova Scotia and operate their business. After operating the business for at least one year and meeting the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement, they may become eligible to receive a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence.
The program is designed to attract entrepreneurs who can contribute to the province’s economy by creating jobs, introducing innovative business models, and supporting regional economic development.
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream allows foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada by starting or purchasing a business in Nova Scotia and actively managing it.
Key features of the program include:
A two-step immigration pathway (work permit first, permanent residence later)
A points-based Expression of Interest selection system
Minimum net worth and investment requirements
Mandatory active management of the business
Requirement to operate the business for at least one year before nomination
Entrepreneurs must submit a Business Establishment Plan demonstrating how their business will operate, generate revenue, and benefit the Nova Scotia economy.
Applicants may:
Start a new business, or
Purchase and operate an existing business in Nova Scotia
Entrepreneur Eligibility
The main Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners and senior business managers.
To apply, you must:
Be 21 years of age or older
Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business
Have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD, or $400,000 CAD if the business is outside Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)
Be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money to establish a business in Nova Scotia, or $100,000 CAD if the business is outside HRM
Have at least 3 years of experience actively managing and owning a business with at least 33% ownership, OR
Have more than 5 years of experience in a senior business management role
Have a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark Level 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French
Complete an online Expression of Interest
Receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration
Applicants must also demonstrate that their business will operate within Nova Scotia and contribute to the provincial economy.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for graduates of Nova Scotia universities or the Nova Scotia Community College who have already established or purchased a business in the province.
Applicants must have operated their business for at least one year before applying. If they intend to settle permanently in Nova Scotia and meet all program requirements, they may be nominated for permanent residence.
Applications to this stream are by invitation only.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Eligibility
To apply under this category, you must:
Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business
Have at least one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business, with at least 33.33% ownership
Have completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at:
A Nova Scotia university, or
Nova Scotia Community College
Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit
Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark Level 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French
Complete an online Expression of Interest
Receive an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration
VIEW MORE DETAILS
Application Process
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream follows a multi-stage process involving both the provincial government and the federal immigration department.
Step 1 – Expression of Interest
Applicants submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining:
Business ownership or management experience
Net worth
Proposed investment
Language ability
Education
Business concept
Candidates are then placed in a selection pool and ranked based on the program’s points system.
Step 2 – Invitation to Apply
Top-ranked candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply from Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration.
Applicants must submit a full application with supporting documents, including:
Business Establishment Plan
Net Worth Verification Report
Financial review documents
Proof of experience, education and language ability
Step 3 – Interview
Qualified applicants may be invited to attend an interview with Nova Scotia immigration officials to discuss their business proposal and experience.
If successful, applicants sign a Business Performance Agreement outlining the requirements for operating their business.
Step 4 – Work Permit Application
Applicants receive a letter of support from Nova Scotia allowing them to apply for a temporary work permit from the Government of Canada.
Step 5 – Establish and Operate the Business
After arriving in Nova Scotia, entrepreneurs must:
Establish or purchase the business
Actively manage day-to-day operations
Meet the requirements outlined in the Business Performance Agreement
They must operate the business for at least one year before requesting nomination.
Step 6 – Provincial Nomination
Once all program conditions are met, the entrepreneur may apply to the Nova Scotia government for provincial nomination.
Step 7 – Apply for Permanent Residence
After receiving a nomination, the applicant can submit a permanent residence application to the Government of Canada.
Points Allocation
Candidates are ranked using a points-based selection system when they submit their Expression of Interest.
Points may be awarded based on factors such as:
Human Capital
Age
Education
Language ability
Business ownership or management experience
Business Factors
Net worth
Investment amount
Business proposal
Economic benefit to Nova Scotia
Adaptability
Previous work experience in Nova Scotia
Previous education in Nova Scotia
Family members living in Nova Scotia
Candidates with higher scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply.
Business Requirements
The proposed business must:
Be actively managed by the applicant
Be a for-profit business that sells goods or services
Operate from a physical location in Nova Scotia
Demonstrate economic benefit to the province
Comply with provincial and municipal regulations
Certain types of businesses are not eligible, including:
Property rental businesses
Passive investment businesses
Real estate brokerages
Payday loan businesses
Commission-only businesses
Businesses that could harm the reputation of the province.
Book a Consultation
Take the first step toward your Canadian dream. Secure your personalized immigration consultation with us today and embark on a path to a brighter future in Canada.
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).
