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International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Summary:
The International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is designed for international students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia and have already established or purchased a business in the province.
This stream operates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates submit an EOI, are scored on a points matrix, and the highest-ranking applicants are invited to apply by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). The program is intended for graduates who wish to settle permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a local business.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the IGE Stream, candidates must:
Have completed a full-time diploma or degree program of at least two years at a recognized Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College.
Have lived in Nova Scotia full-time during their studies.
Show genuine intent to permanently reside in Nova Scotia.
Have owned and operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year before submitting the EOI.
Prove language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher in English or French in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), verified by approved tests:
English: CELPIP-General or IELTS General Training
French: TEF or TCF-Canada
Test results must be less than two years old at the time of EOI submission.
Be at least 21 years old.
Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Own at least 33.33% equity in the business and be actively involved in daily management.
Receive compensation from the business at or above Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).
Requirements for Businesses
To be eligible, the business must:
Have been created as a career-driven venture (not solely for immigration purposes).
Comply with all local legal requirements.
Be a for-profit enterprise generating income from the sale of goods or services.
Qualify as a permanent establishment under Canadian tax law.
Pay income tax on taxable income earned in Nova Scotia.
Be actively managed by the applicant within Nova Scotia.
Demonstrate significant economic benefit to the province.
Additional Criteria – Starting a New Business
Applicants starting a new business must:
Create at least one full-time year-round job (or equivalent) for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (non-relative).
Ensure the job is:
Additional to the applicant’s own role,
Relevant to the business, and
Paid at prevailing provincial wage levels.
Additional Criteria – Business Succession
If purchasing an existing business, the following apply:
The business must have been operational under the same owner for at least five years.
Existing employees must be retained under the same terms, conditions, and wages.
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Nomination Process
The IGE Stream follows four main steps:
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Candidates submit an online EOI form with details on work experience, education, language, age, adaptability, and business activity.
EOIs are scored and valid for one year.
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Top-ranking applicants receive an ITA.
Within 90 days, applicants must submit:
A complete application form,
Supporting documents, and
An Audit Opinion and Special Purpose Report prepared by a designated Audit Service Verifier.
Applicants must select their Audit Service Verifier within 20 days of receiving the ITA.
Step 3: In-Person Interview and Business Site Visit
Applicants attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia within 15 business days of being contacted.
The interview includes a visit to the applicant’s business site.
Successful applicants move forward to nomination.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Nominees apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence within six months.
An NSNP nomination does not guarantee PR approval. Successful candidates must provide proof of Confirmation of Permanent Residence to NSOI.
Who is Not Eligible
Ineligible Applicants
Refugee claimants in Canada.
Individuals living illegally in their country of residence.
Anyone under a removal order by IRCC or CBSA.
Individuals prohibited from entering Canada.
Passive investors (with no active management role).
Those without valid legal status.
Ineligible Businesses
Remote businesses operated from outside Nova Scotia.
Property rental, investment, and leasing businesses.
Real estate, insurance, or business brokerage (unless significant economic benefit can be proven).
Professional/self-employed services requiring provincial licensing.
Payday loans, cheque cashing, money exchange, pawnshops, or cash machines.
Credit unions or cooperatives.
Primarily home-based businesses (unless compelling benefit shown).
Businesses generating mainly passive investment income.
Adult-oriented businesses.
Joint ventures between NSNP applicants.
Any business that may damage the reputation of the NSNP or the province.
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