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International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Summary:
The Newfoundland and Labrador International Entrepreneur Category is a provincial immigration pathway under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP). It is designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who want to settle in the province by starting, co-managing, or purchasing a business.
Successful applicants first receive a Temporary Work Permit to establish and operate their business. After running the business for at least one year, they may become eligible for provincial nomination and eventually Canadian permanent residence.
How the Program Works
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Notify the Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism of your interest.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Selected candidates are invited to submit a full application.
Business Establishment: Operate your business in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year on a work permit.
Provincial Nomination: If performance requirements are met, apply for nomination to the Government of Canada for permanent residence.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements – Applicant
To qualify, applicants must:
Be 21–59 years old.
Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB 5 in all skills (IELTS General, CELPIP General, or TEF accepted).
Have at least CAD $600,000 in transferable personal and business assets.
Show minimum net investment of CAD $200,000 in a business in NL with at least 33.3% ownership, or a CAD $1 million equity investment.
Achieve at least 72 points out of 120 on the EOI assessment grid.
Possess one of the following:
2+ years as a business owner (minimum 25% ownership) in the past 5 years, OR
5+ years in a senior management role in the last 10 years.
Provide a business plan with financial documentation verified by a third party.
Hold at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA required).
Show intention to reside permanently in NL while managing the business.
Commit to creating at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Conduct a mandatory exploratory visit before starting or buying a business.
Submit an online EOI and receive an ITA.
Business Requirements
The proposed business must:
Meet legal and community requirements in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Be a for-profit entity generating income from goods or services.
Be a permanent establishment under Canadian tax law.
Be actively managed from within Newfoundland and Labrador (not remotely).
Create significant economic benefits such as:
Value-added manufacturing, processing, or exports.
Destination tourism, R&D, or tech commercialization.
Innovative approaches to traditional industries.
Products/services for underserved local or regional markets.
Ineligible businesses are not accepted under this program.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
Streams
1. Starting a New Business
Must create at least one full-time year-round job for a Canadian citizen or PR.
The job must:
Be additional to positions filled by the applicant or relatives.
Be directly related to the business.
Meet provincial wage standards.
2. Purchasing an Existing Business
The business must have been in continuous operation for at least 5 years under the same owner.
Applicants must:
Provide proof of fair market value.
Complete an exploratory visit and meet the current owner.
Keep the business active and not in receivership.
Maintain existing staff, wages, and employment terms.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) and Business Plan
Receiving an ITA means the applicant must:
Within 20 days: Choose a designated Net Worth Verifier.
Within 90 days: Submit the full application, supporting documents, and Business Establishment Plan.
Within 180 days: Provide a Net Worth Verification Report.
The Business Establishment Plan must show:
Ownership percentage and investment details.
Ongoing, active management role.
Job creation or job retention commitments.
Details of the exploratory visit.
Interview and Business Performance Agreement
Applicants attend an in-person interview in NL (at their own expense).
If approved, they sign a Business Performance Agreement with the provincial government outlining obligations such as:
Active role in management.
Business location.
Job creation or retention.
Who Cannot Apply
Individuals living illegally in their country of residence.
Those with a removal order from IRCC/CBSA.
Persons prohibited from entering Canada.
Passive investors with no day-to-day management role.
Individuals without legal immigration status (unless restored).
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).
