Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
Summary:
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners or senior managers who wish to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in Nova Scotia. This program offers a route to permanent residency for individuals who actively manage a business that contributes to the province’s economic growth.
Eligibility Requirements
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Business Experience: A minimum of three years of business ownership experience with at least 33.33% ownership, or more than five years in a senior business management role within the last ten years.
Net Worth: A personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000, verified by a designated third-party professional.
Investment: Willingness to invest a minimum of CAD $150,000 to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French, demonstrated by a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 or higher in all four language components (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) dated within five years prior to the Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.
Business Establishment Plan: A detailed plan outlining the proposed business venture, demonstrating its potential economic benefit to Nova Scotia.
Application Process
Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Submit an EOI to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), including details of your business experience, net worth, language proficiency, education, and a business establishment plan.
Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ITA, prompting you to submit a comprehensive application.
Application Submission:
- Provide a complete application with supporting documents, including proof of net worth, language test results, educational credentials, and a detailed business plan.
Interview:
- Attend an in-person interview with NSOI officials to discuss your business proposal and intentions.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA):
- If approved, sign a BPA outlining the terms and conditions for your business operations in Nova Scotia.
Work Permit:
- Obtain a temporary work permit to establish and manage your business in Nova Scotia.
Business Establishment:
- Within six months of arriving in Nova Scotia, start or purchase the business as per the BPA.
Nomination for Permanent Residency:
- After operating the business for at least one year and meeting all BPA conditions, apply for provincial nomination for permanent residency.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream operates on a points-based system, assessing applicants on factors such as age, language proficiency, education, business ownership or management experience, net worth, investment amount, adaptability, and economic priorities. Applicants must achieve a minimum score to be considered for an ITA.
Points Allocation:
Age: Up to 10 points
Language Proficiency: Up to 35 points
Education: Up to 25 points
Business Ownership Experience: Up to 35 points
Net Worth: Up to 10 points
Investment: Up to 15 points
Adaptability: Up to 10 points
Economic Priorities: Up to 10 points
Priority is given to applicants proposing businesses that align with Nova Scotia’s economic priorities, such as innovation, technology, export-oriented ventures, and those addressing under-served markets.
Ineligible businesses include those primarily involved in property rental, investment, or leasing activities; real estate development or brokerage; professional services requiring licensing or accreditation; and businesses involved in the production or sale of sexually explicit products or services.
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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).
