Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream focuses on attracting entrepreneurs who can contribute to economic development and create employment in the province.

Key features of the program include:

• A two-stage immigration process:

  • Work permit to operate the business

  • Provincial nomination leading to permanent residence

• A points-based Expression of Interest system

• Mandatory active business management

• Minimum investment and net worth requirements

• Requirement to operate the business for at least one year before nomination

Entrepreneurs must submit a Business Establishment Plan, demonstrating that the business is viable, beneficial to Nova Scotia’s economy, and capable of generating employment.

Applicants may either:

• Start a new business, or

• Purchase an existing business in Nova Scotia

In either case, the business must be a for-profit enterprise that sells goods or services and contributes to the provincial economy.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria depending on the pathway they apply under.

1. Experienced Business Owner or Senior Manager

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age

• At least 21 years old

Net Worth

• Minimum $600,000 CAD if the business is located within Halifax Regional Municipality

• Minimum $400,000 CAD if the business is located outside Halifax Regional Municipality

Investment

• Minimum $150,000 CAD investment in Halifax

• Minimum $100,000 CAD investment outside Halifax

Business Ownership

• Must own at least one-third (33%) of the business

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience as a business owner, or

• More than 5 years of experience as a senior business manager

Education

• Minimum Canadian high school equivalent

Language

• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark Level 5

Business Requirements

The proposed business must:

• Be actively managed by the applicant

• Operate within Nova Scotia

• Be a for-profit enterprise

• Provide economic benefit to the province

• Have a physical location in Nova Scotia

Applicants must also demonstrate that their net worth was obtained legally. 

2. Nova Scotia Graduate Entrepreneur

This pathway is for international graduates who started a business in Nova Scotia after completing their studies.

Applicants must:

• Be 21 years or older

• Have graduated from a minimum two-year full-time program at:

  • A Nova Scotia university, or

  • Nova Scotia Community College

• Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit

• Have owned and operated a Nova Scotia business for at least one year

• Own at least 33% of the business

• Receive income from the business sufficient to support themselves

• Demonstrate language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher

The business must also meet provincial legal and economic requirements.

Application Process

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream uses a multi-stage application process.

Step 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Applicants submit an online Expression of Interest profile outlining:

• Business experience

• Net worth

• Investment plans

• Business proposal

• Language ability

• Education

Candidates receive a score and enter the EOI pool.

Step 2 – Invitation to Apply

Top-ranked candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

At this stage, applicants must submit:

• Business Establishment Plan

• Net Worth Verification Report

• Financial Review Reports

• Supporting documentation

Step 3 – Interview with Nova Scotia Officials

Selected applicants are invited to attend an in-person or virtual interview with the Nova Scotia immigration authorities.

If successful, applicants sign a Business Performance Agreement outlining their obligations to establish and operate the business.

Step 4 – Apply for a Work Permit

Applicants receive a letter of support from Nova Scotia to apply for a temporary work permit.

They then travel to Nova Scotia and begin operating the business.

Step 5 – Operate the Business

The entrepreneur must:

• Operate the business for at least one year

• Meet all conditions in the Business Performance Agreement

• Demonstrate active management of the business

Step 6 – Apply for Provincial Nomination

After meeting the requirements, applicants may request a nomination from Nova Scotia.

Step 7 – Apply for Permanent Residence

Once nominated, applicants can apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence.