Nova Scotia Business Immigration Pathways
Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur Streams
Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) offers business immigration pathways for experienced entrepreneurs and international graduates who want to establish, purchase, and actively manage a business in the province and ultimately obtain Canadian permanent residency.
The NSNP Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams were relaunched as permanent programs in 2024, with updated eligibility, thresholds, and a simplified online EOI system.
Nova Scotia currently offers two business immigration streams under the nominee program:
*For experienced business owners and senior managers
*For recent Nova Scotia graduates who have started or bought a business in the province
Unlike other provinces, NSNP does not separate regional versus urban business streams — but does provide lower thresholds for businesses outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) under the Entrepreneur Stream.
1. NOVA SCOTIA - NSNP ENTREPRENEUR STREAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The NSNP Entrepreneur Stream is designed for individuals with substantial business experience who intend to start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia and actively participate in its day‑to‑day management. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and those who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) proceed with a work permit, establish the business, operate it for a period (typically one year), and then apply for provincial nomination and permanent residence.
WHO THIS STREAM IS FOR
This stream suits candidates who:
✅ Have meaningful business ownership or senior management experience
✅ Want to relocate and settle in Nova Scotia long‑term
✅ Are ready to invest and run a business that contributes to the local economy
CORE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
AGE
Applicants must be 21 years or older.
NET WORTH
- Minimum CAD $600,000 net worth overall.
- Reduced threshold of CAD $400,000 if the business is located outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
- Minimum CAD $150,000 eligible personal investment in a Nova Scotia business.
- Reduced to CAD $100,000 outside HRM.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- At least 3 years of active business ownership with minimum 33.33% ownership, or
- More than 5 years of senior business management experience.
LANGUAGE PROCIFIENCY
Minimum CLB 5 (English or French) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
EDUCATION
While a specific degree is not mandatory, applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage and grow the business. Career‑relevant credentials and a strong business plan are expected by decision makers.
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
- Applicants must own at least 33.33% equity in the business.
- Must actively manage and direct business operations on site in Nova Scotia.
JOB CREATION & LOCAL SUPPORT
The business must demonstrate a meaningful economic benefit to Nova Scotia, such as job creation, innovation, export potential, or service to underserved markets.
PROGRAM PROCESS - ENTREPRENEUR STREAM
1️⃣ Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an online EOI through the NSNP portal. EOIs are scored and ranked.
2️⃣ Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI meets the provincial criteria and score thresholds, you receive an ITA.
3️⃣ Full Application & Business Establishment Plan
Submit detailed documents including business concept, net worth verification, and a Business Establishment Plan covering ownership, market research, financial projections, marketing strategy, risk analysis, and human capital.
4️⃣ Interview & Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
An in‑person interview may be required, and if successful you sign a BPA outlining investment, operational expectations, and performance milestones.
5️⃣ Work Permit Support & Establishment
Receive a support letter to apply for a temporary work permit and move to Nova Scotia to implement your plan.
6️⃣ Business Operation & Progress Reporting
Operate the business continuously (typically at least one year) and submit progress reports, including audits and financials to demonstrate performance.
7️⃣ Nomination Request & PR Application
Once BPA conditions are met, request provincial nomination and apply to IRCC for permanent residence within six months of nomination.
2. NOVA SCOTIA - INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR STREAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream supports recent graduates of Nova Scotia universities or the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) who have already started or purchased a business in the province and have operated it actively for at least one year. Successful candidates may be nominated for permanent residence under the NSNP.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This stream is ideal for recent international graduates who:
✅ Completed at least two academic years of full‑time in‑person study in Nova Scotia.
✅ Have a valid Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
✅ Have been managing and operating a Nova Scotia business they started or bought.
CORE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
At least one year of continuous experience owning and managing the Nova Scotia business with minimum 33.33% ownership
EDUCATION
A degree or diploma after at least two academic years of study at a Nova Scotia institution.
WORK PERMIT
Valid PGWP at the time of application.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Minimum CLB 7 in all four language abilities (English or French).
PROGRAM PROCESS - INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR STREAM
1️⃣ Submit an online EOI indicating your intent to settle and grow your Nova Scotia business.
2️⃣ If selected, receive an Invitation to Apply.
3️⃣ Submit the full application with proof of study, business ownership, PGWP, and language results.
4️⃣ Upon nomination, apply for Canadian permanent residence.
WHY CHOOSE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR FOR BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
Nova Scotia offers modern, performance-based business immigration pathways tailored for both experienced entrepreneurs and international graduates already operating businesses in the province. With updated EOI systems and reduced thresholds outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), the province actively supports regional business growth.
KEY ADVANTAGES INCLUDE:
🎯 Two clear entrepreneur pathways for business owners and international graduates
📉 Lower net worth and investment thresholds outside HRM
💎 Streamlined online EOI and application system
💪 Strong focus on active business operation and economic contribution
❇️ Opportunities across technology, tourism, services, marine industries, and regional markets
⭐ High quality of life and welcoming business communities
NEXT STEPS
Whether you are applying through the NSNP Entrepreneur Stream or the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, success depends on strong preparation and compliance with performance requirements. Cantech can assist you to:
✔️ Evaluate the most suitable NSNP entrepreneur pathway
✔️ Prepare a compliant business establishment plan and EOI
✔️ Compile net worth, ownership, and operational documentation
✔️ Support work permit, nomination, and PR applications
✔️ Guide you from initial planning to permanent residence approval
READY TO START YOUR NOVA SCOTIA BUSINESS IMMIGRATION JOURNEY?
Contact our team today for personalized guidance from eligibility assessment to permanent residence success.
Interested in Other Business Immigration Programs?
Let's Get Started
Take your first step towards a successful application