Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers an Entrepreneur Stream designed to attract individuals who wish to establish or purchase a business in the province. This stream aims to contribute to the economic growth of Nova Scotia by encouraging entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements, application process, and steps involved in the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
  • Net Worth: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of CAD 600,000 in combined business and personal assets acquired through legal means.
  • Business Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of three years of business ownership experience with at least one-third ownership, or more than five years in a senior business manager role within the last ten years.
  • Investment: Applicants must agree to make a minimum capital investment of CAD 150,000 in Nova Scotia to establish or purchase a business.
  • Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the language requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French.
  • Education: Applicants must have at least a high school education.
  • Business Establishment Plan: Applicants must submit a comprehensive Business Establishment Plan outlining their proposed business venture in Nova Scotia.
  • Intent to Reside: Applicants must agree to live in Nova Scotia.
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    Application Process

    1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Prospective applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Nova Scotia through the designated webpage. The EOI is a preliminary step where applicants provide information about their background, experience, and business plans. Based on the information provided, applicants will be assigned a point score, and the highest-ranking candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Selected candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Nova Scotia. The ITA allows applicants to proceed with the formal application process.
    3. Submission of Application: Applicants must prepare and submit their formal application to Nova Scotia, including:
      • Completed Application Form
      • Business Establishment Plan
      • Net Worth Verification Report
    4. Interview: If the application meets the requirements, applicants will be invited to attend an in-person interview to further discuss their business plans and qualifications.
    5. Business Performance Agreement (BPA): Upon successful completion of the interview, applicants will receive a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) from Nova Scotia. The BPA outlines the terms and conditions of the applicant’s business venture in Nova Scotia.
    6. Entrepreneur Approval Letter: After signing the BPA, applicants will receive an Entrepreneur Approval Letter from Nova Scotia, along with instructions on how to apply for a work permit. This letter allows applicants to live in Nova Scotia while establishing their business.
    7. Work Permit Application: Within two months of receiving the Entrepreneur Approval Letter, applicants must apply for a work permit to legally reside in Nova Scotia.
    8. Arrival and Meeting: Applicants are required to arrive in Nova Scotia within 12 months of receiving the Entrepreneur Approval Letter and must meet with Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) staff within 60 days of their arrival.
    9. Business Implementation: Applicants must fulfill the terms outlined in the BPA, including transferring the required investment funds to Canada and implementing their business plan in Nova Scotia.
    10. Nomination Request: Once the terms of the BPA are met, applicants can request a Nova Scotia nomination by completing a Nomination Request Form and providing details of their business operations. Applicants must also submit a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report.
    11. Nomination Issuance: If the nomination request is successful, applicants will receive a confirmation letter indicating that a Nomination has been issued. The nomination will be sent directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is valid for six months.
    12. Permanent Residence Application: With the nomination, applicants can apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC, leveraging the Nova Scotia nomination to support their application.

    The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream offers a pathway for individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations to establish or purchase a business in the province. By meeting the program’s requirements and successfully navigating the application process, entrepreneurs can contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy while fulfilling their goals of business ownership and permanent residency in Canada.

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    Other Nova Scotia Programs

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    Physician Stream

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    Occupation In-Demand Stream

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    Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

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    Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities

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    Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

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    International Graduates In-Demand

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    International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

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    Other Provincial Nominee Programs

    Yukon

    The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with specialized experience who wish to settle in Yukon. This program offers pathways for candidates with specific job offers and those with skills that align with the territory’s labor market needs.

    Saskatchewan

    The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan. The program has streams for both individuals with specific job offers and those with experience in high-demand occupations.

    Prince Edward Island

    The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates. It provides opportunities to settle and contribute to the province’s economy while pursuing permanent residency.

    Ontario

    Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to live and work in Ontario. The program offers several streams, including pathways for in-demand professionals and business owners.

    Northwest Territories

    The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) caters to skilled workers, business investors, and individuals who aim to build their future in the Northwest Territories. The program provides opportunities for applicants with job offers in key industries or those with entrepreneurial ambitions to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP) supports skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs interested in contributing to the province’s economy. The program helps meet local labor market demands while offering a path to permanent residency.

    New Brunswick

    New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) is for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the province’s labor market. The program includes streams for skilled professionals, business owners, and those with ties to the province.

    Manitoba

    The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers several immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates who wish to live and work in Manitoba. Successful applicants can apply for permanent residency after meeting the program's criteria.

    British Columbia

    The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to settle and contribute to the province’s economic growth. It offers various streams, including pathways for those seeking to start or invest in businesses.

    Alberta

    Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) targets skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Alberta. The program offers pathways for individuals to apply for permanent residency while contributing to the province’s thriving economy.