Nova Scotia's International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: A Pathway to Permanent Residence

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream offered by Nova Scotia presents a promising avenue for international graduates looking to establish their businesses and settle permanently in the province. This initiative aims to attract and retain talented individuals who have completed their post-secondary education in Nova Scotia and have the ambition to contribute to its economic growth and vitality.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this stream, applicants must meet several minimum requirements:

  1. Education: Candidates must possess a full-time Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree that spans at least two years.
  2. Residency: Applicants are required to have resided in Nova Scotia full-time during their academic program.
  3. Intent: Individuals must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside in Nova Scotia permanently.
  4. Business Ownership: Prospective applicants must have owned and operated a business in Nova Scotia for a minimum of one year before submitting their Expression of Interest (EOI).
  5. Language Proficiency: Candidates must meet the language requirement of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7.
  6. Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
  7. Work Permit: A valid Post-Graduation Work Permit is essential.
  8. Equity Ownership: Candidates must own a minimum of one-third of the equity of the eligible business.
  9. Management Participation: Applicants should have actively participated in the daily management of the business.
  10. Compensation: Evidence of receiving compensation from the business in the form of a salary is required.
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    Application Process

    1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Prospective candidates must begin by submitting an EOI to Nova Scotia through the designated webpage. Based on the information provided, applicants are assigned a point score. The highest-scoring individuals may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Successful candidates will receive an ITA from Nova Scotia, prompting them to proceed with their application.
    3. Application Submission: Applicants must prepare and submit their application to Nova Scotia, including the required documents such as an Application Form and supporting documents. Additionally, candidates must provide a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report. Submission can be done through the designated webpage.
    4. Financial Statement Review: Candidates are required to select one of the designated Financial Statement Review Service Providers, who will assess their financial statements and provide the necessary reports. This step must be completed within 20 days of receiving the ITA.
    5. Interview: If the initial requirements are met, applicants may be invited to attend an in-person interview. The interviewing officer will assess the candidate’s eligibility further.
    6. Nomination: Upon successful completion of the interview and satisfaction of the officer, candidates will receive a Nomination Confirmation Letter. This nomination will be forwarded directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
    7. Permanent Residence Application: With the nomination in hand, candidates can apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC within six months.

     

    Nova Scotia’s International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream offers a clear pathway for international graduates to establish themselves as entrepreneurs and permanent residents in the province. By meeting the outlined criteria and navigating the application process diligently, individuals can pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions while contributing to Nova Scotia’s economic prosperity and cultural diversity.

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