The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Entrepreneur Stream offers an exciting
pathway for international entrepreneurs to invest in Nova Scotia and obtain
Canadian permanent residency. This unique program allows you to build your
business while securing a future in Canada for yourself and your family.
Nova Scotia PNP Entrepreneur Stream: Business Eligibility Requirements
General Criteria:
● Business Ownership: You must own at least 33.33% of the business equity.
● Active Management: You must actively manage the business daily from within Nova Scotia.
● Legal Compliance: The business must meet all legal requirements of its operating community.
● Profit Motive: The business must be for-profit, generating income through goods and/or services sales.
● Permanent Establishment: The business must qualify as a “permanent establishment” under Canadian tax regulations.
● Economic Benefit: The business must have potential for significant economic benefit to Nova Scotia, such as:
○ Increased value-added manufacturing or processing, exports, tourism, research & development, or technology commercialization.
○ Innovative approaches to traditional businesses.
○ Technology and knowledge transfer to Nova Scotia.
○ Serving underserved local or regional markets.
Additional Criteria:
● New Business: Create at least one full-time or equivalent part-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (non-relative).
● Existing Business:
○ Must have been in continuous operation for 5 years by the same owner in Nova Scotia.
○ You must complete an exploratory visit and meet the current owner(s).
○ Demonstrate fair market value establishment.
○ Be actively operating and not in receivership.
○ Offer employment on similar terms to existing staff.
Ineligible Businesses:
● Remote operations (outside Nova Scotia).
● Property rental, investment, and leasing activities.
● Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance or business brokerage (unless demonstrably beneficial to Nova Scotia).
● Licensed or accredited professional services or self-employed businesses.
● Payday loan, cheque cashing, money services, pawnbrokers, credit unions.
● Home-based businesses (unless demonstrably beneficial to Nova Scotia).
● Co-operatives.
● Passive investment businesses.
● Pornographic or sexually explicit product/service businesses.
● Joint ventures between NSNP program candidates.
● Businesses potentially damaging to the NSNP or Nova Scotia government’s reputation.
Minimum Requirements:
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements
does not guarantee an invitation to apply. The NSNP uses a points-based system, and each draw sets a minimum threshold score for invitations. You must achieve a score equal to or exceeding this threshold to be considered.
NSNP Entrepreneur Stream:
150-Point Selection Grid
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Language Ability | 35 | Demonstrate proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 5 in all skills for 20 points, up to 7 points per skill for higher scores, max 28). Additional 7 points possible for CLB 5+ in a second official language. |
| Education | 25 | Points awarded based on your highest completed educational credential. |
| Business Ownership/Management Experience | 35 | Points for years of owning and managing a business (minimum 3 years with 33.33% ownership or 5+ years in senior management). |
| Net Worth | 10 | Points awarded based on your demonstrable personal net worth (minimum $600,000 CAD). |
| Age | 10 | Points awarded based on your age at the time of application. |
| Adaptability | 10 | Points for your and your spouse/common-law partner's English or French language proficiency (beyond minimum requirements). |
| Nova Scotia Economic Priorities | 10 | Points for alignment of your business with Nova Scotia's economic priorities (optional). |
| Investment | 15 | Points based on the amount of capital invested in your Nova Scotia business (minimum $150,000 CAD). |
NSNP Entrepreneur Stream: Education (Max 25 Points)
Minimum Requirement:
- Possess a completed Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or equivalent.
Point Breakdown:
| Education Level | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral (PhD) degree | 25 | Highest level of education, earns maximum points. |
| Master's degree or professional degree | 23 | Advanced degree, earns significant points. |
| Two or more post-secondary credentials (one at least 3 years) | 22 | Demonstrates diverse academic background with longer program experience. |
| Post-secondary credential (at least 3 years) | 21 | Substantial post-secondary education, earns strong points. |
| Post-secondary credential (2 years) | 19 | Valid post-secondary qualification, earns moderate points. |
| Post-secondary credential (1 year) | 12 | Shorter post-secondary education, earns limited points. |
| Secondary (high school) diploma | 8 | Meets minimum requirement but limited points awarded. |
| Less than secondary (high school) diploma | Not eligible | Does not meet the minimum requirement. |
Business ownership/management experience (Max 35 Point)
Eligibility:
● Minimum of 3 years business ownership with 1/3 ownership OR 5 years senior management experience in the last 10 years required.
Point Breakdown:
| Business Ownership Years (1/3 ownership) | Points | Senior Management Years (NOC TEER 0-3) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | Not eligible | Less than 5 years | Not eligible |
| 3 - 5 years | 20 | 5 - 9 years | 20 |
| 6 - 10 years | 27.5 | 10 - 14 years | 20 |
| 11+ years | 35 | 15+ years | 20 |
Net Worth (Max 10 Points)
Eligibility Requirement:
- A minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD is required for participation in the Entrepreneur Stream.
Points System:
- Up to 10 points are awarded based on your demonstrably acquired and verifiable personal net worth.
Verification:
- Net worth must be verified through a report from a designated NSNP Net Worth Verifier:
Nova Centre, North Tower Suite 1000
1675 Grafton Street
Halifax NS B3J 0E9
(902) 566-6324
4600 – 333 Bay St
Bay Adelaide Centre
Toronto ON M5H 2S5
(416) 777-3887
200 – 100 Venture Run
Dartmouth NS B3B 0H9
(902) 493-5452
- Assets of your spouse or common-law partner are considered and must pass verification.
Point Breakdown:
| Net Worth (CAD) | Points |
|---|---|
| Below $600,000 | Not eligible |
| $600,000 - $999,999 | 5 |
| $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 | 7 |
| $1,500,000 or more | 10 |
Age (Max 10 Points)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to be eligible for the Entrepreneur Stream.
Point Breakdown:
| Age Range | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 21 | Not eligible |
| 21 - 24 | 5 |
| 25 - 32 | 7 |
| 33 - 39 | 10 |
| 40 - 44 | 7 |
| 45 - 55 | 5 |
| 56 and older | 0 |
Adaptability (Max 10 Points)
Boosting Your Adaptability Score:
This factor assesses your and your
spouse/partner’s ability to adapt to life in Nova Scotia, with a maximum of 10
points available.
Points Breakdown:
| Factor | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner's English/French Proficiency (CLB 4+) | Demonstrates strong language skills, facilitating integration. | 5 |
| Your Study in Nova Scotia (2+ years) | Shows prior experience and connection to the province. | 10 |
| Spouse/Partner's Study in Nova Scotia (2+ years) | Indicates partner's potential for adapting to Nova Scotia. | 5 |
| Your Work in Nova Scotia (1+ year, NOC TEER 0-3) | Demonstrates relevant work experience and familiarity with the local economy. | 10 |
| Spouse/Partner's Work in Nova Scotia (1+ year) | Highlights partner's potential for employment and integration. | 5 |
| Relative in Nova Scotia (19+ years old) | Strong family connection can support your settlement. | 5 |
Nova Scotia Economic Priorities (Max 10 Points)
Supporting Nova Scotia’s Growth:
This optional factor allows you to earn points
for aligning your business with Nova Scotia’s economic priorities (maximum 10
points).
Eligible Priorities:
| Priority | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Export-Oriented Business | Your business plan actively promotes exporting goods or services from Nova Scotia. | 5 |
| Location Outside Halifax County | Your business plan specifies establishing your business outside Halifax County, fostering regional development. | 5 |
| Business Succession | You plan to acquire and continue an existing Nova Scotia business operating for at least 5 years. | 5 |
NSNP Entrepreneur Stream: Investment (Max 15 Points)
Demonstrating Financial Commitment:
This factor assesses your planned financial commitment to your Nova Scotia business, with a maximum of 15 points available.
Minimum Investment:
- A minimum personal investment of CAD $150,000 is required, sourced from your verified net worth.
Eligible Investment Categories:
- Land, buildings, equipment, software, licenses, franchise fees, leasehold improvements, professional fees for business establishment, one vehicle, and furniture/fixtures.
Optional Operating Expenses:
- New Businesses: Up to 6 months of projected operating expenses may be considered (e.g., rent, wages, utilities, advertising, accounting, insurance).
- Existing Businesses: Up to 3 months of projected operating expenses may be considered.
Ineligible Investments:
- Cash, expenses incurred before signing the Business Performance Agreement, operating expenses for franchise purchases/startups.
Key Requirements:
- Investments must align with your Business Establishment Plan and directly support your business operations.
- Evidence of investment within the first two years of business operation after NSNP approval is required.
Investment Amount (CAD) | Points |
Below 150,000 | Not eligible |
150,000 to 300,000 | 10 |
More than 300,000 | 15 |
Application Process
This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the application process for obtaining permanent residence through the NSNP Entrepreneur Stream.
Step 1: Express of Interest (EOI)
- Register your EOI online to be included in the candidate pool.
- Your EOI will be scored based on specific factors, with a maximum of 150 points.
- If your score meets the selection criteria (see Draw History section), proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Application to the NSNP
- Submit a formal application to the NSNP, including:
- Completed application forms
- Supporting documents (e.g., Business Establishment Plan)
- Participate in an in-person interview at the NSNP office in Nova Scotia (costs at your own expense).
- Upon successful completion of the interview, sign a Business Performance Agreement outlining your investment commitments, job creation plans, and business milestones.
Step 3: Approval and Temporary Work Permit
- Upon receiving your signed agreement, the NSNP will issue an Approval Letter within two months.
- Use the Approval Letter to apply for a Temporary Work Permit from the federal government (IRCC) within two months.
- Arrive in Nova Scotia within 12 months of receiving the Approval Letter.
- Meet with NSNP staff within 60 days of arrival.
Step 4: Provincial Nomination
- Fulfill the following requirements to receive a provincial nomination:
- Operate your business for at least one year.
- Maintain legal status in Canada.
- Submit an Audit Opinion and Special Purpose Report by a designated verifier (see list below).
- Apply for permanent residence to IRCC within six months of receiving the nomination.
Important Deadlines and Processing Times
Application Submission:
- Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply through your NSNP profile, you have:
- 20 calendar days to select and notify the NSNP of your chosen Designated Net Worth Verifier.
- 90 calendar days to submit a complete application to the NSNP, including all supporting documentation.
- 180 calendar days to submit your Net Worth Verification Report.
Processing Timeframes:
- NSNP Entrepreneur Stream applications are processed within a minimum of three months.
- Specific processing times are not publicly available and depend on:
- Verification time for submitted documents.
- Application volume received by the NSNP.