Nova Scotia Business Immigration

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.

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. 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

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.

Contact Cantech for personalized guidance and end-to-end support toward Canadian permanent residence.