A Comprehensive Guide to Nova Scotia's Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP Entrepreneur Stream) offers a strategic and rewarding immigration pathway for experienced business owners and senior business managers who are looking to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia and achieve permanent residency in Canada.

In this expanded guide, we provide all the essential details you need to understand this opportunity and take confident steps toward building your future in Nova Scotia.

Key Benefits of the Program

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream offers several advantages for business-minded immigrants:

1. Clear Pathway to Permanent Residency: The program provides a defined route to Canadian permanent residency for entrepreneurs who successfully establish and operate a business in Nova Scotia.

   
   

2. Lower Investment Threshold: Compared to some federal business immigration programs, the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream has more accessible investment requirements, particularly for businesses established outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.

   
   

3. Flexibility in Business Options: Applicants can choose to start a new business or purchase an existing one, allowing them to leverage their specific expertise and interests.

   
   

4. Family Inclusion: The program allows entrepreneurs to bring their spouse and dependent children with them to Canada, providing opportunities for the entire family.

   
   

5. Provincial Support: Nova Scotia offers various resources and support systems for new businesses, including industry associations, business development agencies, and networking opportunities.

   
   

6. Quality of Life: Nova Scotia is known for its high quality of life, affordable housing (compared to larger Canadian cities), excellent education system, and comprehensive healthcare, making it an attractive destination for families.

   
   

Distinction Between Starting a New Business vs. Buying an Existing Business

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream accommodates two distinct business approaches, each with its own set of requirements and considerations:

Starting a New Business

When establishing a new business in Nova Scotia, entrepreneurs must:

• Employ at least one permanent full-time Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or part-time employees whose hours add up to full-time)

• Ensure employees work year-round (not seasonal)

• Pay competitive wages comparable to industry standards

• Invest a minimum of $150,000 CAD if the business is within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) or $100,000 CAD if outside HRM

• Own at least one-third (1/3) of the business equity

Starting a new business offers the advantage of building something aligned precisely with your vision and expertise, but it comes with the challenges of establishing a customer base, building business relationships, and navigating a new market.

Buying an Existing Business

When purchasing an existing Nova Scotia business, entrepreneurs must ensure:

• The business has operated continuously under the same owner for the past five years

• The business is currently operating and not in receivership

• They have personally visited the business and met with the current owner

• They can demonstrate agreement on a fair market value for the business

• They will offer similar wages and employment conditions to existing staff

• They invest a minimum of $150,000 CAD if the business is within HRM or $100,000 CAD if outside HRM

• They own at least one-third (1/3) of the business equity

Buying an existing business provides the advantage of an established customer base, existing business relationships, and operational history, but may require adaptation to existing business models and potential challenges in implementing significant changes.

Timeline Overview of the 7-Step Application Process

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream follows a structured seven-step process that spans both provincial and federal jurisdictions:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Prospective applicants submit an online form detailing their qualifications, business experience, and intended business in Nova Scotia. This is ranked according to a points system.

   
   

2. Application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program: Those with the highest- ranking EOIs receive an Invitation to Apply and must submit a comprehensive application including a detailed Business Establishment Plan and undergo Net Worth Verification.

   
   

3. Interview: Qualified applicants participate in an interview to discuss their business plans and demonstrate their understanding and commitment to establishing a business in Nova Scotia.

   
   

4. Work Permit Application: Successful interview candidates receive an Entrepreneur Approval Letter and must apply to IRCC for a work permit to operate their business in Nova Scotia.

   
   

5. Arrival in Nova Scotia: Entrepreneurs must arrive in Nova Scotia within six months of receiving their port of entry letter, meet with program staff, and begin establishing their business.

   
   

6. Nomination Request: After operating their business successfully for at least one full year and meeting all terms of their Business Performance Agreement, entrepreneurs can request provincial nomination.

   
   

7. Permanent Residence Application: With a provincial nomination certificate, entrepreneurs apply to IRCC for permanent residence for themselves and their family members.

This entire process typically takes 2-3 years from initial Expression of Interest to receiving permanent residency, though individual timelines may vary based on business establishment progress, processing times, and other factors.

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream represents a significant commitment of time, resources, and effort, but for entrepreneurs with a genuine desire to establish themselves in Canada through business ownership, it offers a structured and achievable pathway to permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneurs

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program has specific eligibility requirements designed to identify entrepreneurs with the experience, resources, and commitment necessary to establish successful businesses in the province.

Understanding these criteria is essential before beginning the application process.

Age Requirements

All applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application. This requirement ensures that applicants have reached the age of majority and likely have had sufficient time to gain relevant business experience. While there is no upper age limit for the program, the points system does award different points based on age ranges, with the highest points awarded to applicants between 33 and 39 years old.

Net Worth Requirements

The net worth requirements vary depending on where in Nova Scotia you plan to establish your business:

• For businesses within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM): Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD.

  
  

• For businesses outside Halifax Regional Municipality: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $400,000 CAD.

This net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable through a designated Net Worth Verifier. The net worth calculation can include assets belonging to your spouse, but you must be able to demonstrate that these assets can be quickly transferred to Canada.

The net worth verification is a critical component of the application process. After receiving an Invitation to Apply, you must select a Net Worth Verifier from the province's approved list and submit a comprehensive Net Worth Verification Report within 180 calendar days. This report must confirm that you meet the minimum net worth requirements and that your assets were legally obtained.

It's important to note that any discrepancies between the net worth claimed in your Expression of Interest and the verified net worth in your Net Worth Verification Report could result in your application being refused.

Investment Requirements

Similar to the net worth requirements, the minimum investment thresholds also vary based on business location:

• For businesses within Halifax Regional Municipality: A minimum investment of $150,000 CAD is required.

  
  

• For businesses outside Halifax Regional Municipality: A minimum investment of $100,000 CAD is required.

This investment must come from your own funds and must be directed toward establishing or purchasing a business in Nova Scotia. The investment must be made after signing a Business Performance Agreement with the province and must be confirmed by a Financial Statement Review Service Provider.

Table 1: NSNP Entrepreneur Stream Eligibility Summary

Eligible investment expenses include:

• Land and buildings

• Equipment and software

• Permits and licenses

• Franchise fees

• Leasehold improvements

• Inventory and business supplies

• Educational courses related to business operation

• Prepaid insurance

• Marketing costs

• Professional fees related to setting up the business

• One vehicle (with some exceptions for specific business types)

• Office furniture and fixtures

For new businesses, you may also include up to six months of projected operating expenses in your investment amount. For existing businesses being purchased, you may include up to three months of projected operating expenses.

Notably, certain expenses cannot be counted toward your investment amount, including:

• Immigration-related fees

• Your principal residence

• Any money spent before signing the Business Performance Agreement

• Salaries for yourself or family members

  
  

Business Ownership Requirements

You must own at least one-third (1/3) of the equity in the business you establish or purchase in Nova Scotia. This ownership stake ensures that you have a significant interest in the business's success and are not merely a minor investor.

The business can be structured as a partnership, proprietorship, or corporation, but regardless of the structure, you must maintain the minimum ownership requirement and actively participate in the day-to-day management and operations of the business.

Business Experience Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate substantial business experience in one of two categories:

Option 1: Business Owner Experience

• At least 3 years of experience as a business owner within the past 10 years

• Documentation proving ownership, such as business registration, tax filings, financial statements, and proof of shareholding

Option 2: Senior Management Experience

• More than 5 years of experience as a senior business manager within the past 10 years

• Documentation proving senior management role, including employment contracts, pay stubs, and detailed reference letters

For the purposes of this program, "senior business managers" are defined as individuals whose primary responsibilities include:

• Managing an organization, department, subdivision, or vital part of an organization - Supervising other managers, supervisors, or professional employees

• Having authority over hiring, firing, and promotion decisions

• Authorizing time-off requests

• Other high-level management functions

The experience must align with occupations listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 TEER 1, 2, or 3 categories.

Education Requirements

All applicants must have, at minimum, the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma. Higher levels of education can earn additional points in the selection system.

If your education was completed outside of Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization to verify that your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards. The ECA must have been issued no more than five years before the date of your Expression of Interest submission.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Proficiency in either English or French is mandatory for all applicants. You must demonstrate language skills at a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 5.

Language proficiency must be proven through standardized tests, regardless of whether English or French is your first language. Acceptable tests include:

• For English: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test, or Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core

• For French: Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) Canada or Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada

The minimum scores required for CLB/NCLC Level 5 are:

Language test results must be less than two years old at the time of your Expression of Interest submission. Higher language proficiency levels can earn additional points in the selection system.

Additional Eligibility Factors

Beyond the core requirements, several other factors can affect eligibility:

• Immigration Status: You must have legal status in your current country of residence. Individuals with refugee claims in Canada or those under removal orders are not eligible.

• Criminal History: You must be admissible to Canada, with no criminal inadmissibility issues.

• Intention to Settle: You must genuinely intend to settle in Nova Scotia and actively participate in your business operations.

• Business Location: Your business must operate within Nova Scotia, with a fixed address and proper tax registration.

It's important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream uses a competitive points-based system to select candidates, and only those with the highest scores are invited to apply.

Understanding these eligibility criteria thoroughly before beginning the application process is crucial for success in the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program. Each requirement must be carefully documented and verified, as any misrepresentation can result in application refusal and a five-year ban from applying to any immigration stream.

Scoring Factors and Draw History

The Entrepreneur Stream uses a detailed points-based system evaluating the following:

• Business Establishment Plan

• Net worth and investment levels

• Business ownership and management experience

• Past work and study in Nova Scotia

• Education and language proficiency

• Age

• Family connections in Nova Scotia

According to draw history, scores for invitations have ranged from 78 to 117 points. For a competitive advantage, applicants should aim to score at least 90 points or higher. Targeting investment in rural areas, purchasing an existing business, or demonstrating exceptional language and education profiles can help maximize points.

Table 2: NSNP Entrepreneur Stream EOI Points Grid (Max 150 Points)

Application Process Summary 

The application process follows seven key steps: 

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) 

Submit an online Expression of Interest through Nova Scotia's system to enter the pool of potential candidates. Your EOI is scored according to the points grid, and the highest scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply. 

Step 2: Apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program 

If selected, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply and must submit a comprehensive application including: - A detailed Business Establishment Plan - Documentation of your qualifications and experience - Net Worth Verification from an approved verifier 

Step 3: Interview 

If your application passes assessment, you'll be invited to an interview to discuss your business proposal. If successful, you'll receive a Business Performance Agreement outlining your commitments. 

Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit, if you don't already have one 

With your Entrepreneur Approval Letter, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit to establish your business in Nova Scotia. 

Step 5: Come to Nova Scotia 

Arrive in Nova Scotia, meet with program staff, and begin establishing your business within six months. 

Step 6: Ask for Nomination 

After operating your business for at least one full year and fulfilling all terms of your Business Performance Agreement, request provincial nomination for permanent residence. 

Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence 

With your provincial nomination certificate, apply to IRCC for permanent residence for yourself and your family members. 

Key Documentation 

Successful navigation of the program requires meticulous documentation. Key documents include:

Business Establishment Plan 

A comprehensive document demonstrating:

• Your business has a reasonable chance of success

• You can begin operations promptly upon arrival

• You will actively participate in day-to-day operations

• You have conducted extensive research on Nova Scotia's economy and market 

Net Worth Verification

Prepared by an approved verifier, this report confirms:

• Your total net worth meets minimum requirements

• Your assets were legally obtained

• Your assets can be transferred to Canada 

Business Performance Agreement 

A legal contract between you and Nova Scotia outlining:

• Your investment amount

• Your business field

• Employment commitments

• Business location

• Other key aspects of your Business Establishment Plan

Tips for Success 

1. Conduct Thorough Research 

   
   

•  Analyze local market conditions, consumer preferences, and spending patterns 

•  Research potential business locations in person if possible

• Understand Nova Scotia's regulatory environment for your business type 

2. Prepare a Strong Business Establishment Plan 

   
   

•  Include realistic financial projections based on verifiable market data

•  Clearly connect your previous experience to your proposed venture 

•  Detail job creation plans with specific positions and salary ranges

•  Be specific and detailed throughout your plan 

3. Understand Nova Scotia's Business Environment 

   
   

•  Research Nova Scotia's economic development priorities and growth sectors

•  Align your business proposal with provincial economic strategies

•  Consider seasonal factors that might affect your business 

4. Work with Professional Advisors 

   
   

•  Select authorized representatives with experience in business immigration

•  Consider engaging local business consultants familiar with Nova Scotia's market 

• Establish relationships with banking professionals familiar with immigrant entrepreneurs 

Understanding Your Potential Score: Example Profiles

Let's break down the scoring with some hypothetical applicant profiles. Remember, these are simplified examples, and the actual score depends on verifiable documentation for every point claimed. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) assesses points based on the detailed criteria in their guide. While recent draws have sometimes seen minimum scores around 90 or higher, this fluctuates.  

Profile 1: Experienced Business Owner (Buying Outside HRM)

• Age: 40 (7 points)  

  
  

• Net Worth: $1,000,000 CAD (7 points)  

  
  

• Education: Bachelor's Degree (3+ years) (21 points)  

  
  

• Language (English): CLB 7 (28 points)  

  
  

• Experience: 6 years Business Ownership (last 10 yrs) (35 points)  

  
  

• Business Plan:

  
  

  • Buying Existing Business (10 points)  

    
    

  • Location Outside HRM (10 points)  

    
    

  • Investment: $350,000 CAD (15 points)  

    
    

  • Not primarily export-focused (0 points)  

    
    

• Adaptability Factors:

  
  

  • No past work/study in NS (0 points)  

    
    

  • No close family in NS (0 points)  

    
    

  • Spouse not immigrating or CLB < 4 (0 points for spouse language/education)  

    
    

  • No second official language points (0 points)  

    
    

Total Estimated Score: 133 points

Profile 2: Senior Manager (Starting New Business in HRM)

• Age: 35 (10 points)  

  
  

• Net Worth: $650,000 CAD (5 points)  

  
  

• Education: Master's Degree (23 points)  

  
  

• Language (English): CLB 6 (24 points)  

  
  

• Language (French - Second): CLB 4 (7 points)  

  
  

• Experience: 7 years Senior Management (last 10 yrs) (20 points)  

  
  

• Business Plan:

  
  

  • Starting New Business (0 points)  

    
    

  • Location Inside HRM (0 points)  

    
    

  • Investment: $150,000 CAD (10 points)  

    
    

  • Export-focused (5 points)  

    
    

• Adaptability Factors:

  
  

  • Spouse immigrating with CLB 4 English (5 points)  

    
    

  • Spouse has Bachelor's degree (0 points - only NS education counts for spouse)  

    
    

  • No past work/study in NS for either (0 points)  

    
    

  • No close family in NS (0 points)  

    
    

Total Estimated Score: 109 points

Profile 3: Younger Entrepreneur (Meeting Minimums)

• Age: 29 (7 points)  

  
  

• Net Worth: $400,000 CAD (5 points)  

  
  

• Education: 2-year College Diploma (19 points)  

  
  

• Language (English): CLB 5 (20 points)  

  
  

• Experience: 4 years Business Ownership (last 10 yrs) (20 points)  

  
  

• Business Plan:

  
  

  • Starting New Business (0 points)  

    
    

  • Location Outside HRM (10 points)  

    
    

  • Investment: $100,000 CAD (10 points)  

    
    

  • Not primarily export-focused (0 points)  

    
    

• Adaptability Factors:

  
  

  • Has a sibling living in NS for 1+ year (Permanent Resident) (5 points)  

    
    

  • No past work/study in NS (0 points)  

    
    

  • Spouse not immigrating or CLB < 4 (0 points)  

    
    

  • No second official language points (0 points)  

    
    

Total Estimated Score: 96 points

Conclusion 

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program represents a significant opportunity for experienced business owners and senior managers seeking to immigrate to Canada through entrepreneurship. While the program demands substantial financial commitment and genuine business involvement, it offers a structured pathway to permanent residency for qualified applicants. 

For entrepreneurs seeking not just a business opportunity but a place to build a new life, Nova Scotia offers an attractive combination of economic potential and quality of life. The province's strategic location, diverse economy, lower business operating costs, excellent healthcare and education systems, and reasonable cost of living make it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and their families. 

At Blacksy Law Firm, we specialize in guiding entrepreneurs through provincial nominee programs like Nova Scotia's Entrepreneur Stream. We understand the complexities of the process and are committed to helping qualified applicants navigate this pathway to Canadian permanent residency successfully. Whether you're in the early stages of considering this program or ready to begin the application process, our expertise can make a significant difference in your immigration journey. 

Contact Blacksy today to discuss how we can help you achieve your Canadian immigration goals through the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Program.

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About the Author

I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 

At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.

Visit us at www.blacksyimmigration.com to learn more or to start your journey.