The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur immigration program, under the province’s Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), is designed to attract experienced business owners or senior business managers who wish to live in Nova Scotia, while contributing to the local economy through business ventures. This stream offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish, purchase, or invest in an existing business and be actively involved in its management.
This stream is unique as it offers the potential for permanent residence. After a year of successful operation of their business, entrepreneurs may be nominated for permanent resident status, effectively offering a pathway to immigration through entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur immigration program, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.
- Possess a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD.
- Be capable of investing at least $150,000 CAD of personal funds to establish a business in Nova Scotia.
- Have at least 3 years of active business ownership (minimum 1/3 ownership) or more than 5 years of senior business management experience.
- Score at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Complete an online Expression of Interest and receive an Invitation to Apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
Application Process
Interested individuals must first submit an online Expression of Interest. Those who receive an Invitation to Apply can then complete the application form, ensuring to include all the required information and attachments.
Since the inception of this program, numerous invitations have been extended to potential entrepreneurs. The Invitation History table lists the dates and details of these invitations, which clearly indicates that the selection process is competitive and the scores of the lowest-ranked candidates invited have been well above 90 points.
Supporting Documents and Forms
Several application guides and forms are available for download to help you complete your application, including:
- Application Guide: This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions to complete your application.
- Changes – Application Guide: It contains updates and changes to the application guide.
- Application Form (NSNP 400): The official application form to apply for the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream.
- Use of a Representative (NSNP 50): This form is for those who wish to designate a representative (such as an immigration consultant or lawyer) to conduct business on their behalf.
- Authority to Release Personal Information (NSNP 60): This document gives consent to the release of personal information to specified individuals.
- Net Worth Verifier Document Checklist: This checklist ensures that you submit all the necessary documents to verify your net worth.
- Arrival Report: This form is to report your arrival in Nova Scotia.
- Business Performance Agreement (BPA): This is a binding agreement between the entrepreneur and the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
- Nomination Request: This form is for entrepreneurs who have fulfilled their Business Performance Agreement and wish to request provincial nomination for permanent residence.
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur immigration program is more than an immigration program. It is an invitation to contribute to the growth and development of Nova Scotia, an opportunity to make a home in a province known for its friendly people, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. By fostering entrepreneurial spirit and skills, Nova Scotia continues to grow as a dynamic and innovative place to live and do business.
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