Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland And Labrador Entrepreneur Program
Newfoundland and Labrador Nominee Program is one of the units of the provincial selectee programs. It enables the province to choose skilled workers according to the labour business interest of Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants called by the NL PNP will gain an additional score under the CRS, seeking an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
This province might be the ideal Canadian immigration option if you seek an excellent place to develop a career or support your family. The country welcomes thousands of foreigners every year to undertake the labour shortage.
Applicant Eligibility for International Entrepreneur Category:
- Age Requirement: Must be between 21 and 59 years old.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated English or French proficiency at CLB 5 level in all areas (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Acceptable English tests include CELPIP General or IELTS General Training. For French, TEF is accepted.
- Financial Assets: Possession of at least $600,000 in unencumbered net assets.
- EOI Score: Minimum score of 72 out of 120 on the EOI assessment grid.
- Investment Capability: Ability to invest at least CAD 200,000 with a minimum of 33.3% ownership, or $1 million in equity.
- Business Experience: At least two years of experience in managing and owning a business (minimum 25% ownership) within the last five years, or five years in a senior business management role in the last ten.
- Business Plan: Submission of a comprehensive business plan with verified financial documentation.
- Educational Qualification: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, verified by an ECA report within the last five years.
- Residency Intention: Intention to permanently reside in Newfoundland and Labrador while managing a local business.
- Job Creation: Ability to create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- For-Profit Business Intent: Business must primarily aim to earn profits through sales of goods/services.
- Mandatory Visit: Conduct an exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador.
- EOI Submission: Complete and submit an online EOI.
- ITA Receipt: Obtain an Invitation to Apply from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
Additional Criteria for Starting a New Business:
Create a minimum of one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador, excluding positions filled by the applicant or their relatives.
Additional Criteria for Purchasing an Existing Business:
Fair market value evidence, exploratory visit for non-residents, continuous operation for the past five years, active operation and not in receivership, and offer of employment on similar terms to current staff.
Basic Qualification Criteria for the Applicant’s Business:
- Legal compliance in the operating community.
- For-profit orientation.
- Classified as a “permanent establishment” under Canadian tax law.
- Paying income tax on earnings in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Active management by the applicant from within Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Potential for significant economic benefit to the province.
Ineligible Businesses:
- Remotely conducted businesses.
- Property rental, investment, and leasing.
- Real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage, unless demonstrating compelling provincial benefit.
- Businesses requiring licensing or accreditation.
- Payday loan services, pawnbrokers, taxi companies, and home-based businesses (unless proving significant provincial benefit).
- Adult entertainment or sexually explicit products/services.
- Not-for-profit organizations.
- Passive income businesses.
- Any business that could negatively impact the reputation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s governmental programs.
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Invitation to Apply Overview:
An Expression of Interest (EOI) submission does not assure an invitation to the NLPNP International Entrepreneur Category. Candidates receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from NLPNP must adhere to these timelines:
- Within 20 days of ITA receipt: Choose a Net Worth Verifier and notify the NL Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
- Within 90 days of ITA receipt: Submit a complete application, all necessary supporting documents, and a Business Establishment Plan.
- Within 180 days of ITA receipt: Provide the Net Worth Verification Report.
Components of the Business Establishment Plan:
- Outline of the business setup aligning with the program’s assessment criteria.
- Details of equity ownership and investment amount for the applicant and partners (if any).
- Commitment to actively participate in the business’s daily management at the site.
- For the New Business stream, creation of at least one job for a Canadian or permanent resident (non-family member); for the Existing Business stream, continuation of existing staff terms, including wages.
- Information on the mandatory exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador.
The processing duration varies based on document verification and application volume. Applications are evaluated against the category’s eligibility criteria and EOI points. Ineligible applicants can reapply after meeting the criteria.
Interview and Business Performance Agreement Procedures:
- Attend an in-person interview with NL Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, covering travel costs.
- Post-interview, successful candidates receive a Business Performance Agreement, outlining nomination commitments and other relevant details.
Work Permit and Business Establishment Steps:
- Following approval, NLPNP issues an International Entrepreneur Approval Letter and guidance for IRCC work permit application.
- Settle in Newfoundland and Labrador with the IRCC-issued temporary work permit within six months.
- Meet with NLPNP staff within 30 days of arrival for business establishment and settlement assistance.
Nomination Requirements:
- Operate and manage the business for at least one year before requesting nomination, while residing in the province.
- NLPNP evaluates compliance with the Business Performance Agreement terms, including fund transfer and legal status maintenance.
- Successful nominees must submit biannual Audit Opinions and Special Purpose Reports until achieving permanent resident status. These reports cover financial viability, sustainability, and business performance.
Responsibilities of Nominees:
- Apply for Canadian permanent residence through IRCC within six months of receiving the Nomination Letter.
- Comply with federal admissibility standards, including security and medical checks.
Ineligibility for the International Entrepreneur Category:
- Individuals residing illegally in their country.
- Persons with removal orders from IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency.
- Individuals prohibited from entering Canada.
- Passive investors with minimal business involvement.
- Individuals without legal status (ineligible until status restoration).
