International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an exclusive program for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College who have already established a business in the province and operated it for at least one year. If they wish to settle in Nova Scotia, they may be nominated for PR status. Invitations to apply for the stream are sent out by the government.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Program Requirements
In order to join this program, you have to submit an expression of interest. The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur points grid will help assign a score. Then the people with the most competitive scores will be invited to submit an official application.
Language Proficiency
To qualify for the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream, you need to have a language test that shows that you can speak English as well as a Canadian who is at CLB level 7 or higher.
Work Experience
To qualify, candidates must have been the owner or manager of a business in Nova Scotia for at least one year while holding an active work permit from Immigration Canada.
Level of Education
In order to apply for this position, you must have completed a minimum two-year diploma or degree from an eligible university/college (DLI) in Nova Scotia.
Minimum Requirements For International Graduate Entrepreneurs
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 7 |
| Connection to Province | Study Experience |
| Job Offer | No |
| Investment Requirement | None |
| Work Experience | Business ownership and the management In Nova Scotia 1 year |
| Level of Education | Post-secondary 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Qualifications for the NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
- Completion of a full-time Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree from a recognized institution.
- Full-time residency in Nova Scotia during the academic program.
- Intent to permanently settle in Nova Scotia.
- Minimum one-year ownership and operation of a business in Nova Scotia before submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all language components, verified by approved testing agencies within two years prior to the EOI submission.
- Age of at least 21 years.
- Possession of a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit during NSOI application.
- Ownership of 33.33% equity in the eligible business and active involvement in its management with a salary meeting the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) defined by Statistics Canada.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Business Eligibility Criteria
- Initiation of the business for career purposes, meeting local legal requirements, operating as a for-profit entity, and complying with Canadian tax regulations.
- Qualification as a “permanent establishment” in Nova Scotia for income tax purposes.
- Active management by the applicant from a Nova Scotia business location.
- Potential to contribute significantly to Nova Scotia’s economic growth.
Additional Requirements for Starting a Business
Creation of at least one full-time employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Nova Scotia, exceeding the applicant’s filled position, relevant to the business, and meeting provincial wage rates.
Additional Requirements for Business Succession
- The purchase of an existing Nova Scotia business requires the business to operate continuously under the same owner for the past five years.
- Offering employment on similar terms to existing staff, including maintaining wages and employment conditions, is necessary for applicants purchasing an existing Nova Scotia-based business.
Who can’t apply for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream?
Individuals who fall under the following categories are deemed ineligible to apply for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
- Refugee claimants in Canada
- Individuals residing illegally in their home country
- Those issued a removal order by IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency.
- Individuals barred from entering Canada
- Passive investors lacking substantial involvement in managing a Nova Scotia business
- Individuals without legal status, requiring restoration of their status before becoming eligible to apply
The Nomination Process entails four stages:
1. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
Aspiring immigrants signal their interest in operating a business and living in Nova Scotia by filling out an EOI online. The survey covers work experience, language proficiency, education, age, adaptability, and business details. Only those meeting the minimum criteria can submit an EOI, which remains in the pool for up to a year. If not selected within this period, it’s removed, allowing candidates to submit a new one. Any increase in points after submission requires a new EOI.
Top-scoring candidates receive an invitation from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) to formally apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Complete applications, including specific documents and reports from designated Audit Service Verifiers, must be submitted within 90 days.
3. In-Person Interview and Nomination Request
Eligible applicants undergo an in-person interview and a site visit to their business location within Nova Scotia. The interview is scheduled within 15 business days of contact. Failing to participate or an unsuccessful interview leads to application closure. A successful assessment by the NSOI officer results in nomination for Canadian permanent residence.
4. Permanent Residence Application
After nomination, the applicant applies to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status within six months. NSNP nomination doesn’t guarantee a visa, but upon approval, the candidate receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, required to be shared with the NSOI within 30 business days.