Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream: Build a Business in Nova Scotia, Earn Your PR
Nova Scotia nominates experienced business owners who start or buy a business in the province, and International Graduate Entrepreneurs who already run one. You apply by Expression of Interest and invitation only. We check your fit before you pay the $2,000 application fee.
since 1991
What is the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Entrepreneur Stream nominates experienced business owners and senior managers who start or buy a business in Nova Scotia and run it for at least a year on a work permit. A separate International Graduate Entrepreneur route is for Nova Scotia university or NSCC graduates who have already run a Nova Scotia business for a year. Both are by Invitation to Apply after an Expression of Interest.
What if you pay for a plan before you are invited?
Application is by invitation only, and Nova Scotia charges no fee to submit an EOI. The $2,000 application fee applies only once you are selected, and it is non-refundable. You must pay within 90 days of an invitation for a new business or 180 days for an existing one, or the file closes.
Why entrepreneurs consider Nova Scotia
- Lower capital outside Halifax: $400,000 net worth and $100,000 invested
- No fee to submit an EOI: you pay only if Nova Scotia selects you
- A graduate route: International Graduate Entrepreneurs skip the work permit step
- A flat fee: dependants do not change the $2,000
Is the Nova Scotia stream right for you?
An honest check before you spend money on a plan.
A good fit if you have
- 3 years as an owner with at least one-third equity, or over 5 years as a senior manager, in the last 10 years
- A $600,000 net worth ($400,000 outside Halifax) you can verify
- $150,000 of your own money to invest ($100,000 outside Halifax)
- CLB 5 in English or French, and a plan to live and work in Nova Scotia
Consider another route if
- Your idea is home-based, passive, rental, brokerage or payday lending
- You received an NSNP or Atlantic Immigration Program nomination in the last 12 months
- You were found to have misrepresented in an immigration application in the last 5 years
A job-based route may fit better. See the skilled-worker PNP or Express Entry.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream requirements
You must meet every minimum and prove it with documents. Nova Scotia publishes the rules at liveinnovascotia.com, and after nomination you apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Business experience
3 years of experience actively managing and owning a business, with at least one-third ownership, or more than 5 years in a senior management role. Age 21 or older.
Net worth
At least $600,000 CAD, or $400,000 outside the Halifax Regional Municipality. An approved verifier produces your Net Worth Verification Report within 180 days of your invitation.
Investment
At least $150,000 of your own money, or $100,000 outside Halifax, in your Nova Scotia business. Money spent before you sign the Business Performance Agreement does not count.
Business and jobs
A for-profit business with a fixed Nova Scotia address. A new business hires at least one permanent full-time employee, 1,560 hours a year, who is a citizen or PR and not related to you.
Language
CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing, in English or French. International Graduate Entrepreneurs need CLB 7.
Not sure you qualify?
Tell us your experience, net worth and business idea. We test your EOI before you commit to a plan.
Two ways into the Entrepreneur Stream
Experienced Entrepreneur
For business owners and senior managers from anywhere. You start or buy a business, operate it for at least one full year on a work permit, then ask for nomination.
International Graduate Entrepreneur
For graduates of a Nova Scotia university or NSCC who started or bought a Nova Scotia business and ran it for at least a year. You hold a valid PGWP and CLB 7.
Starting a new business
Hire at least one permanent full-time employee for a citizen or PR who is not related to you. Full time means at least 1,560 hours a year.
Buying a business
The same owner must have run it for the 5 years before you buy. It must be operating, not in receivership, and you must visit it and meet the owner.
How Nova Scotia chooses
A points system, the industries the province needs most, the needs of its market and the regions that need growth.
Invitation only
You submit an Expression of Interest online. Nova Scotia invites selected candidates to apply.
Compare other routes
Nova Scotia not the right fit? These pages cover other business provinces and the main skilled-worker routes.
Your application package
Every document must be current and complete. A missing item can close your file.
Expression of Interest
You complete it online. There is no fee to submit it.
Business Establishment Plan
Your plan describes the business, your investment and how you will run it.
Net worth report
An approved verifier, Grant Thornton, KPMG or MNP, writes your Net Worth Verification Report.
Financial statement review
A review engagement and special purpose report from an approved provider: Grant Thornton, MNP or White Perkins.
The $2,000 fee
Pay it within 90 days of your invitation for a new business, or 180 days for an existing one.
Want your plan reviewed?
We review your EOI and Business Establishment Plan before you submit them.
How the Nova Scotia stream works, step by step
Six stages from your EOI to your PR application.
Check your fit
We test your experience, net worth, investment and business idea against the rules and the ineligible business list.
Build your EOI and plan
Prepare the profile Nova Scotia scores, and the Business Establishment Plan you will need if invited.
Submit your Expression of Interest
Nova Scotia ranks EOIs on points, industry demand and regional needs, then issues Invitations to Apply.
Pay the fee and submit your application
Pay the $2,000 fee and add your net worth verification, financial review report and every required document.
Interview, agreement and work permit
Pass the interview, sign the performance agreement and apply to IRCC for your work permit.
Operate, get nominated, apply for PR
Run the business for a full year, ask for nomination and then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
After you are invited
Path A takes you through an interview, an agreement and a year of operating.
Interview
Nova Scotia usually interviews you by video. If you miss it, your file closes and the fee is not refunded.
Performance agreement
If you pass, you sign the Business Performance Agreement within 15 business days. It fixes your investment, field, jobs and location.
Work permit
Apply to IRCC for your work permit within 60 days of your Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
Operate for a year
You must run the business for at least one full year before you ask in writing to be nominated.
Apply for PR
Apply to IRCC within 12 months of your nomination certificate. A one-time extension is possible, case by case.
Want a second set of eyes?
We track your deadlines from your EOI to your PR application.
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because government fees change.
Check your Nova Scotia eligibility in 2 minutes
Answer up to 7 short questions. The tool shows which route you appear to qualify for. It is general guidance, not a decision.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream FAQs
What is the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream?
It is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program route for business owners who start or buy a business in the province. After you operate it for a year, Nova Scotia can nominate you for permanent residence. An International Graduate Entrepreneur route exists for local graduates already in business.
How does Nova Scotia choose who to invite?
Application is by invitation only. Nova Scotia ranks Expressions of Interest on a points system, the industries it needs, the needs of its market and the regions that need growth, then issues Invitations to Apply.
How much money do I need?
You need a $600,000 net worth and $150,000 of your own money invested in Halifax. Outside the Halifax Regional Municipality the figures are $400,000 and $100,000.
Can I buy an existing business?
Yes, with conditions. The same owner must have operated it for the 5 years before you buy, it must be operating and not in receivership, and you must visit it and meet the owner. You also need an agreed fair market value.
Do I need a work permit first?
Experienced entrepreneurs do. After your interview and agreement, Nova Scotia issues an approval letter, and you apply to IRCC for a work permit within 60 days. International Graduate Entrepreneurs already hold a PGWP.
What does the stream cost?
There is no fee to submit an EOI. Once Nova Scotia selects you, the application fee is $2,000, non-refundable, and it does not change with the number of dependants.
How long must I run the business?
At least one full year before you can ask Nova Scotia in writing to nominate you. You must also have met your performance agreement and moved the required money to Canada.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation. In 30 minutes we test your fit, outline your EOI and give you a written plan.