Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (NLIGE)
Selection
- P.N.P: Provincial Nominee Programs
- C.E: Canadian Experience
- P.S: Point System
Applicant
Visa
- Permanent Resident
Status
- Open
GSB
NL-SB
SUMMARY
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic. To be qualified under this stream you must have already started or bought a Newfoundland and Labrador business and operated it for at least one (1) year.
You may partner with up to two (2) foreign international graduate, Canadian citizen or permanent resident businesspersons (associated partners). Your foreign national business partner(s) must also meet all the minimum requirements.
Application to this category is by invitation only. You should first complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI). Selected applicants will be invited to apply for the program based on the information they enter online. You cannot apply directly to this program unless you are invited to apply.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
NL-SA
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met (by you and all foreign associated partners, if applicable) if you are applying to the Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
1- Age
You must be 21 years of age or older.
2- Language Ability
You must have taken an approved test results taken within two (2) years and have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 7 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).
3- Education
You must have completed a full-time post-secondary diploma or degree of at least two (2) years in length from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic. You must have completed your degree or diploma within two (2) years of EOI submission.
You must have resided in Newfoundland and Labrador during the academic program (no distance-learning programs or compressed academic programs will be eligible.)
4- Post-Graduation Work Permit
You must have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (➨ Page) at time of application.
5- Business Experience
You must own and operate a business in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one (1) continuous year prior to the date of submission of Expression of Interest (EOI).
You must own 33.33% of the equity of the eligible business and provide active and on-going participation in the day-to-day management and direction of the business.
You must demonstrate that you are receiving compensation in the form of a salary from the business, which must, at minimum, meet the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) (➨ Appendix 2).
If starting a business you must have created a minimum of one full-time or equivalent part-time employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident in Newfoundland and Labrador.
If you have purchased an existing Newfoundland and Labrador business, the business must have been in continuous operation in the province by the same owner for the previous five (5) years, and must have offered employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.
6- Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream if you are a refugee claimant in Canada, a failed refugee claimant, had a removal order, are prohibited from entering or being in Canada, do not have status in Canada or are living illegally in your country of residence.
Businesses which are not eligible under the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
- Businesses that are conducted remotely (from another Canadian jurisdiction or from another country)
- Property rental, investment, and leasing activities.
- Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage. Unless the applicant can prove their business in one of these areas is of compelling benefit to the Province.
- Any self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation.
- Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines.
- Pawnbrokers.
- Taxi companies.
- Home-based businesses; unless the applicant can prove their business will have a compelling benefit to the Province.
- Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services.
- Not-for-profit businesses
- Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income or investment income such as interest, dividends and capital gain.
- Businesses that will compensate employees solely on the basis of commission.
- Any other type of business that by association could would tend to bring office of immigration, NLPNP or the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador into disrepute.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
NL-MRA
CALCULATE YOUR SCORE
If you meet the above minimum requirement, then you must calculate your total score based on the following selection factors (➨immilib.com/NLIGE-Grid). Each International Graduate Entrepreneur candidate must achieve a score of 67 in the application assessment in order to qualify. The maximum score possible is 110. If qualified, candidates will be invited to apply.
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points |
| Factor 1: Language Ability | 28 |
| Factor 2: Education | 30 |
| Factor 3: Age | 10 |
| Factor 4: Economic Priorities | 15 |
| Factor 5: Adaptability | 12 |
| Factor 6: Business Ownership | 15 |
| Maximum Points Total | 110 |
| Selection Pass Mark | 67 |
Factor 1: Language Ability
To be awarded point for language, you must have taken an approved test results (➨Appendix 5).
Test must be taken no more than two (2) years prior to the date the EOI is submitted.
| First official language (English or French) | ||||
| Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
| CLB 9 or Higher | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CLB 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| CLB 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Below CLB 7 | Not Eligible | Not Eligible | Not Eligible | Not Eligible |
| Second official language (English or French) | ||||
| Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
| CLB 5 or Higher | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
To prove you language abilities you must take any of the following approved tests:
- English: IELTS General or CELPIP General or PTE Core
- French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Factor 2: Education in Newfoundland and Labrador
You can receive up to 30 points for your education.
| Level of Education | Points |
| Doctoral (PhD) level | 30 |
| Master's degree or equivalent | 20 |
| Two-year post-secondary credential | 15 |
| None of the above | Not Eligible |
Factor 3: Age
You’ll get points based on your age on the day you submit your EOI.
| Age | Points |
| Under 21 | Not Eligible |
| 21-40 | 10 |
| 41+ | 5 |
Factor 4: Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Priorities
You can get maximum of 15 points for any combination of the following factors:
| Priorities | Points |
| Business in Technology, Agriculture, Aquaculture, or Natural Resources | 10 |
| Business in sector not listed as priority above | 5 |
| Business in Rural Area (Outside St. John’s CMA) | 5 |
Factor 5: Adaptability
You can get maximum of 12 points for any combination of the following factors:
| Adaptability | Points |
| Previous work experience in Newfoundland and Labrador of two (2) years or more | 6 |
| Previous work experience in Newfoundland and Labrador of one (1) year to two (2) years | 3 |
| Yours or your spouse/common-law partner’s relatives in Canada (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew), living in Newfoundland and Labrador as permanent resident or citizen. | 6 |
Factor 6: Business Ownership Experience
You may claim up to 15 points based on your business ownership experience in Newfoundland and Labrador.
| Experience | Points |
| Ownership of current business of two (2) years or more | 10 |
| Ownership of current business for one (1) to two (2) years | 5 |
| Ownership of current business related to field of study | 5 |
| Your Total Score |
GCYSA
NL-CYSA
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
Step 1: Complete Your Studies in Newfoundland and Labrador
In order to apply under the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, the first step is to complete a full-time Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary diploma or degree of at least two (2) years (15 hours of class per week) in length from:
You need a study permit (➨Page) in order to study in Canada. Before you apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from one of the above institutions.
You must reside in Newfoundland and Labrador during the academic program, so no distance-learning programs or compressed academic programs will be eligible.
Step 2: Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After completion of studies in Newfoundland and Labrador, in order to purchase or establish a business you need to apply for and obtain a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (➨Page).
Step 3: Business Establishment in Newfoundland and Labrador
You (and each foreign associated partner, if applicable) must own 33.33% of the equity of the eligible business and provide active and on-going participation in the day-to-day management and direction of the business.
You must demonstrate that you are receiving compensation in the form of a salary from the business, which must, at minimum, meet the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) (➨ Appendix 2).
If starting a business you must have created a minimum of one (1) full-time or equivalent part-time employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident in Newfoundland and Labrador.
If you have purchased an existing Newfoundland and Labrador business, the business must have been in continuous operation in the province by the same owner for the previous five (5) years, and must have offered employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.
Step 4: Submit an Online NLPNP Expression of Interest
Now that you meet all the requirements, you can register at NLPNP Online portal and complete Expression of Interest (EOI) (➨immilib.com/NLIGE-Apply) for yourself. There is no fee to submitting an EOI.
To complete the EOI, you’ll need information from some documents including passports, language test results, etc. But you don’t need to upload any documents.
After you submit the EOI, the system will calculate your score based upon the information you enter and your EOI will be placed in a pool for potential selection. Your score will be sent to you in a confirmation email.
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter. Selection is based on nominee program targets and an assessment of your EOI.
If you’re not invited to apply within twelve (12) months of submitting your EOI, it will automatically expire and removed from the system. You can still create a new EOI. If you are able to acquire additional points after submitting your EOI, you will need to submit a new EOI.
If you are proposing a NLPNP foreign associated partner, all applicants must be qualified and receive an ITA.
Step 5: Prepare Documents
In addition to the applications forms and supporting documents, before submission of complete application, you need to obtain a “Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report”. You must also prepare a Business Continuity Plan.
Business Continuity Plan
You will need to submit a Business Plan as part of your application. You must submit a business plan that demonstrates that the business will be viable and likely to provide material economic benefit to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole or to the local economy where the business will be located.
Your business plan will be reviewed to ensure that it meets program requirements and the commitments made in your EOI. Thus, this document should be drafted as an essential component of your application.
Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report
These reports must be prepared by one of Office of Immigration’s designated Audit Service Verifiers, as listed below. These verifiers are experts in auditing financial statements.
The Review Engagement will consist of a review of the financial statements of your business and include a conclusion (Review Report).
The Special Purpose Report will include the following:
- The financial viability and sustainability of the business discussing any relevant issues affecting the business’ ability to continue in the near future as a going concern;
- Recommendations for the business to improve its viability and sustainability
- A determination of any issues, challenges or concerns pertaining to auditing the financial statements;
- A business review which may for example include but not be limited to: market analysis, product analysis, competitive analysis, and financial analysis.
You must select one of the designated licensed Verifiers, who will assess your financial statements and provide the required reports. You are responsible for submitting the required documents to your chosen Verifier.
| List of Newfoundland and Labrador Verifiers | |
|
Grant Thornton Suite 300, 15 International Place St. John’s, NL A1A 0L4 (709) 778-8815 |
MNP-LLP Westbrook Plaza, 860 Topsail Road St. John’s, NL A1N 3J7 (709) 383-1503 |
|
BDO Canada 300 Kenmount Road St. John’s, NL A1B 3R2 (709) 763-5877 |
Deloitte Suite 1000, 5 Springdale Street St. John’s, NL A1E 0E4 (709) 758-5151 |
|
KPMP LLP TD Place, Suite 1001, 140 Water St. St. John’s, NL AiC 6H6 (709) 733-5047 |
|
Step 6: Submit Application to NLPNP
If you’ve received an invitation to apply, you are expected to submit your application by providing the following:
- Application Forms;
- All supporting documentation;
- Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report
There is no provincial application fee under the NLPNP.
You will have twenty (20) calendar days from the issuance date of the ITA letter to select a designated Audit Service Verifier and notify Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration of your chosen Audit Service Verifier.
You will have ninety (90) calendar days from the issuance date of the ITA letter to submit a complete application form, all required supporting documents, and your Audit Opinion and Special Purpose Report.
If you submit a complete application, it will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and your EOI points assessment will be verified.
After assessment of the application is complete, if you appear to meet the International Graduate Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria you will be contacted to participate in an in-person interview with Staff of Office of Immigration. The interview will include a site visit to the eligible business. It is anticipated that the interview will take place within 15 business days of Office of Immigration’s request.
Upon successful interview, you may be nominated for permanent residence in Canada.
| NLPNP Application | |
| Submit Application by email to: | |
|
Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Government of Newfoundland and Labrador P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL CANADA A1B 4J6 |
|
| Official Program Guide: | |
| immilib.com/NLIGE-Guide | |
| NLPNP Application Fee: | |
| None | |
| Processing Time: | |
| Not Available | |
| Document Checklist: | |
|
(page 22) |
|
| Contact: | |
| 709-729-6607 | |
| E-mail:pnp@gov.nl.ca | |
Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence
If you are nominated by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, then your next step is to submit a complete application for a permanent resident visa within six (6) months (➨Page).
You must submit your application using the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal) (➨ immilib.com/PR-Portal).
If your application is complete, you will receive a letter or an email confirming that your file has been received and accepted for processing. This letter is called the Acknowledge of Receipt (AOR) and will include your IRCC file number.
Once you have received your acknowledgement of receipt, you can create an online account and link your application to it. By creating an account, you will be able to receive email updates and a more detailed case status.
Step 8: Landing in Canada
If your application is approved, you will be asked to pay your right of permanent residence fee if you haven't already done so. You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and if you are from a country that requires a visa you will also be issued a permanent resident visa.
You will only become a Permanent Resident of Canada when you cross a Canadian port of entry. This is referred to as ‘landing in Canada' (➨Page).
You must land in Canada before the expiry date, which appears on your Canada Immigration Visa. Usually, the expiry date is one (1) year from the time medical examinations were completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as the Canada Immigration Visa is received.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
NL-WSYTA
WELCOME TO NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR!
GWA
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