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Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream (NSE)

Selection
  • P.N.P: Provincial Nominee Programs
  • E.O.I: Expression of Interest
  • P.S: Point System
Applicant
Visa
Status

Table of Contents

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NS-SB

SUMMARY

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

This program is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business.
Approved applicants must operate a business in Nova Scotia on a Work Permit (WP) for at least one (1) continuous year before being nominated for permanent resident status in Canada.
Application to the stream 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.

NS-SA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements must be met if you are applying to the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream:

1- Age

You must be 21 years of age or older.

2- Net Worth

To demonstrate your financial eligibility, your net worth verification report must show that you have access to:
  • A minimum net worth of:
    • $600,000 CAD in readily transferable funds if your business is located within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
    • $400,000 CAD in readily transferable funds if your business is located outside of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
  • The net worth must have been accumulated through legal and legitimate sources.

3- Language Ability

You must have taken within two (2) years prior to submission of EOI, an approved test results and have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 5 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).

4- Education

You must have a minimum of Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential, taken in the last five (5) years prior to the date the EOI is submitted.

Candidates with a foreign education must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (➨Appendix 3) for their foreign education.

The ECA Report must not be more than five (5) years old prior to the date the Expression of Interest is submitted.

5- Business Experience

In the last ten (10) years you must have:

  • at least three (3) years’ experience managing and owning a business (33.33% ownership minimum); OR
  • more than five (5) years’ experience in a senior business management role 

Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.

NS-MRA

NOVA SCOTIA BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify as an eligible business under the Entrepreneur program, you must have an intention to buy or establish a business in Nova Scotia that meets the following criteria:

1- Business Investment

You must invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money to establish a business in Nova Scotia ($100,000 CAD if your business is outside HRM);

Investment amounts derived from loans or other forms of financing are not eligible.

The following list of equity expenditures may be included as business investments: land; buildings; equipment; software; licenses; franchise fees; leasehold improvements; professional fees associated with the establishment of business; one vehicle and furniture and fixtures.

A maximum of six (6) months of operating expenses for establishment of new business and a maximum of three (3) months operating expenses for purchase of an existing business may be eligible as part of initial business expenses.

2- Business Ownership

You must own at least one third (33.33%) of the equity of a business in Nova Scotia.

If purchasing an existing business, the Nova Scotia based business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner in Nova Scotia for the previous five (5) years. It must also be actively in operation.

3- Type of Business

The business purpose must be to make a profit from active income through the sale of goods and/or services.

The following types of businesses are not eligible under Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream:

  • Businesses that are conducted remotely
  • Property rental, investment, and leasing activities
  • Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
  • Any professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation
  • Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines
  • Pawnbrokers
  • Credit unions
  • Home-based businesses
  • Co-operatives
  • Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income
  • Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services
  • Joint ventures between NSNP program applicants
  • Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the NSNP or the Government of Nova Scotia into disrepute

Real estate considerations: The Labour Market Service Integration (LMSI) will now consider real estate construction and development applications on a case-by-case basis.

4- Job Creation

If starting a new business, you must create at least one (1) permanent full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

If purchasing an existing business, you must offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

5- Active Management

You must provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business at the business site.

6- Ineligibility

You are not eligible to apply under the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream if:

  • You are a passive investor (individuals who intend to invest in a Nova Scotia business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business).
  • 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.

CALCULATE YOUR SCORE

If you meet the above minimum requirement, then you must calculate or estimate your total score based on the following selection factors. There is no minimum required score. But you will be ranked based upon your points assessment score and placed in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.

Candidates will be ranked against each other and only top ranked candidates will be invited to apply. A draw will occur with only the top ranked candidates being selected and issued an invitation to apply.

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream selection factors may be summarized as follows (immilib.com/NSE-Grid):
Selection Factor Maximum Points
Factor 1: Language Ability 35
Factor 2: Education 25
Factor 3: Experience 35
Factor 4: Net Worth 10
Factor 5: Age 10
Factor 6: Adaptability 10
Factor 7: Economic Priorities 10
Factor 8: Investment 15

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 8 or higher 7 7 7 7
CLB 7 6 6 6 6
CLB 6 5 5 5 5
CLB 5 Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible
Second official language (English or French)
At least CLB 5 in all of the 4 abilities 7
CLB 4 or less in any of the 4 abilities 0
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

Level of Education Points
Doctoral (PhD) level 25
Master's degree or equivalent 23 23
University level entry-to-practice professional degree 23
Two or more post-secondary credentials, one of which is a three-year or longer post-secondary credential 22
Three-year or longer post-secondary credential 21
Two-year post-secondary credential 19
One-year post-secondary credential 12
Secondary school/high school diploma 8

You will be awarded points for your Canadian educational credential or foreign credential accompanied by Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report (➨Appendix 3).

The ECA Report must not be more than five (5) years old prior to the date the EOI is submitted.

Factor 3: Business Ownership or Senior Management Experience

You may claim points based on your business experience. The number of points is based on your past business ownership experience OR senior management experience.

Experience Points
3 to 5 years of business ownership experience (minimum 1/3 ownership) in the last 10 years 20
Greater than 5 years of experience in a senior management role in the last 10 years 20
Greater than 5 years of business ownership experience (minimum 1/3 ownership) in the last 10 years 35
No or Less than above management or business ownership experience Not Eligible

Factor 4: Net Worth

You’ll get points for your (and your spouse’s) unencumbered net business and personal assets.
Net Worth Points
$400,000 CAD – $999,999 CAD 5
1 Million CAD – $1.5 Million CAD 7
Greater than $1.5 Million CAD 10
Less than $400,000 CAD Not Eligible

Factor 5: Age

You’ll get points based on your age on the day you submit your EOI.

Age Points
Under 21 Not Eligible
21-24 5
25-32 7
33-39 10
40-44 7
45-55 5
56+ 0

Factor 6: Adaptability

You can get maximum of 10 points for any combination of the following factors:

Adaptability Points
Spouse/common-law partner Language level at least CLB 4 in all abilities in English of French 5
2 years full-time study in Nova Scotia (secondary or post-secondary) 10
Spouse/common-law partner 2 years full-time study in Nova Scotia (secondary or post-secondary) 5
1 year of full-time work in Nova Scotia at skill type 0, or skill levels A or B 10
Spouse/common-law partner 1 year of full-time work in Nova Scotia 5
Yours or your spouse/common-law partner’s relatives in Canada (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew) who are 19 years or older, living in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year as permanent resident or citizen. 5

Factor 7: Nova Scotia Economic Priorities

You can get maximum of 10 points for any combination of the following factors:

Priorities Points
Export-oriented business 5
Proposed business location outside of Halifax County 5
If you are purchasing a business in Nova Scotia that has been in operation by the same owner for the past 5 years 5

Factor 8: Investment

Points are awarded for the amount of investment to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. The investment may include but not limited to the start-up costs, inventory, equity expenditures and a portion of operating expenses.

Investment Points
$100,000 CAD– $300,000 CAD 10
Greater than $300,000 CAD 15
Less than $100,000 CAD Not Eligible
Your Total Score
You may compare your score with previous rounds of invitations (ITA) to see how likely you are to get an invitation in the next round. The previous rounds of invitation are being regularly posted at (➨immilib.com/NSE-Draws).

GCYSA

NS-CYSA

WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?

If you meet all the requirements and if you believe you are likely to be invited based on your score, you can start the process to apply under Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream.

Step 1: Exploratory Visit

The exploratory visit is mandatory for persons purchasing an existing business. If you are starting a new business, the exploratory visit is not mandatory, but recommended.

You must prepare a detailed report of your whole exploratory visit. Your report on the visit must cover the entire length of your stay in Canada, including time spent in other provinces, if any.

The information required must be submitted as part of your Business Establishment Plan, including any relevant documents.

Details must include:

  • Length of your stay.
  • The name of the professional business service providers or settlement organizations visited during your trip, including mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and emails.
  • A description of the activity and/or meeting and how it relates to the applicant’s business establishment or settlement.
  • Copies of all airline tickets, boarding passes and hotel receipts during your entire stay in Canada.
  • Copies of business cards collected from relevant contact and business service providers contacted during your visit.
  • Details of visit to existing business location and meetings with current owners if you are planning to purchase an existing business. You should include the business name, location and the current owner’s names and contact details.

To find out how you can travel to Canada for a temporary visit, see (➨Page).

Step 2: Submit an Online Expression of Interest (EOI)

Now that you meet all the requirements, you can complete an online Expression of Interest (➨immilib.com/NSE-Apply) for yourself.

EOI is an online system where you submit information about yourself to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

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.

EOIs will be ranked against each other and only top ranked candidates will be invited to apply. A draw will occur with only the top ranked EOIs being selected and issued an invitation to apply.

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.

Recent Draws – Nova Scotia

Entrepreneur Stream

Date of Draw No. of ITA Min. Score
Aug 1, 2024 11 88
Jun 7, 2024 9 88
Apr 25, 2024 15 85
Mar 11, 2024 15 89
Feb 6, 2024 32 105
Jan 3, 2024 30 114
Nov 1, 2022 6 128
Dec 22, 2021 20 119
Sep 13, 2021 28 120
Feb 24, 2021 43 118
Dec 9, 2020 34 122

Step 3: Prepare Documents

In addition to the applications forms and supporting documents, before submission of complete application, you need to obtain a Business Establishment Plan and a Net Worth Verification Report.
Business Establishment Plan
You will need to submit a Business Establishment 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 Nova Scotia 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.
Net Worth Verification Report
As part of your application, you must provide a Net Worth Verification Report. This report must be prepared by one of designated Net Worth Verifiers. These verifiers are experts in assessing net worth and legal accumulation of net worth.
You will have 20 calendar days from the issuance date of the ITA letter to select a designated Net Worth Verifier and notify Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) of your chosen Net Worth Verifier.
List of Nova Scotia Designated Net Worth Verifiers

KPMG-Toronto

4600 – 333 Bay St

Bay Adelaide Centre

Toronto ON M5H 2S5

(416) 777-3887

[email protected]

www.kpmg.ca

MNP

200 – 100 Venture Run

Dartmouth NS B3B 0H9

(902) 493-5452

[email protected]

www.mnp.ca

Step 4: Submit Application to NSNP

If you’ve received an invitation to apply, you are expected to submit your application by providing the following:
  • Application Forms;
  • All supporting documentation;
  • A Business Establishment Plan; and
  • A Net Worth Verification Report
There is no provincial application fee under the NSNP. You will have twenty (20) calendar days from the issuance date of the ITA letter to select a designated Net Worth Verifier and notify Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) of your chosen Net Worth 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 a Business Establishment Plan.

You will have 180 calendar days from the issuance date of the ITA letter to submit your Net Worth Verification Report. If you are buying an existing Nova Scotia business you must also submit a Preliminary purchase price and evaluation of the business.

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 Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria you will be contacted to participate in an in-person interview. You will be required to travel to Nova Scotia to participate in this interview.

NSNP Application
Submit application to:  

Nova Scotia Office of Immigration

1469 Brenton Street, 3rd floor

PO Box 1535

Halifax, NS, Canada B3J 2Y3

 
  
Official Program Guide:  
immilib.com/NSE-Guide 
  
NSNP Application Fee: 
None 
  
Processing Time:  
immilib.com/NS-PT 
  
Document Checklist:  

immilib.com/NSE-Doc

(page 54)

 
  
Contact:  
902-424-5230 
[email protected] 
  

To find out how you can travel to Canada for a temporary visit, see (➨Page).

Step 4: Business Performance Agreement

Upon completion of a successful in-person interview, you will be sent a Business Performance Agreement for your review and signature.
You must scan your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement and submit as instructed within fifteen (15) business days from the date the agreement was sent to you electronically by Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) .
Your Business Performance Agreement is your legal agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia. It will state the amount you will invest in your business and the business sector where you will operate your business. The Business Performance Agreement will also list any other information relevant to your application including but not limited to: job creation, business succession, and business location. This is based upon the information you supplied in your Business Establishment Plan.

Step 5: Apply for Work permit

Upon receipt of your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement, Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) will issue you with an Entrepreneur Approval Letter and instructions on how to apply for a Work Permit. A work permit allows you to settle in Nova Scotia and operate your business.

You must then provide the letter of support, your business plan and your signed Business Performance Agreement to the Government of Canada with an application for a temporary work permit (➨Page).

You must apply for your work permit within two (2) months of the date on the Entrepreneur Approval Letter.

Step 6: Business Establishment in Nova Scotia

If your application for a Work Permit is approved, you will be expected to arrive in Nova Scotia within twelve (12) months of receiving your Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
All approved applicants are required to meet with staff of office of Immigration within sixty (60) calendar days of their Arrival Date. During the meeting an Officer will be available to answer questions related to fulfilling the terms of the Business Performance Agreement and also refer you to other service providers for relevant information and guidance related to the establishment of your business or settlement in Nova Scotia.
Upon arrival in Nova Scotia it is recommended that you start operating your business within six (6) months of your Arrival Date.
You must operate your business for a minimum of one (1) year before you are eligible for nomination.

Step 7: Request for Nomination

In order to be eligible for nomination you and your dependents must be living in Nova Scotia and you must have fulfilled the terms outlined in the Business Performance Agreement including transferring the required funds to Canada, and maintaining legal status in Canada.

Once you have fulfilled your Business Performance Agreement, you can request nomination. To do so, you should submit a formal request in writing to your business officer. You are required to submit a “Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report” prepared by an authorized financial statement review service provider list below:

List of Nova Scotia Authorized Financial Statement Review Service Providers

MNP

200 – 100 Venture Run

Dartmouth NS B3B 0H9

(902) 493-5452

[email protected]

www.mnp.ca

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 an opinion regarding 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; and
  • A business review which may for example include but not be limited to: market analysis, product analysis, competitive analysis, and financial analysis.

You must demonstrate that you have actively managed your business for a minimum of twelve (12) months in Nova Scotia and also satisfy the officer that you have been, and remain, a resident in Nova Scotia. An officer will arrange a meeting with you to assess your request for nomination.

Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residence

If you are nominated by the province of Nova Scotia, then your next step is to submit a complete application for a permanent resident visa within twelve (12) months to the end of the month (➨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 9: 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.

NS-WSYTA

WELCOME TO NOVA SCOTIA!

GWA
NS-WA

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