The NSNP Entrepreneur Stream offers experienced business owners and senior managers a clear pathway to settle in Nova Scotia by starting or purchasing a business and creating local employment. Applicants begin on a temporary work permit and, after at least one year of successful operation and meeting program conditions, may be nominated for permanent residence.
Official Government page:
👉 Nova Scotia Nominee Program — Entrepreneur Stream
Program Overview
- Start a new venture or purchase and actively manage an existing Nova Scotia business.
- Operate on a work permit first; become eligible for nomination after sustained performance (≥ 1 year).
More on NS immigration programs:
👉 Nova Scotia Immigration — Programs Overview
Eligibility & Investment Requirements
- Age 21+ and intention to reside permanently in Nova Scotia while actively managing the business
- Minimum net worth CAD 600,000
- Minimum investment CAD 150,000
- Experience: 3+ years as business owner (≥33% ownership) or 5+ years senior management
- Language: CLB 5 (English or French)
- Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- In-person interview after Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Eligibility details:
👉 Entrepreneur Stream — Requirements & Guide
What Provincial Officers Look For
- Business viability: clear fit with Nova Scotia’s market conditions
- Economic impact: job creation and alignment with key sectors (tourism, oceans, education, renewables)
- Investment credibility: lawful funds and sufficient capitalization
- Ownership & management: direct day-to-day involvement
- Community contribution: local supply chains, services, or tourism value
- Applicant fit: sector-relevant experience and track record
- Settlement intent: plan to live and integrate in Nova Scotia
Selection & evaluation reference:
👉 NSNP — Selection & Evaluation
Why a Strong Business Plan Is Essential
- Nova Scotia–specific market research and competitive mapping
- Operational plan (structure, staffing, licensing, suppliers)
- 3+ year financials, including cash-flow forecasts
- Job-creation plan with hiring timing and wage budgets
- Setup timeline (registration, permits, launch, growth milestones)
- Community engagement strategy and measurable local benefits
The Role of The Biz Plans
At The Biz Plans, we build NSNP-ready plans grounded in how you will actually operate in Nova Scotia. Our models are built with CPA-level rigor and tuned to provincial criteria.
Led by Atul Jagga, CPA (Ontario), RCIC-IRB, MBA (Finance, UBC) — 5+ years with a leading immigration law firm, 10+ years in corporate finance (incl. RBC & BMO advisory), and 10+ years as fractional CFO. Author of the Business Plan Essentials series.
- Province-specific market sizing and competitor analysis
- 3–5 year projections with defendable assumptions
- Hiring & wage plans aligned to cash flow and local labour data
- Milestones mapped to the first-year performance requirement
- Evidence checklist for counsel submissions and interviews
How to Apply — NSNP Entrepreneur Stream
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online portal.
👉 EOI Submission — NS Immigration Portal - Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score meets the threshold.
- Prepare your business plan and supporting documents.
The Biz Plans can ensure your plan meets provincial standards. - Attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia.
- Obtain a work-permit support letter upon approval and apply to IRCC.
- Operate your business in Nova Scotia for ≥ 12 months.
- Apply for nomination and then permanent residence through IRCC.
Additional Resources
- NSNP — Entrepreneur Stream
- Nova Scotia Immigration — Programs & Contacts
- Starting a Business in Nova Scotia — Government Resource
- Nova Scotia Business & Economy Overview
Ready to Build Your NSNP Entrepreneur Plan?
We craft Nova Scotia–aligned plans with CPA-built financials and clear hiring timelines to meet the one-year performance terms.