Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream | Canada PR | Unican Dubai

🇨🇦 Nova Scotia · Canada

Nova Scotia
Entrepreneur Stream

For experienced business owners and senior managers ready to invest in Nova Scotia — with the lowest investment thresholds of Canada's four main entrepreneur streams, and a direct interview-based pathway to permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Program 10–14 Months Work Permit → PR

Eligibility at a glance

Net Worth

from CAD 400K

Investment

from CAD 100K

Ownership

33.3%+

Language

CLB 5

Experience

3 yrs / 5 yrs

Jobs

1 full-time

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Requirements

What you need to qualify

💰

Net Worth

CAD 600K / CAD 400K

CAD 600,000 if your business is in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). CAD 400,000 if outside HRM. Must be verified by an approved third-party evaluator.

🏢

Investment

CAD 150K / CAD 100K

CAD 150,000 within HRM (Halifax). CAD 100,000 outside HRM — the lowest investment threshold of all four major Canadian entrepreneur streams.

📊

Ownership

33.3% minimum

You must hold at least one-third of the business equity. You must also actively manage day-to-day operations — passive investment is not eligible.

💼

Business Experience

3 yrs ownership or 5 yrs management

3 years as a business owner (min. 33.3% ownership) within the last 10 years, OR 5+ years in a senior management role of a successful business.

🗣️

Language

CLB 5

English or French, across all four components. IELTS (General), CELPIP, or TEF accepted. Test results must be dated within 2 years of EOI submission.

👥

Job Creation

1 full-time

For a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, not a family member. If purchasing an existing business, you may maintain existing eligible jobs rather than create new ones.

The Process

From application to permanent residence

Assessment & Business Establishment Plan

We assess your profile against Nova Scotia's scoring criteria and develop a detailed Business Establishment Plan aligned with the province's economic priorities.

4–8 weeks

Expression of Interest (EOI)

You submit an online EOI with your business background, net worth, and proposed venture. Candidates are scored — highest-scoring profiles receive an Invitation to Apply.

1–4 months

Full Application Submission

Upon receiving an ITA, you submit your complete application — Business Establishment Plan, financial documents, net worth verification, credentials, and language results.

4–8 weeks to prepare

In-Person Interview in Nova Scotia

A unique step — you attend a mandatory in-person interview with a Nova Scotia immigration official, held in the province within 60 days of being contacted. If successful, you sign a Business Performance Agreement.

Within 60 days of contact

Work Permit & Business Establishment

After signing the BPA, you apply for a work permit. Once in Nova Scotia, you establish or purchase your business and operate it actively — deploying investment, creating jobs, managing day-to-day.

Min. 12 months operation

Provincial Nomination & PR

After at least 12 months of successful business operation, Nova Scotia nominates you for permanent residence. You then apply federally — typically processed within 6 months.

6–8 months to PR

Questions

Common questions

What is the difference between HRM and outside HRM? +

HRM stands for Halifax Regional Municipality — Nova Scotia's capital and main urban centre. If your business is within HRM, the net worth requirement is CAD 600K and investment CAD 150K. Outside HRM, these drop to CAD 400K and CAD 100K respectively, making it one of the most accessible programs in Canada.

Is the in-person interview mandatory? +

Yes — this is a distinctive feature of the Nova Scotia stream. All shortlisted applicants must attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia within 60 days of being contacted. The interview is a key part of the assessment. Failing to attend results in the application being closed.

Can my family come with me? +

Yes. Your spouse is eligible for an open work permit and dependent children can study in Nova Scotia. The whole family can arrive together when your work permit is approved.

Does buying an existing Nova Scotia business help my application? +

Yes — business succession (purchasing an existing business) is actively encouraged and awarded additional points in Nova Scotia's scoring matrix. It also typically means less business risk during the establishment period.

Also Consider

Related programs

Ready to explore Nova Scotia Entrepreneur?

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Nova ScotiaEntrepreneur Stream