[NS Provincial Nominee Program]

International Graduates Entrepreneur

 

Program Overview

 

The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur is currently the only entrepreneurial immigration program for international students in Canada. It aims to attract business-minded international students to start businesses and settle in the province. The applicants must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least a year.

​

​

Program Advantages

 

• Start a business after graduation

• No minimum investment amount required

• No minimum asset required

 

 

Program requirements

​

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Have completed a full-time 2-year diploma at a university or college in NS

• Have resided in NS during the academic program

• Demonstrate an intention to settle in Nova Scotia

• Meet the language requirements: CLB7 or above in English or French

• Have a valid post-graduate work permit

​​​​

 

Eligible Business (Start a new business or purchase an existing business)

​

• Own and operate a business in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year prior to the date of EOI submission

• The business is in sound financial health

• Applicants 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

• The applicant receives a certain salary from the business

• Additional requirements:

Newly established business: create a minimum of one full-time employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or PR (non-relative worker)

Purchased business: has been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous 5 years; similar terms and conditions to existing staff

​

Program processing time (about 3 years: 1 year for starting a business, and 2 years for processing application)

​