[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)

