NS PNP - (Business) International Graduate Entrepreneur

Overview

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates from a university or community college in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have started or purchased a business in Nova Scotia and been operating it for at least one year. If they intend to settle in Nova Scotia, they may be nominated for permanent residency. The program accepts applications only on an invitation basis.

Eligibility requirements for submitting an application.

To apply, you must:

• I want to live permanently in Nova Scotia and own and directly manage a business in Nova Scotia;
• Must have at least one year of continuous experience in actively managing and owning a current business in Nova Scotia (minimum 33.33% ownership);
• Complete a degree or diploma after at least two years of full-time, in-person academic study at a university in Nova Scotia or a Nova Scotia Community College;
• I have a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
• A minimum CLB 7 score is required for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French;
• Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) online;
• Received an invitation to apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration.

How to submit your application

• Complete the Expression of Interest.
• If invited to apply: complete the application form and attach all required information and documents.

With NSNP - International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE), in addition to personal requirements, the business-related requirements include several mandatory/exclusion points as follows:

1) Businesses must be "the right kind" (Eligible business)

Obligatory:

• It is a for-profit business that sells goods/services.
• Operating in Nova Scotia, with a fixed address and proper registration/tax payment.
• You participate in day-to-day operations (not just contribute capital).

Ineligible if you fall into the following categories (for example):

• Property rental/investment/leasing
• Real estate broker, insurance broker, business broker
• Payday loan, check cashing, money changing, ATM/cash machine business
• Pawn broker, credit union
• Passive investment
• Explicit/sexually explicit content
• Paying salaries based solely on commission
• The model could tarnish the province's reputation.
• Home-based businesses: most are unsuitable unless a clear benefit to Nova Scotia can be demonstrated.

2) Ownership & Operation Requirements

• You must own at least 1/3 (33.33%) of the company's capital/shares.
• You must own and operate the business for at least one full year before applying for IGE (and operate on a valid PGWP).

3) If you are a "Start-up" (starting your own new business)

• There must be at least one full-time employee position , or a total of 1,560 part-time hours per year.
• That person must be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident, not related to you, and currently employed at the company when you apply.
• Salaries should be commensurate with market rates (based on the profession/region).

4) If buying an existing business

• The same owner must have been operating the business continuously for 5 years before you can buy it.
• The fair market value must be demonstrated when purchasing.
• Salary and benefits for employees are similar to those under the previous employer.

5) Business records and documents are often scrutinized closely.

You will typically need to prepare (depending on whether it's a start-up or an acquisition):

• The Review Engagement & Special Purpose Report is prepared by a financial review unit listed on the NSNP (Nationally Financial Conduct Authority).
• Inclusion/registration documents, license/permit required.
• Income statements, registered with the tax authorities.
• Lease/Title Agreement for Business Premises
• Share ownership documents (share registry/certificates/transfers), franchise agreement (if any)
• Product/service catalog, inventory + photos, photos of the business premises inside/outside…

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