NLPNP - (Business) International Graduate Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, Newfoundland and Labrador

International Graduate Entrepreneur is an entrepreneurial immigration program for international students who have graduated in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The program provides young people the opportunity to remain in Canada long-term after completing their studies by directly owning and operating a real local business.

Unlike many traditional investment immigration programs that require large capital or many years of management experience, this program focuses on the ability to operate a real business, create jobs, and contribute to the provincial economy. This is a suitable path for students who wish to develop a business career in Canada after graduation.

Through support from KeyApply and Ontario Startup Studio, students are not only guided on their immigration applications but also trained in building business models and supported in actual operations to develop sustainable businesses in accordance with the NLPNP program criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

International Graduate Entrepreneur - Who can apply?

This category is for graduates from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic who wish to live long-term in Newfoundland and Labrador and operate a business.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 21 years of age or older
• Submit a business continuity plan along with verified financial documents
• Have completed a degree or diploma program (at least 2 years, full-time study, in-person) within the last 2 years
• Hold a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit
• Own and actively manage a local business (at least 33.3% ownership) for at least one full year
• Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Operate the business for profit
• Achieve a CLB 7 or higher in English or French (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Applicants focusing on regional development or high-demand sectors (e.g., agriculture, aquaculture, technology, natural resources) will be prioritized.

Two Business Models

Starting a New Business

You must create at least one full-time, year-round job with the following conditions:

• Must not hire immediate family members
• The job must be directly related to your business
• The salary must be reasonable and competitive

Purchasing an Existing Business

You must ensure that:

• The business has been operating under the same owner for the last 5 years
• The business is operational and not in receivership or bankruptcy
• You pay a reasonable market price
• You retain existing employees with the same salary and working conditions

Who Cannot Apply

You will not be eligible if:

• You are residing illegally in your country of residence
• You are subject to a removal order from IRCC or CBSA
• You are inadmissible to Canada
• You are a passive investor (not involved in daily business operations)
• You lack legal status (until legal status is restored)

Ineligible Business Types

The following business types are not permitted:

• Remote businesses (operated outside of Newfoundland and Labrador or outside of Canada)
• Leasing, rental property, or real estate investment
• Real estate, insurance, or business brokerage firms (unless a benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador can be demonstrated)
• Professional services with regulated licensing or self-employment forms
• Payday loan services, check cashing, currency exchange, ATM machines
• Pawn shops or taxi companies
• Home-based businesses (unless a benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador can be demonstrated)
• Adult content or services
• Non-profit organizations
• Passive investment businesses
• Commission-only work
• Any business that may negatively affect the reputation of the program or the government

Services of KeyApply & Ontario Startup Studio

• Turnkey solutions for businesses
• Market research and assistance with negotiations and business lease signing
• Setting up business models with clients from the very first day of operation
• Students are trained and mentored directly to operate real businesses
• Businesses with long-term development orientation and opportunities to participate in provincial PNP labor recruitment programs
• Support in building operational reports and business records in compliance with program criteria
• Experienced business consulting team accompanying the entire business development process

• Comprehensive legal support: business lawyers and immigration lawyers

Models successfully implemented by KeyApply & Ontario Startup Studio for immigration clients recently

• Nail salons and beauty care
• Diverse culinary models: banh mi shops, fast food, children's bakeries, restaurants and eateries
• Agricultural and food trading
• Trading in new materials and products
• Technology and digital solutions
• Accounting and finance
• Repair and maintenance services
• Education and training
• And many other business models suitable for market needs and long-term development goals in Canada

Updated on October 6, 2026. The program currently continues to use the EOI/ITA system. Applicants must meet current criteria at the time of invitation and application review; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.

Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – International Graduate Entrepreneur.

NLPNP 2026 Updates

Newfoundland and Labrador currently uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation to Apply (ITA) system for the NLPNP. An EOI is valid for 12 months. Once invited, applicants have 30 days to submit a complete application; the ITA cannot be extended. Receiving an ITA does not guarantee a nomination.

Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – NLPNP / Expression of Interest.

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