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Nova Scotia Entrepreneur
For business owners, senior managers, and international graduates in Nova Scotia who wish to settle permanently and directly operate a business in the province. From February 18, 2026, International Graduate Entrepreneur will be integrated into the Entrepreneur Stream eligibility criteria.
Experienced Entrepreneur
- At least 21 years old and intend to reside permanently in Nova Scotia.
- Minimum net worth of CAD 600,000 in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) or CAD 400,000 outside HRM.
- Minimum investment of CAD 150,000 in HRM or CAD 100,000 outside HRM.
- At least 3 years of business ownership with a minimum 1/3 ownership stake, or more than 5 years of senior management experience.
- Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 language proficiency.
International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Graduated from a full-time, in-person program of at least 2 years at an eligible university in Nova Scotia or Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).
- Hold a valid PGWP.
- Owned at least 33.33% and directly operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 continuous year.
- Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 language proficiency.
This is not a passive investment program. Experienced Entrepreneur applicants must enter into a Business Performance Agreement and operate a business before they can become eligible for nomination.
EOI and Government Fees
EOIs submitted from May 1, 2026, will be valid for 12 months. From September 1, 2026, the Entrepreneur application fee will be CAD 2,000 when an EOI is selected for assessment; there is no fee to submit an EOI.
Updated October 6, 2026. Source: Government of Nova Scotia – Entrepreneur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify as an International Graduate Entrepreneur if I complete a Master's degree in another province and then open a business in Nova Scotia?
No. The International Graduate Entrepreneur eligibility criteria require graduation from an eligible program in Nova Scotia. A Master's degree from another province does not meet this requirement, even if you later open a business in Nova Scotia. You may consider the Experienced Entrepreneur stream if you meet the requirements.
Is completing a Master's degree in Nova Scotia sufficient for automatic eligibility?
No. In addition to the study requirements, applicants must hold a valid PGWP, have owned at least 33.33% and directly operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year, achieve CLB/NCLC 7, and meet other provincial requirements.
Can I simply invest capital without directly managing the business?
No. The Entrepreneur Stream requires active involvement in the management and operation of a business; passive investment does not meet the requirements.
How much capital is required for the standard entrepreneur stream?
The minimum net worth requirement is CAD 600,000 in HRM or CAD 400,000 outside HRM; the corresponding minimum investment is CAD 150,000 or CAD 100,000. These are two separate requirements, not the total service fee.
Will I receive permanent residency immediately after opening a business?
No. Applicants must complete the selection process, enter into a business performance agreement, operate a business, and meet the provincial nomination requirements; a nomination also does not guarantee that IRCC will grant permanent residency.
What information do I need to provide for my application to be assessed?
Please provide the province and program you studied, your work permit status, your business ownership/management experience, language proficiency, net worth, investment budget, and the type of business you plan to open.
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