NS PNP - (Business) Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior managers who want to settle permanently in Nova Scotia by:

• Start a new business, or
• Acquire an existing business in Nova Scotia.

⚠️ Important note: You must operate a business in Nova Scotia with a work permit for at least one year before being nominated by the province.

1) Eligibility Requirements - What do you need to meet?

Personal conditions

• From 21 years of age and older
• I intend to live permanently in Nova Scotia.
• Minimum net worth:
  • ≥ 600,000 CAD if operating within HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality), or
  • ≥ 400,000 CAD if outside HRM.
• Minimum personal investment:
  • ≥ 150,000 CAD (in HRM), or
  • ≥ 100,000 CAD (excluding HRM).
• Experience (in the last 10 years):
  • ≥ 3 years of business ownership, or
  • > 5 years in senior management.
• Language: A minimum test score of CLB/NCLC 5+ is required (including English/French as your native language).
• Minimum requirement: High school diploma (or equivalent in Canada). Ownership and operational role requirements.
• You must own at least 1/3 (33.33%) of the business.
• We do not accept passive investors (those who only contribute capital but do not participate in operations).

2) Business-related conditions

The business has been approved.

• It must be a for-profit business selling goods/services, with a fixed address, complying with the law, and paying appropriate taxes.
• The province prioritizes models that benefit Nova Scotia's economy (innovation, technology, expertise, etc.).

These types of businesses are often disqualified (and should not be submitted).

Examples include: real estate rentals/investments, real estate brokerage, insurance brokerage, business brokerage, payday loans/currency exchange/ATM cash machines, pawn shops, credit unions, home-based businesses (the majority), cooperatives, passive investments, pornography, joint ventures with other nominated candidates, commission-only businesses, or models that "discredit" the province.

Note: Some home-based applications may be considered if they demonstrate a “distinctive benefit” to the province.

Staffing requirements (when starting a new business)

• You must hire at least one full-time permanent employee (not a seasonal employee), or a team of part-time employees whose combined hours are sufficient (minimum 1,560 hours/year).
• Personnel must be PR/Canadian citizens, not relatives of yours.

If you buy an existing business

Businesses (and you) must also meet these requirements:

• The same owner had been running the business continuously for 5 years before selling it.
• The business is operational (without receivership).
• You and your partner must meet the previous owner in person.
• There is consistent evidence regarding fair market value.
• Commitment to maintaining similar salaries/working conditions for current employees.

3) Submission process

1. Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) online (scoring system and selection based on province needs).
2. If selected → receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
3. After the ITA, submit your application according to the following key deadlines:

• • 20 days: Select and declare the Net Worth Verifier unit.
  • 90 days: Submit eNSNP 100 + Business Establishment Plan.
  • 180 days: Submit Net Worth Verification Report (+ business purchase documents, if applicable).

1. Interview → if successful, sign the Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
2. The province issues the letter → you submit your Work Permit to IRCC (within 60 days).
3. Once in Nova Scotia, operations will begin (typically expected within 6 months).
4. After 1 year of operation and compliance with BPA requirements, apply for Nomination.
5. Having received the nomination → apply for PR with IRCC (within 12 months).

4) Essential documents to prepare

• Business Establishment Plan (a very detailed business plan)
• Net Worth Verification Report (asset verification – by a designated entity)
• Review Engagement & Special Purpose Report (prepared by the Financial Statement Review Service Provider unit).
• Language test, qualifications, personal identification documents, residency status…

What support does KeyApply offer for Entrepreneur Stream?

KeyApply provides support based on the principle of "doing it right - having a clean record - and a viable operational plan," focusing on the areas that the province reviews most rigorously:

• Orient your business model to the correct, accepted category (avoiding industries that are likely to be disqualified).
• Develop a Business Establishment Plan that meets the required provincial structure (finance - human resources - marketing - implementation milestones - legal compliance).
• Standardize your financial records to create a smooth Net Worth Verification & Review Engagement report.
• Prepare for the interview, BPA, and Work Permit roadmap → operate for 1 year → nomination → PR.

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