NSNP - Entrepreneur Stream

Nova Scotia Entrepreneur

For experienced business owners, senior managers, and Nova Scotia international graduate entrepreneurs who want to live permanently in the province and actively operate a business. As of February 18, 2026, International Graduate Entrepreneur will become a sub-criteria of the Entrepreneur stream instead of a separate stream.

Experienced Entrepreneur

• 21 years of age or older, with the intention to live permanently in Nova Scotia.
• Minimum net worth of 600,000 CAD in the HRM or 400,000 CAD outside the HRM.
• Minimum investment of 150,000 CAD in the HRM or 100,000 CAD outside the HRM.
• At least 3 years of business ownership with a minimum of 1/3 ownership, or over 5 years of senior management experience.
• Minimum CLB/NCLC 5.

International Graduate sub-criteria

• Graduated from a Nova Scotia university or NSCC after at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study.
• Hold a valid PGWP.
• Have owned at least 33.33% of and actively operated their current business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 continuous year.
• Minimum CLB/NCLC 7.

Entrepreneur is not a passive investment. Experienced entrepreneur applicants must fulfill a Business Performance Agreement and operate the business before becoming eligible for nomination.

EOI and fees

EOIs submitted from May 1, 2026, are valid for 12 months. Starting September 1, 2026, the Entrepreneur application fee is 2,000 CAD 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.

Immigration Event Schedule and Live Streams