The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream is intended for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to establish or acquire a business in Nova Scotia and actively manage it on a day‑to‑day basis.
This is a two‑step process: applicants first operate the business under a work permit, then become eligible for nomination after meeting program conditions.
Pathway to permanent residence through business ownership
Opportunity to start or purchase an existing business
Performance‑based nomination after business operation
Focus on long‑term settlement in Nova Scotia
Applicants must generally:
Be at least 21 years old
Have a minimum net worth of CAD 600,000
Make a minimum investment of CAD 150,000
Have at least 3 years of business ownership experience or 5+ years in a senior management role
Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 5) in English or French
Intend to actively manage the business in Nova Scotia
The business must be for‑profit and actively operated
It must contribute to the economic development of Nova Scotia
Passive investments are not eligible
The applicant must own at least 33.3% of the business (unless total investment is CAD 1 million or more)
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Submit a complete application and attend an interview
Receive a work permit support letter
Establish or purchase and operate the business
Meet performance agreement conditions
Apply for provincial nomination
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is specifically designed for international graduates of Nova Scotia post‑secondary institutions who have already established or purchased a business in the province.
This stream allows qualified graduates to transition directly from temporary status to permanent residence, without a minimum net worth requirement.
Direct nomination pathway for international graduates
No minimum net worth requirement
Designed for graduates already operating a business
Encourages retention of skilled graduates in Nova Scotia
Applicants must generally:
Be at least 21 years old
Have completed a full‑time degree or diploma of at least 2 years in Nova Scotia
Hold a valid Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Have owned and actively managed a business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year
Own at least 33.3% of the business
Meet language requirements (CLB 7)
Intend to permanently reside in Nova Scotia
The business must be actively operated for at least 12 months
It must be registered and operating in Nova Scotia
Passive investments are not eligible
Compliance with all provincial and federal regulations is required
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Submit full documentation and attend an interview (if required)
Receive provincial nomination
Apply for permanent residence to IRCC
Strategic access to Atlantic Canada and global markets
Lower operating costs compared to major metropolitan areas
Strong support for small and medium‑sized enterprises
High quality of life and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem
At Adapt Immigration, we provide end‑to‑end support for Nova Scotia business immigration, including:
Stream assessment and eligibility review
Business concept development and refinement
EOI strategy and application preparation
Interview preparation and compliance guidance
Post‑approval and nomination support
Our approach is strategic, compliant, and business‑focused, ensuring your application aligns with provincial expectations and long‑term settlement goals.
Book a consultation today to explore whether the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur or International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is the right pathway for you.
