Eligibility Requirements for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), candidates may qualify under one of the following categories:

• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

Nova Scotia has temporarily stopped taking new applications for its Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream. 

Nova Scotia uses the federal government's Express Entry immigration selection system in order to select candidates for this stream. This stream is for highly-skilled individuals with a post-secondary education and qualifications that will help them successfully settle in Nova Scotia.

There are two application routes to Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream. Candidates may either apply directly to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), or they may be selected from the Express Entry pool by the NSOI. In either case, the principal applicant is required to created an Express Entry profile on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) online Express Entry system and submit a complete application to the NSOI.

There are two categories under the stream:

• Category 1: Arranged Employment in Nova Scotia
  • This category requires candidates to have an arranged job offer supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from a Nova Scotia employer. The job offer must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B occupation.
• Category 2: Paid Work Experience in an Opportunity Occupation
  • This category entails at least one year of continuous full-time (or 1,560 hours or more) or an equal amount in part-time paid work experience in the last 10 years in one of the opportunity occupations.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible for Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry, candidates must:

• Have a foreign diploma, certificate, or credential and its educational credential equivalency assessment by a designated body or a Canadian educational credential;
• Have one year of full-time, or part-time equivalent, paid work experience in the last 10 years in an NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B occupation; and
• Meet the minimum language proficiency threshold – currently Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four language components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French demonstrated by language test results from a designated agency:
  • IELTS (General Training Test only) for English;
  • CELPIP (General test only) for English; or
  • TEF for French.

Minimum Requirements for Employers

Additionally, to be eligible under this category, the following criteria must be met:

• The business has a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia;
• The business must have been in operation in Nova Scotia, under current management, for at least two years;
• The employer must have a history of good workplace and business practices;
• The employer must be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations;
• The employer must make a full-time, permanent job offer to the candidate. The job must:
  • Be NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B;
  • Be located in Nova Scotia;
  • Have a compensation package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates;
  • Be a position for which there is a shortage of qualified permanent residents or Canadian citizens to fill the position; and,
  • Not contravene any existing bargaining unit agreements, labour agreements/standards or be in any employment disputes;
• The employer must demonstrate satisfactory recruitment efforts to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Selection Factors

Potential candidates must score at least 67 out of 100 points on a points grid that measures education, language ability, work experience, age, adaptability factors, and whether the candidate has an arranged job offer from a Nova Scotia-based employer.

Factor 1: Education

Candidates must have a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational credential OR a completed foreign educational credential from a recognized institution or authority AND an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report issued by an organization designated by CIC.

An ECA is used to verify that the foreign degree, diploma, certificate (or other proof of credentials) is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada. The ECA report will also indicate the authenticity of the foreign educational credential(s).

Factor 2: Ability in English and/or French

Candidates can earn up to 28 points for their skills in English and French. They will be given points based on abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Candidates can also earn points for their official second language capacity. To earn points for skills in both English and French, language test results for each language must be provided at the same time. 

Language test results must not be more than two years old at the time of receipt at the NSOI and at application for permanent residence to IRCC. 

Language test results must come from one of the following designated testing agencies:

• English:
  • CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test only)
  • IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training test only)
• French:
  • TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

Applicants are required to meet the minimum level of CLB 7 (for their first official language in all four language areas). To get points for the second official language, they must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 (in all four language areas).

Factor 3: Work Experience

The Candidate's Canadian or international work experience must be:

• At least one year (1,560 hours), full-time or an equal amount in part-time;
• Paid work (volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count);
• In the same occupation;
• Within the last 10 years before the application to the NSOI and the application for permanent residence to IRCC; and
• In NOC 2011 Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B.

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used to classify jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties, skills and work setting for different jobs.

Factor 4: Age

Candidates earn points based on their age on the day that their application is received by the NSOI.

Factor 5: Arranged Employment in Nova Scotia

Candidates will receive points if they have a valid offer of permanent employment from a Nova Scotia employer. The job must be arranged before they apply to come to Nova Scotia as a federal skilled worker. 

A valid offer of employment must be:

• For permanent, full-time work in Nova Scotia; and
• In an NOC 0, A, or B.

The job must:

• Have a compensation package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates;
• Be a position for which there is a shortage of qualified permanent residents or Canadian citizens; and
• Not contravene any existing bargaining unit agreements or be in any employment disputes.

Candidates can get arranged employment points without a new LMIA if:

• They are currently working in Canada on a work permit that was issued based on a positive Service Canada LMIA with respect to employment in an occupation listed as NOC 0, A, or B;
• Their work permit is valid at the time that the application for permanent residence is made;
• They are currently working for an employer specified on the work permit; and
• The current employer has made an offer to employ the applicant on a full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate basis in a NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B occupation in Nova Scotia once a Permanent Resident Visa, if any, is issued.

Factor 6: Adaptability

Candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, can earn points on their behalf as well. Candidates cannot, however, claim points for a spouse who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. A maximum of 10 points can be awarded under this factor, regardless of how many criteria a candidate qualifies for.

Interview

If required, applicants may have to attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia. They will be notified if such an interview is required.

Opportunity Occupations

The following occupation list represents professions where there may be employment opportunities in Nova Scotia. The occupations are classified with National Occupational Classification (NOC). The NOC helps determine whether a job meets the skill levels established for skilled and semi-skilled occupations, and whether the candidate’s qualifications and experience match the requirements of the job.

In your application to NSOI under this category you will need to demonstrate that you:

• performed the actions described in the lead statements for the occupation as set out in the occupational description of the NOC; and
• performed a substantial number of the main duties, including all of the essential duties, of the occupation as set out in the occupational description of NOC.

This list is subject to change.

When Not To Apply

Candidates should not apply if they are:

• Intending to work in an occupation that is a NOC skill level C or D;
• A grand-parent, parent, spouse, common-law or conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• An applicant under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, a refugee claimant or a failed refugee claimant;
• In Canada illegally, under a removal order, or are prohibited from entering or being in Canada;
• Not legally present in their country of residence;
• An international student currently studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution;
• An international graduate who has studied in Canada, whose studies have been sponsored by an agency or government and who is contractually obligated to return to their country of origin;
• On a valid federal post-graduation work permit whose occupation falls under NOC skill level C or D;
• The spouse of an international student at a Canadian post-secondary institution who is not in his or her last academic year of studies;
• An individual with unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any dependent;
• In a sales position that is based solely on commission for compensation;
• A seasonal, part-time or casual worker;
• An individual whose job is not based in Nova Scotia;
• A helper and/or labourer in construction, agriculture or primary resources sectors;
• An individual in Canada who is in the Caregiver Program;
• Intending to start a business and/or be self-employed in Nova Scotia;
• A passive investor (an individual who intends to invest in a Nova Scotia business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business); or
• Unable to provide proof of required amount of funds.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residence for highly skilled applicants who have worked for a Nova Scotia employer for at least one year. Candidates must also be eligible to enter the federal Express Entry pool through one of the federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.

There are two application routes to Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream. Candidates may either apply directly to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), or they may be selected from the Express Entry pool by the NSOI. In either case, the principal applicant is required to created an Express Entry profile on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) online Express Entry system and submit a complete application to the NSOI.

Minimum Requirements

In order to be eligible for Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, candidates must:

• Be between the ages of 21 and 55;
• Have at least 12 months full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid skilled work experience in Nova Scotia in the three years before the application is made;
  • The work experience cannot have been gained through self-employment or while studying full-time.
  • Volunteer work, unpaid internships, co-op terms, etc. do not count.
  • The work experience must be in a NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B occupation.
• Have gained their experience in the province of Nova Scotia with the proper authorization (work permit, etc.);
• Have completed Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary educational credential; OR
• Have completed a foreign educational credential from a recognized institution/authority AND have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report issued by an organization designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);
• Demonstrate sufficient language ability in all four components (speaking, reading, writing, and listening);
  • These levels are CLB 7 for NOC 0 and A and CLB 5 for NOC B.
  • Language test results must come from one of the following designated testing agencie:
    • IELTS (General Training Test only) for english;
    • CELPIP (General test only) for english; or
    • TEF for french;
• Have a profile registered in the Express Entry pool; and
• Demonstrate that they will become economically established in Nova Scotia and that they intend to live in the province permanently.

Interview

If required, candidates may have to attend an in-person interview in Nova Scotia. Candidates will be notified if such an interview is required.

When Not To Apply

Candidates should not apply if they are:

• Intending to work in an occupation that is a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level C or D;
• A grandparent, parent, spouse, or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• An applicant under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, a refugee claimant or a failed refugee claimant;
• In Canada illegally, under a removal order, or are prohibited from entering or being in Canada;
• Not legally present in their country of residence;
• An individual who does not have status;
• An international student who is currently studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution;
• An international graduate who has studied in Canada, whose studies have been sponsored by an agency or government and who is contractually obligated to return to their country of origin;
• On a valid federal post-graduation work permit whose occupation falls under NOC skill level C or D;
• The spouse of an international student at a Canadian post-secondary institution who is not in his/her last academic year of studies;
• An individual with unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any dependent;
• In a sales position that is based solely on commission for compensation;
• An individual whose 12 months full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in the three years prior to their application is not based in Nova Scotia;
• An individual in Canada who is in the Caregiver Program;
• Intending to start a business and/or be self-employed in Nova Scotia; or
• A passive investor (an individual who intend to invest in a Nova Scotia business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business).

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker stream helps Nova Scotia employers recruit and hire foreign workers and international graduates whose skills are in limited supply in the province.This stream particularly targets international students. The Skilled Worker Stream is composed of three different categories, each with their own eligibility criteria. They are as follows.

Skilled Workers

This category is for individuals with experience in an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A or B, also known as skilled occupations. Priority is given to these highly skilled applicants.

Semi-Skilled Workers

This category is for workers whose occupations are classified as NOC level C, also known as semi-skilled occupations. Applications in this category will only be considered if all eligibility criteria are met and the applicant has worked for at least six months with a Nova Scotia employer that is supporting his or her application for permanent residence.

Priority is given to semi-skilled workers whose employers:

• Have made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position; and
• Can demonstrate that they will provide support to assist newcomers with settlement needs.

Low-Skilled Workers

This category is for individuals whose occupations are classified as NOC level D, also known as unskilled occupations. Applications in this category will only be considered if all eligibility criteria are met and the applicant has worked for at least six months with a Nova Scotia employer that is supporting his or her application for permanent residence.

Priority is given to low-skilled workers whose employers:

• Have made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position; and
• Can demonstrate that they will provide support to assist newcomers with settlement needs.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In addition to the general eligibility outlined above, all applicants, regardless of their work experience, must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• If living in Canada, provide proof of legal status;
• If applying from outside Canada, provide proof of legal status in their current country of residence.
• Be between the ages of 21 and 55 at the time of application;
• Receive a full time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer;
• Have completed at least a high school level of education (12 years of study);
• Have the education, training, and licensing/certification needed to perform the job in Canada, if applicable;
• Have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the past five years;
• Meet language requirements for the program;
  • For NOC levels 0, A or B – CLB level 5 in English or French. If the applicant's first language is English or French, that is enough proof. If the applicant's first language is not English or French, he or she may submit the following as proof of language ability:
    • Educational transcripts or other documentation indicating English or French as the principal language of instruction or communication;
    • Employment history and references with English or French as the principal language of communication; or,
    • Internationally recognised test results to prove a CLB/NCLC Level 5.
  • For NOC levels C or D – CLB level 4 in English or French. Semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must have test results to prove they meet CLB 4 even if their first language is English or French;
• Demonstrate the intent and ability to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia; and,
• Demonstrate sufficient settlement supports and financial resources to cover immigration costs and travel expenses (if applicable) and to successfully establish yourself in the province.

Minimum Requirements for Employers

Employers sponsoring applicants through this program must meet the following requirements:

• Be permanently established in Nova Scotia;
• Have operated in Nova Scotia, under current management, for at least two years;
• Issue a full time, permanent job offer to the individual applicant; the job must:
  • Be located in Nova Scotia;
  • Have salary and benefits that meet provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates;
  • Be in a position for which there is a shortage of qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
  • Not contravene any existing bargaining unit agreements, labour agreements/standards, or be involved in any employment disputes; and,
  • Job offers made to NOC level C or D occupations will be considered based on local labour market requirements and conditions;
• Demonstrate recruitment efforts to fill the position with a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and,
• Have a history of good workplace and business practices, and must be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Entrepreneur Stream is designed to attract individuals who wish to start or acquire a business and settle permanently in Nova Scotia. This stream is for experienced business owners and senior business managers intending to live in Nova Scotia and participate in the day-to-day management of the business. The NSNP Entrepreneur Stream is a temporary to permanent residence program whereby approved applicants are required to operate a business in the province of Nova Scotia on a valid work permit for a minimum of one continuous year prior to being nominated for permanent residence in Canada. It functions on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

The Nomination Process

There are six steps to the nomination process:

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Province of Nova Scotia

Prospective immigrants will indicate their interest in operating a business and residing in Nova Scotia by completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the form of a short online survey. On this survey, candidates will provide required information about their business ownership or management experience, language, education, investment, net worth, age, adaptability, and business. Only applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be able to submit an EOI. Candidates will be assessed based on a points matrix according to their profile and then assigned a score and added to the EOI pool. EOIs can remain in the pool for up to one year from the date of receipt. If the EOI is not selected during this time, it will be removed from the pool. After this point candidates may submit a new EOI if they so choose. If candidates are able to acquire additional points after submitting their EOI, they will need to submit a new one. 

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

Top scoring applicants will be notified by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) that they are being invited to submit a formal application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) in the form of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter. Complete applications received from those invited to apply will then undergo an assessment by the NSOI.

Complete applications are expected to contain the following:

• A complete application form (submitted within 90 days of the issuance of the ITA letter);
• All supporting documentation (submitted within 90 days of the issuance of the ITA letter);
• A Business Establishment Plan (submitted within 90 days of the issuance of the ITA letter); and
• A Net Worth Verification Report prepared by one of NSOI’s designated Net Worth Verifiers (submitted within 180 days of the issuance of the ITA letter).
  • NOTE: the candidate must notify the NSOI of his or her choice of Net Worth Verifier within 20 days of the issuance of the ITA letter.

Step 3: In-Person Interview and Business Performance Agreement

Once the application has been assessed by the NSOI, those candidates who meet the outlined eligibility requirements (see below) will be contacted about an in-person interview with an official of the NSOI. All interviews will take place in Nova Scotia and are expected to take place within 60 days of the candidate being contacted. If the interview is successful, the candidate will be sent a Business Performance Agreement to review and sign. A business Performance Agreement is a legal agreement with the province that states the amount of investment the candidate will make and the business sector in which the business will operate, along with any other relevant information. Unsuccessful interviews or failure to participate in the interview within the 60 day time limit will result in closure of the application.

The NSOI will issue an Entrepreneur Approval Letter and instructions on how to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit upon receipt of the Business Performance Agreement. Candidates are required to apply to IRCC for a work permit within two months of the date on the Entrepreneur Approval Letter. If IRCC refuses the work permit application, the candidate will no longer be eligible under the NSNP Entrepreneur Stream.

Step 4: Temporary Work Permit and Business Establishment in Nova Scotia

Applicants who are successful in obtaining a work permit will be able to land in Nova Scotia with their family, settle, and start or acquire their business. Applicants are expected to do so within one year of receiving the Entrepreneur Approval Letter or their file will be closed. It is recommended that applicants start operating their business in Nova Scotia within six months of arriving in the province on a work permit. 

Approved applicants must attend an arrival meeting with an NSOI officer within 60 days of their arrival date. Officers will answer any questions related to the terms of the Business Performance Agreement and may refer candidates to other relevant service providers for further guidance and information. Candidates are required to bring a signed Arrival Report to the meeting.

Step 5: Request for Nomination

Once an applicant satisfies the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement, including, but not limited to, making the mandatory investment, operating the business continuously for a minimum of one year, and submitting a Business Establishment Progress Report to the NSOI, he or she can then apply to be nominated for permanent residence by the province of Nova Scotia under the NSNP by submitting a Nomination Request Form. The Nomination Request Form will ask for details of the business and will require the submission of an audit opinion and Special Purpose Report, both of which must be provided by an NSOI designated Audit Services Verifier of the candidate's choosing. 

The NSOI will communicate the nomination decision in writing to the applicant or their representative. If nominated by the NSNP:

• The applicant will receive a letter from the NSOI to confirm that a Nomination has been issued; and
• Proof of Nomination, which expires six months after the date of issuance, will be sent directly to IRCC by the NSOI.

In the event that the application is being considered for refusal, the applicant or their representative will receive a letter of intent to refuse from the NSOI. In this case, the applicant will be given 10 business days to submit additional information to be considered. After 10 business days the file, including any new information submitted, will be re-assessed and a final decision made, which will be sent in writing and which cannot be appealed.

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

Upon nomination, the applicant will apply to IRCC for permanent residence within six months. Candidates should note that an NSNP nomination does not guarantee the issuance of a Permanent Resident Visa. If the application is approved by the visa office, the candidate will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence. He or she is required to provide a copy of the confirmation to the NSOI within 30 business days.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible under the NSNP Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must:

• Have a minimum $600,000 CAD in Net Business and Personal Assets, verified by NSOI designated third party professionals;
• Demonstrate accumulation of claimed net worth through legal means, verified by NSOI designated third party professionals;
• Have a minimum of three years of business ownership experience including 33.33 percent ownership OR greater than five years of experience in a senior business manager role in the last 10 years;
• Agree to make a minimum capital investment of $150,000 CAD to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia;
• Demonstrate sufficient language abilities in either English or French verified by an approved language testing agency;
  • Sufficient language abilities are considered to be Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four components (listening, speaking, writing and reading).
  • The following are the approved language testing agencies under the PNP:
    • English:
      • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General test
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
    • French:
      • Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
  • Language tests must be taken within two years prior to the date of EOI submission.
• Have a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma OR an equivalent foreign credential verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which is dated within the five years prior to the date of EOI submission;
• Have a Business Establishment Plan and be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the plan; and
• Agree to reside in Nova Scotia.

Minimum Requirements for Businesses

In order to qualify as an eligible business under the Entrepreneur program, the following criteria must be met:

• The applicant must own at least one third (33.33 percent) of the equity of the business;
• The applicant must provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business from the place of business in Nova Scotia. The business must not be managed from another location in Nova Scotia or from another Canadian province or territory or other country;
• The business must be a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services;
• The business must meet the legal requirements of the community in which it operates;
• The business must be considered a “permanent establishment” as defined under subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985;
• The business is liable to pay income tax on taxable income earned as a result of a “permanent establishment” in Nova Scotia, irrespective of income or other taxes which may also be payable in other jurisdictions as a result of income earned or other business activity; and
• The business must have potential to create an economic benefit to Nova Scotia. For example:
  • Increasing value added through manufacturing or processing, exports, destination tourism, research and development, and technology commercialization,
  • Developing innovative approaches to traditional businesses,
  • Transferring technology and specialized knowledge to Nova Scotia, or
  • Providing products or services to an under-served local or regional market.

Additional Requirements for Starting a Business

If starting a business, the applicant must also:

• Create at least one full time (or equivalent) employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Nova Scotia (non-relative workers). This position(s) must:
  • Be over and above any position filled by the approved applicant;
  • Be relevant and directly related to the applicant’s business; and
  • Meet the prevailing wage rates in the province. 

Additional Requirements for Business Succession

If purchasing a previously existing Nova Scotia business, the following requirements must be met:

• The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous five years;
• All applicants must complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s);
• Applicants must provide evidence that reasonable efforts were taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
• The business must be actively in operation and not in receivership; and 
• Applicants must offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

Expression of Interest Points Matrix

When candidates submit their Expression of Interest in Step 1, a points matrix will be used to select the strongest applicants who best align with Nova Scotia’s business and economic priorities based on eight factors: language abilities, education, business ownership or management experience, level of investment in the business, net worth, age, adaptability, and Nova Scotia priorities.

Factor 1: Language Abilities in English and/or French

Factor 2: Education

Factor 3: Business Ownership or Management Experience

Factor 4: Net Worth

Factor 5: Age

Factor 6: Adaptability

Factor 7: Nova Scotia Economic Priorities

Factor 8: Investment

Business Establishment Plan

The Business Establishment Plan must be a coherent and well-thought-out plan for successful settlement and business development in Nova Scotia. The plan should demonstrate that the business meets the minimum required investment level and that the applicant will hold an active managerial position in the business. Additionally, it should show that the candidate has conducted extensive research into the economic, market, and cultural factors relevant to the proposed business.

The Business Establishment Plan must include a detailed Action Plan that outlines, step by step, the planned actions of the business over the next two to three years. These actions include but are not limited to: financial actions required to start or buy the business, anticipated start date of the business, when staff will be hired, timing of planned export activities, etc.

It is crucial that the applicant has complete knowledge and understanding of his or her Business Establishment Plan. In the event that the applicant is unaware of the plan’s contents, he or she may be deemed ineligible.

Regardless of whether the candidate intends to purchase an existing business or establish a new one, the Business Establishment Plan must include all of the following: the business idea, sales and marketing plan, exploratory visit (only in the case of business succession), critical factors, risk factors, investment/financial information, business relationships, human capital, Business Establishment Plan change requests.

Business Idea

The business idea section of the Business Establishment Plan must:

• Specify the industry/sector that the proposed business will operate in;
• Provide a description of the business;
  • The description should outline:
    • Ownership percentages; the candidate must demonstrate that he or she will own at least 33.33 percent of the business and all other investors must be listed along with their contact information;
    • The legal name and trading name of the business (in the case of business succession); 
    • Details of any changes the candidate is considering to the business operation (in the case of business succession); 
• Provide business ownership information – partnership, proprietorship, corporation, acquisition, franchise;
• Specify the proposed location for the business (city or town); and
• Provide details on the geographic coverage (local, regional or national) of the business.

Sales and Marketing Plan

The sales and marketing plan section of the Business Establishment Plan must outline:

• The market analysis and marketing strategy including target market(s), major suppliers, and major competitors;
• How the business will acquire space to operate;
• What products or services the business will offer;
• What distribution channels the business will use;
• The business' hours of operation;
• The outside professional services the business plans to use, if any; and
• Full details of research undertaken to support these plans.

Exploratory Visit (for business succession only)

The exploratory visit is a requirement for all candidates intending to purchase an existing business rather than establish a new one. Applicants must create and submit a report on their visit as part of the Business Establishment Plan. The report must cover the entire length of stay in Canada (including time spent in other provinces) and should include:

• Length of stay in Canada;
• The name of the professional business service providers or settlement organizations visited during the trip, including mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and emails;
• A description of the activity and/or meeting and its relevance to the applicant’s business establishment or settlement;
• Copies of all airline tickets, boarding passes, and hotel receipts;
• Copies of business cards collected from relevant contacts and business service providers throughout the visit; and 
• Details of the visit to the existing business location and any meetings with current owners.

Critical Factors

This section of the business plan should identify any:

• Government regulations that will be applicable to the proposed business including environmental regulations, health regulations, municipal zoning requirements, and labour rules;
• Special insurance requirements; and
• Overall anticipated challenges in addition to those identified above.

Risk factors

The NSOI will consider the potential for any risk factors of the proposed business and the candidate's ability to address them. These include, but are not limited to, whether the candidate is proposing external financing, or if he or she is proposing to invest more than 50 percent of his or her personal net worth.

Investment/Financial

The investment/financial section of the business plan should include:

• Proposed investment amount including how the money will be spent;
• Forecasted start-up funds and expenses;
• Source of financing for investment;
• Financial statements for the last five years, in the case of business succession; and
• Three years pro-forma financial statements including balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. Assumption notes for income statement and cash flow statement including a rationale for estimated revenue, expenses and profitability must be included.

Business Relationships

In this section of the Business Establishment Plan, the candidate should provide:

• The name, organizations, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and emails of contracted professional business service providers who the applicant has contacted and/or has established an active working relationship or paid contractual agreement with;
• The name, organization name, mailing address, email, and telephone number of the person who compiled or assisted in the compilation of the Business Establishment Plan;
• A summary of people contracted or consulted in preparation of the Business Establishment Plan.

Human Capital

This final section of the plan should outline:

• The management contribution the candidate plans to make in the proposed business, including an estimate of the hours he or she will spend managing and/or working in the business on a weekly basis;
• The number and type of jobs to be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
• The candidate's plan to offer the existing staff similar terms and conditions to what they already enjoy, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms, in the case of business succession;
• The educational requirements and experience required for new employees;
• Any preparation and training for entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia (including course titles and institution names, if applicable) that the applicant will undertake; 
• The candidate's educational background and its relevance to the proposed business idea; and
• The candidate's entrepreneurial experience and its relevance to the proposed business idea
  • If the candidate has no relevant experience or background directly related to the proposed business, he or she should explain how his or her knowledge or experience can be applied to the business.

When Not to Apply

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants are considered ineligible and should not apply under this stream if they;

• Are refugee claimants in Canada;
• Are living illegally in their current country of residence;
• Have had a removal order issued against them by IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency;
• Are prohibited from entering Canada;
• Are passive investors (individuals who intend to invest in a Nova Scotia business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business); or
• Do not have status; they will not be eligible to apply until their status has been restored.

Ineligible Businesses

The following types of business are ineligible:

• Businesses that are conducted remotely (from another Canadian jurisdiction or from another country);
• Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
• Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage; unless the applicant can demonstrate that the business will provide a compelling benefit to the province;
• Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation;
• Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing, and cash machines;
• Pawnbrokers;
• Credit unions;
• Home-based businesses; unless the applicant can demonstrate that the business will provide a compelling benefit to the province;
• Co-operatives;
• Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income;
• Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services, or in the provision of sexually-oriented services;
• Joint ventures between NSNP program applicants; and/or
• Any other type of business that by association could bring the NSNP or the government of Nova Scotia into disrepute.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) Stream is open to recent graduates Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who have already started or purchased a business in the province. This stream functions on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system whereby candidates submit an EOI and are then awarded points based on a number of criteria. The highest ranked candidates are invited to apply to the program by the NSNP. The IGE Stream targets international graduates who intend to reside permanently in the province while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.

The Nomination Process

There are four steps to the nomination process:

Step 1: Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Province of Nova Scotia

Prospective immigrants will indicate their interest in operating a business and residing in Nova Scotia by completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the form of a short online survey. On this survey, candidates will provide required information about their work experience, language, education, age, adaptability and business. Only applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be able to submit an EOI. Candidates will be assessed based on a points matrix according to their profile and then assigned a score and added to the EOI pool. EOIs can remain in the pool for up to one year from the date of receipt. If the EOI is not selected during this time, it will be removed from the pool. After this point candidates may submit a new EOI if they so choose. If candidates are able to acquire additional points after submitting their EOI, they will need to submit a new one. 

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

Top scoring applicants will be notified by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) that they are being invited to submit a formal application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Complete applications received from those invited to apply will then undergo an assessment by the NSOI.

Complete applications are expected to contain the following:

• A complete application form (submitted within 90 days of the issuance of the ITA letter);
• All supporting documentation (submitted within 90 days of the issuance of the ITA letter); and
• An Audit Opinion and Special Purpose Report, both of which must be prepared by one of the NSOI’s designated Audit Service Verifiers (submitted within 90 days of the issuance of the ITA letter).
  • NOTE: the candidate must notify the NSOI of his or her choice of Audit Service Verifier within 20 days of the issuance of the ITA letter.

Step 3: In-Person Interview and Request for Nomination

Once an applicant has been assessed and is deemed to meet the criteria of the program, the applicant will be contacted about an in-person interview with an official of the NSOI. All interviews will take place in Nova Scotia and are expected to take place within 15 business days of the candidate being contacted. The interview will include a site visit to the eligible business. Unsuccessful interviews or failure to participate in the interview within the 15 day time limit will result in closure of the application.

If the NSOI officer assessing the application is satisfied that the candidate meets all program criteria, and there are no other reasons that would prevent the nomination, the candidate will be nominated for Canadian permanent residence by Nova Scotia under the NSNP.

Step 4: Applying for Permanent Residence

Upon nomination, the applicant will apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status within six months. Candidates should note that an NSNP nomination does not guarantee the issuance of a Permanent Resident Visa. If the application is approved by the visa office, the candidate will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence. He or she is required to provide a copy of the confirmation to the NSOI within 30 business days.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible under the NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must:

• Have completed a full-time Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree of at least two years in length from a recognized university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College;
• Have resided in Nova Scotia full-time during the academic program;
• Demonstrate genuine intent to settle permanently in Nova Scotia
• Have already owned and operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year prior to the date of EOI submission;
• Demonstrate sufficient language abilities in either English or French verified by an approved language testing agency;
  • Sufficient language abilities are considered to be Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four components (listening, speaking, writing and reading).
  • The following are the approved language testing agencies under the PNP:
    • English:
      • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General test
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
    • French:
      • Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
  • Language tests must be taken within two years prior to the date of EOI submission.
• Be at least 21 years of age;
• Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit at the time of application to the NSOI;
• Own 100% of the equity of the eligible business and provide active and ongoing participation in the daily management and direction of the business; and
• Demonstrate that they are receiving compensation in the form of salary from the business.
  • The compensation must, at minimum, meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) as defined by Statistics Canada.

Minimum Requirements for Businesses

In order to qualify as an eligible business under the Entrepreneur program, the business must:

• Have been started as a career objective, those created solely for immigration purposes are ineligible;
• Meet the legal requirements of the community in which it will operate;
• Be a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services;
• Be considered a “permanent establishment” as defined under subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985;
• Be liable to pay income tax on taxable income earned as a result of a “permanent establishment” in Nova Scotia, irrespective of income or other taxes which may also be payable in other jurisdictions as a result of income earned or other business activity;
• Be actively managed by the applicant from the place of business in Nova Scotia;
• Have the potential to create significant economic benefit to the province of Nova Scotia.

Additional Requirements for Starting a Business

In addition the the above requirements, if starting a business, the applicant must:

• Create at least one full time (or equivalent) employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Nova Scotia (non-relative workers). This position(s) must:
  • Be over and above any position filled by the approved applicant;
  • Be relevant and directly related to the applicant’s business; and
  • Meet the prevailing wage rates in the province. 

Additional Requirements for Business Succession

If the applicant is purchasing an existing Nova Scotia business, the following requirements must be met:

• The Nova Scotia based business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous five years; and
• Applicants must offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

Expression of Interest Points Matrix

When candidates submit their Expression of Interest in Step 1, a points matrix will be used to select the strongest applicants who best align with Nova Scotia’s business and economic priorities based on 8 factors: language, education, business ownership or management experience, level of investment in the business, net worth, age, adaptability, and Nova Scotia priorities.

Candidates are required to get at least the minimum available score in each factor in order to submit an Expression of Interest.

Factor 1: Language Abilities

Factor 2: Education

Factor 3: Work Experience

Factor 4: Adaptability 

Factor 5: Age

Factor 6: Nova Scotia Economic Priorities

When Not to Apply

Ineligible Applicants

Candidates are considered to be ineligible under the IGE Stream if they:

• Are refugee claimants in Canada;
• Are living illegally in their country of residence;
• Have had a removal order issued against them by IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency;
• Are prohibited from entering Canada;
• Are passive investors (individuals who intend to invest in a Nova Scotia business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business); or
• Do not have status; they will not be eligible to apply until their status has been restored;

Ineligible Businesses

The following businesses are considered ineligible under this stream:

• Businesses that are conducted remotely (from another Canadian jurisdiction or from another country);
• Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
• Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage; unless the applicant can prove their project in this area will have a compelling benefit to the province;
• Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation;
• Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines;
• Pawnbrokers;
• Credit unions;
• Home-based businesses; unless the applicant can prove their project in this area will have a compelling benefit to the province;
• Co-operatives;
• Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income;
• Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services, or in the provision of sexually-oriented services;
• Joint ventures between NSNP program applicants; or 
• Any other type of business that by association could bring the NSNP or the government of Nova Scotia into disrepute.