The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur stream is a component of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) operated by the Province of Nova Scotia. This stream is specifically tailored for recent graduates of universities or colleges located in Nova Scotia who have established and operated a business within the province for a minimum of one year.
Please note that entry into this program is by invitation only. Prospective candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), following which they will be evaluated based on the Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur points grid. The highest scoring applicants will be invited to formally apply for the program.
For more information on the requirements and application process for the Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur stream, please refer to the following information.
Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur program requirements
Eligibility Requirements for the Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
Connection to Nova Scotia:
Language Proficiency:
Level of Education:
Work Experience:
Requirement | |
Express Entry Profile | No |
Connection to Province | Study Experience |
Job Offer | No |
Language Proficiency | CLB 7 |
Level of Education | Post-secondary |
Work Experience | Business ownership and management |
Investment Requirement | None |
The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Application Process:
The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur stream follows a selective process based on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Eligible candidates are required to submit a profile to a pool of candidates, which will be evaluated based on the Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Ranking System. The candidates with the highest-ranking profiles will be invited to formally apply to the program during one of its periodic intakes.
As part of their application, candidates must provide an audit opinion and special purpose report attesting to the viability of their business. Upon successful demonstration of meeting the stream requirements, the candidate will be invited to participate in an interview with an immigration officer in Nova Scotia. If the interview outcome is positive, the candidate will receive a provincial nomination for permanent residency.
After receiving the provincial nomination, the candidate has a period of six months to submit a federal application for Canadian permanent residency. This program requires a paper-based application for permanent residency, which must be submitted by mail to the appropriate application center. The processing time for paper-based Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications for permanent residency is approximately 18 months.
Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Points Grid
The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur stream uses a ranking system to evaluate Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted by eligible candidates. While there is no minimum score required, only the most competitively ranked candidates will receive an invitation to formally apply to the program.
Selection factor | Points |
Language | 35 |
Education | 25 |
Work experience | 15 |
Adaptability | 10 |
Age | 10 |
Economic Priorities | 5 |
Selection factor | Points |
Language | 35 |
Education | 25 |
Work experience | 15 |
Adaptability | 10 |
Age | 10 |
Economic Priorities | 5 |
Language Ability | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
First official language | ||||
CLB level 9 or higher | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
CLB level 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
CLB level 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Second official language | ||||
At least CLB 5 in all of the four abilities | 7 | |||
Maximum | 35 | |||
Education | Points |
Completion of a Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma for a two- year program | 12 |
Completion of a Nova Scotia post-secondary degree or diploma for a program of three years or longer | 15 |
Two or more Canadian post-secondary degrees or diplomas (at least one must be for a program of at least three years completed at a Nova Scotia institution) | 17 |
Nova Scotia university degree at the Master’s level | 22 |
Completion of a Nova Scotia university level entry-to-practice professional degree. | 22 |
Nova Scotia university degree at the Doctoral (PhD) level | 25 |
Maximum | 25 |
Work Experience | Points |
3 to 5 years of work experience in the last 10 years at NOC 0, A or B level | 10 |
Greater than 5 years of work experience in the last 10 years at NOC 0, A or B level | 15 |
Maximum | 15 |
Adaptability | Points |
Your spouse or partner’s language level | 5 |
Your spouse or partner’s past study in Nova Scotia | 5 |
Your spouse or common-law partner’s past work in Nova Scotia | 5 |
Relatives in Nova Scotia | 5 |
Maximum | 10 |
Age | Points |
21-39 | 10 |
40-44 | 7 |
45-55 | 5 |
56+ | 0 |
Maximum | 10 |
Nova Scotia Economic Priorities | Points |
Export-oriented business | 5 |
Business location outside of Halifax County | 5 |
Purchasing an Existing Business | 5 |
Maximum | 5 |
Contact Vizard
If you are interested in investment opportunities in Canada, contact Vizard Immigration, a professional immigration firm, for assistance. Our experienced team can provide you with guidance and information on the various investment options available in Canada, as well as assist you with the application process and representation before Canadian immigration authorities.
