Provincial Nominee Program · Nova Scotia

NSNP – International Graduate Entrepreneur

Nova Scotia nomination pathway for recent Nova Scotia university or NSCC graduates who have already started or bought a business in the province and operated it for at least a year.

At a Glance

Who It's ForRecent NS university / NSCC graduates
OwnershipAt least 1/3 (33.3%) of the business
Operating History1+ year actively operating in NS
LanguageCLB 7
Min. InvestmentNo fixed minimum
PathwayNomination → PR (work permit while operating)

Program Overview

The Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur stream nominates recent graduates of Nova Scotia universities or the Nova Scotia Community College who have started or purchased a business in the province and actively operated it for at least one year on a valid work permit.

Unlike investment-first entrepreneur streams, there is no minimum investment or net-worth requirement — selection turns on the graduate credential, genuine day-to-day management, and at least one-third ownership of a viable Nova Scotia business.

Candidates submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation before applying; the nomination then supports a permanent-residence application to IRCC.

Candidate Fit

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Graduates of a minimum 2-year full-time program at a Nova Scotia university or NSCC
  • Founders or buyers holding at least one-third of a Nova Scotia business they actively manage
  • Post-graduation work-permit holders who have run the business for 12+ months
  • CLB 7 or higher in English or French

Unsuitable Profiles (Red Flags)

  • Passive ownership or businesses run by third parties
  • Businesses operated for less than a full year at EOI time
  • Credentials from institutions outside Nova Scotia

Business Profile

Key Sectors

TechnologyHospitalityProfessional ServicesRetail

Frequently Asked Questions

No fixed minimum investment or net worth is required. The stream assesses whether you genuinely own at least one-third of a viable Nova Scotia business and have actively managed it for at least a year — substance of operations matters more than capital deployed.
Graduates of an eligible program of at least two academic years at a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College, who hold a valid post-graduation work permit while operating the business.
You must have continuously and actively managed the Nova Scotia business for at least one year before submitting your Expression of Interest.

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