The NSNP Entrepreneur stream is Nova Scotia’s business immigration pathway for experienced owners and operators who want to establish, purchase, or significantly invest in a business in Nova Scotia. With differentiated investment thresholds for Halifax and rural communities, the stream offers accessible entry points for investors across a broad capital spectrum — $500,000 minimum investment in the Halifax Regional Municipality, and $150,000 in rural Nova Scotia.
Like all NSNP streams, there is no provincial application fee. However, the pathway is multi-stage and time-intensive: applicants submit an EOI, complete a discovery visit, prepare a detailed business plan, sign a performance agreement with NSNP, and receive a nomination only after the business is successfully established. The full process typically takes 2–3 years from EOI submission to PR landing.
📋 Quick Facts
- Government Fee: Provincial: $0. Federal PR: $2,385 principal applicant (business immigration fees)
- Biometrics: $85 individual / $170 family
- Processing Time: Provincial: 6–12 months. Full process: 2–3 years
- RCIC-IRB Representation: Available — Dimple Verma R708308
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have minimum net worth of $600,000 (Halifax Regional Municipality) or $300,000 (rural NS)
- Minimum investment: $500,000 in Halifax area or $150,000 rural
- At least 3 years of prior business ownership experience
- Must create at least 2 full-time jobs (1 for rural NS)
- EOI submission required; invited candidates complete a discovery visit to NS
- Must actively manage the NS business and reside in Nova Scotia
Financial Requirements by Location
Nova Scotia’s Entrepreneur stream sets thresholds based on whether the business will be located in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) or in rural Nova Scotia:
| Criterion | Halifax Regional Municipality | Rural Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum net worth | $600,000 | $300,000 |
| Minimum investment | $500,000 | $150,000 |
| Jobs to create | 2 full-time (Canadians/PRs) | 1 full-time |
| Business experience | 3 years ownership | 3 years ownership |
Net worth must be documented through personal financial statements, audited by a certified accountant, and supported by 3–5 years of personal tax returns. The source of funds must be fully traceable and legitimate.
Process Overview
- Submit EOI: Register your Entrepreneur EOI on the NSNP portal with financial details, business experience, and proposed NS venture.
- Receive invitation to proceed: NSNP evaluates EOIs and invites candidates for further steps.
- Discovery visit: Travel to Nova Scotia to conduct market research, meet potential business partners, and explore opportunities.
- Submit full application: Prepare business plan, financial documents, and discovery visit report. No provincial fee applies.
- Performance agreement: If NSNP approves, sign a performance agreement with investment and job-creation milestones.
- Relocate and establish business: Move to Nova Scotia, establish/purchase the business, and meet performance milestones within 20 months.
- NSNP monitoring: NSNP confirms compliance.
- Nomination issued: Apply for federal PR (business immigration stream, $2,385 federal fee).
How VGIS Helps
Business immigration requires a quality business plan that satisfies both commercial viability standards and NSNP’s immigration compliance criteria — these are not the same thing. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, provides guidance on EOI positioning, discovery visit preparation, business plan review, and performance agreement analysis to ensure milestones are realistic and achievable.
Applicants who underestimate the compliance monitoring phase — or who build overly optimistic financial projections — risk losing their nomination after years of effort and capital outlay. VGIS mitigates this risk through careful pre-application planning. Book a paid consultation to assess your NS Entrepreneur pathway.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Provincial: $0. Federal PR: $2,385 principal applicant (business immigration fees) |
| Biometrics | $85 individual / $170 family |
Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.
Key Documents Required
- Proof of net worth
- Business plan for Nova Scotia venture
- Prior business ownership documentation
- Discovery visit completion
- Language test results
- Police clearances and personal tax returns
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an existing Nova Scotia business?
Yes. Purchasing an existing NS business is permitted, provided the acquisition meets the investment threshold and the business continues to operate and meet job-creation requirements. A purchase agreement and business valuation are required as part of the application.
Is a discovery visit to Nova Scotia mandatory?
Yes. A discovery visit to Nova Scotia is a required step in the NSNP Entrepreneur stream. NSNP uses the visit to assess your genuine commitment to establishing a business in the province. The visit report must document your research activities and findings.
What happens if my business does not meet the performance agreement targets?
If you fail to meet the investment or job-creation milestones within the agreed timeframe, NSNP may decline to issue a nomination. It is essential to build realistic timelines and maintain open communication with NSNP if business conditions change.
How long does the performance agreement monitoring period last?
NSNP typically allows 20 months to establish the business and meet performance agreement milestones after relocating to Nova Scotia. Extensions may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Do I need to be physically in Nova Scotia during the monitoring period?
Yes. As part of the performance agreement, you must actively manage the NS business and reside in Nova Scotia. Absentee ownership does not satisfy the requirements — NSNP expects the applicant to be personally involved in day-to-day operations.
Official Government Source: https://novascotiaimmigration.com/move-here/nova-scotia-nominee-program/
Start Your NSNP Entrepreneur Stream Application Today
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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.