The NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur stream offers a tailored business immigration pathway for recent graduates of Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions. Recognising that international students who have studied in NS bring local knowledge, networks, and credentials that make them well-positioned entrepreneurs, Nova Scotia created this stream with lower financial thresholds than the standard Entrepreneur stream — making business ownership accessible to graduates who may not yet have accumulated the capital required under the main stream.

Applicants must have graduated from a recognised Nova Scotia post-secondary institution within the past five years and must be starting or acquiring a business in Nova Scotia. The process follows the same multi-stage structure as the main Entrepreneur stream — EOI, discovery activities (or equivalent documentation), business plan, performance agreement, and nomination upon compliance — but with thresholds scaled to reflect the graduate profile.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have graduated from a recognized Nova Scotia post-secondary institution within past 5 years
• Must be starting or acquiring a business in Nova Scotia
• Lower net worth/investment thresholds than standard NS Entrepreneur stream
• Must create at least 1 job for a Canadian citizen or PR (other than yourself)
• EOI process required since November 2025
• Must intend to live and work permanently in Nova Scotia

Key Requirements

To qualify for the NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur stream, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Nova Scotia graduation: Degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognised Nova Scotia post-secondary institution within the past 5 years.
• Business establishment: Must be starting or acquiring a business in Nova Scotia that is viable and will operate actively.
• Net worth and investment: Lower thresholds than the standard Entrepreneur stream (specific amounts set by NSNP — applicants should confirm current thresholds directly with NSNP).
• Job creation: Must create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR (other than yourself).
• Residence in NS: Must commit to living and actively managing the business in Nova Scotia.
• Language: Proficiency in English or French (specific CLB level per NSNP guidelines).

The EOI process is required since November 28, 2025. Candidates submit an EOI and await a Notification of Interest before filing the full application. No provincial fee applies.

Process Overview

1. Confirm you meet the graduation requirement: Verify that your NS post-secondary institution and program are recognised by NSNP.
2. Develop a business concept: Prepare a draft business concept for NS; begin market research and feasibility analysis.
3. Submit EOI: Register your International Graduate Entrepreneur EOI on the NSNP portal.
4. Receive NOI: NSNP issues a Notification of Interest to competitive candidates.
5. Apply within 30 days: Compile business plan, graduation documents, financial statements, and police clearances.
6. Performance agreement: Sign agreement with NSNP committing to investment and job-creation milestones.
7. Establish and operate business: Launch the NS business and meet agreement conditions.
8. Receive nomination and apply for federal PR.

How VGIS Helps

Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, assists NS graduate entrepreneurs with EOI positioning, business plan review for immigration compliance, and performance agreement analysis. A common challenge for graduate entrepreneurs is demonstrating sufficient business experience — NSNP will assess whether your academic background and any prior business exposure qualify you to manage the proposed venture.

VGIS also evaluates whether the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream or the standard NSNP Entrepreneur stream is more appropriate given your financial profile and graduation date. Book a paid consultation to discuss your NS graduate entrepreneur pathway.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	Provincial: $0. Federal PR: $2,385 principal applicant
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

• NS post-secondary graduation certificate and transcript
• Business plan for NS venture
• Proof of NS business (registration, purchase agreement)
• Language test results
• Police clearances
• Personal financial statements

Frequently Asked Questions

How recent does my Nova Scotia graduation need to be?

The stream requires graduation from a recognised NS post-secondary institution within the past 5 years. Graduates who have been out of school for longer than 5 years should consider the standard NSNP Entrepreneur stream instead.

Do I need prior business ownership experience to apply?

Unlike the standard Entrepreneur stream, the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream does not require 3 years of prior business ownership. However, you should be able to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to manage the proposed business. Academic entrepreneurship programs, internships, and any prior business involvement strengthen your application.

Can I partner with a Canadian citizen to start the business?

Yes. NSNP permits business partnerships. However, you must be an active, managing partner — passive investment by a foreign national partner does not satisfy the requirement. NSNP expects the graduate to be genuinely running the business.

Is there a minimum revenue requirement for the business?

NSNP does not publish a fixed revenue threshold, but the business must be commercially viable and actively operating. Your business plan should include realistic revenue projections supported by market research, and you should be able to demonstrate that the business is generating income during the monitoring period.

What if my PGWP expires while I am in the process?

If your PGWP or other temporary status expires while your NSNP application is in progress, you must maintain legal status in Canada through another means — such as restoring status or applying for a different permit. NSNP nominations do not automatically extend your temporary status. A regulated consultant can help you manage status continuity.

Official Government Source: https://novascotiaimmigration.com/move-here/nova-scotia-nominee-program/

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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.