If you’re an experienced entrepreneur or business owner looking to immigrate to Canada, Nova Scotia’s Business Immigration Program offers a compelling opportunity. With a strong economy, supportive business climate, and high quality of life, Nova Scotia is an increasingly attractive destination for business-minded immigrants.
But who exactly qualifies for the program in 2025? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Nova Scotia Business Immigration Program?
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers a Business Stream that allows qualified foreign nationals to move to Nova Scotia by starting a new business or purchasing an existing one. Successful applicants are first issued a temporary work permit, and after fulfilling certain conditions, they may be nominated for permanent residence.
Who Qualifies in 2025? – Key Requirements
1. Business Experience
Applicants must have at least three years of experience actively managing and owning a business (with at least one-third ownership) or more than five years in a senior management role.
Tip: This experience should be recent and relevant to your proposed business in Nova Scotia.
2. Net Worth
You must demonstrate a verifiable personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000, assessed and verified by a third-party professional designated by NSNP.
3. Investment Commitment
You must invest at least CAD $150,000 of your unencumbered funds to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
Note: Passive investments (e.g., real estate speculation) do not qualify.
4. Business Establishment Plan
A detailed Business Establishment Plan is mandatory. It must demonstrate a solid understanding of the Nova Scotia business environment and align with local economic development priorities.
5. Language Proficiency
You must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in English or French in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
6. Age
Applicants must be between 21 and 59 years of age at the time of application.
7. Residency and Active Management
You must live in Nova Scotia and actively manage your business’s operations.
8. Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation
You must first submit an online Expression of Interest. Candidates are ranked on a points system, and only top-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Application Process: Step by Step
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Based on age, experience, net worth, language ability, and proposed business.
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If selected, you’ll submit a complete application with supporting documentation and net worth verification.
- In-Person Interview
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by NSOI (Nova Scotia Office of Immigration) staff.
- Sign Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
- This outlines the terms of your business commitment in Nova Scotia.
- Apply for Work Permit
- Once approved, move to Nova Scotia to launch or acquire your business.
- Operate Business for 1 Year
- After one year of running your business by your BPA, you can request a provincial nomination.
- Apply for Permanent Residence
- With a nomination certificate, you can apply for PR through IRCC.
Why Choose Nova Scotia?
- A welcoming and diverse population
- Lower cost of living and business operation compared to major Canadian cities
- Strong sectors including tourism, oceans tech, education, and food processing
- Access to North American and European markets via Halifax
How Change of Phase Consulting Group Can Help
At Change of Phase, we guide entrepreneurs through every stage of Canada’s provincial business immigration streams. From eligibility assessments and business plan development to application preparation and settlement strategy, our team ensures that your path to Nova Scotia is efficient, compliant, and aligned with your long-term goals.
Thinking About Doing Business in Nova Scotia?
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