Nova Scotia Provincial Plans

Eligibility

For consideration you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• plan on living in Nova Scotia permanently
• have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD and be able to invest a minimum of $150,000 CAD of your own money on your business
• have at least 3 years of experience, participating in the day-to-day management OR 5+ years in a senior business management role
• score a minimum of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in either French or English
• receive an invitation to apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration

Application Process

Step 1: Expression of Interest Criteria

Applicants must carefully complete and submit an online Expression of Interest form (EOI). Upon their score on the points grid, NSOI will select candidates with the highest scores. EOIs will remain valid for 12 months from the date of receipt, and if the EOI is not selected, the applicant may submit a new one afterward.

Note: Applicants who are interested in buying an existing business in Nova Scotia must complete an exploratory visit to meet with the current owner(s) before submitting an EOI.

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

Invitation to apply to submit a full application will be given to successful candidates whose EOIs have been selected. Applicants must complete all application forms, along with sending the supporting documents. A Business Establishment Plan and a Net Worth Verification Report must also be provided to NSOI.

Step 3: In-Person Interview and Business Performance Agreement

If the applicants appear to meet Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria, he/she will be contacted to have an in-person interview with NSOI within 60 calendar days of the NSOI’s request. The completion of a successful in-person interview results in receiving a Business Performance Agreement for applicants review and signature.

Step 4: Work Permit and Business Establishment in Nova Scotia

If the application for a Work Permit is approved, the applicant is expected to enter Canada within 12 months of receiving the Entrepreneur Approval letter. Upon arrival, candidates are recommended to start operating their business within six months of their arrival date.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence

After receiving the Nomination Certificate by the Province of Nova Scotia, it is the applicant’s responsibility to complete and submit the Permanent Resident Visa Forms to the Centralized Intake Office within 6 months.

Eligibility

for consideration you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• plan on permanently living in Nova Scotia while actively managing your Nova Scotia business
• have had 1 year of experience owning your current Nova Scotia business with at least 33.33% ownership
• have a valid post-graduate work permit
• have received a degree or diploma from either a Nova Scotia university or community college with at least 2 academic years of full-time in-person study
• have received an invitation to apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
• score a minimum of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in either French or English

Eligibility

for consideration you must:

• be between the ages of 21-55
• have been offered a full-time job from a Nova Scotia employer
• have at least 1 year of experience related to the job in demand and the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation
• show you are financially stable to successfully settle in Nova Scotia

Eligibility

for consideration you must:

• be between the ages of 21-55
• have 1 or more years of experience working in Nova Scotia
• acquire a Canadian High School credential or equivalent
• prove score of CLB 7 for skilled work in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) O and A or CLB 5 for NOC B positions

Category A:   

For applicants who have already received a job offer (will remain open)

Category B: 

For applicants with experience in an in-demand job (will close and reopen throughout the year)

Eligibility

for consideration you must:

For category A

• obtain a score of at least 67 points on the stream’s six selection factors
• have a valid full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer that must last for at least 1 year after your permanent resident visa is issued. (for a job to be valid, the employer must acquire an LMIA from ESDC although there are some exceptions)
• have an equivalent of or a Canadian high school credential
• have had 1 year of skilled work experience related to the job
• prove you are financially stable to settle in Nova Scotia
• have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system
• score a minimum of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in either French or English

For category B 

• obtain a score of at least 67 points on the stream’s six selection factors
• be in one of the identified target occupations with 1 or more years of experience
• have a Canadian High School credential or one of equivalence
• prove you are financially stable to settle in Nova Scotia
• have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system
• score a minimum of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in either French or English