Nova Scotia Business Immigration Program: How to move to Canada and get Permanent Residency

The business must meet any legal requirements established by the community where it operates and be a for-profit business engaged in the sale of goods and services. It must also meet the following criteria:

• The business must have the potential to create “significant economic benefit.” Examples of such benefit include adding value to a product or service, developing innovation, bringing new technology or knowledge into the province, or serving an under-satisfied need to a local or regional market.
• The business must meet the permanent establishment criteria, set out in Canadian Income Tax Regulations 1985, be operated and managed from the same Nova Scotia base, and be liable to pay income tax in Nova Scotia.
• The applicant must own at least 33.33% of the business entity and be actively and continually involved in the business’s day-to-day management.

If the business is a start-up, then it must create at least one new and relevant permanent (or equivalent part-time) position for a Canadian citizen or resident (who is not related to the applicant), and the position must meet the prevailing wage level.

If the business is already established, then it must have been continually operational under the same owner for at least 5 years and not be in receivership. The purchaser must keep the same employment and wage levels and pay a fair market price for the business.

Ineligible business types

Ineligible businesses include those that contradict any of the eligibility criteria, are intended for passive income, or include any of the following:

• Self-employed operations, home-based businesses, co-operatives, joint ventures with other NSNP applicants, etc.
• Property rental, investment and leasing, including real estate construction, development or brokerage services, and insurance and business brokerage (exceptions may be made if there are compelling circumstances)
• Pay day loan and similar services, such as credit unions and pawn brokers
• Pornography or other sexually explicit products or services
• Any other line of business that might bring disrepute to the province

1. The expression of interest (EOI)

Applicants submit an EOI in the Entrepreneur Stream. The applicant’s points matrix score determines priority for being invited to submit a full application package. The EOI remains part of the total application package. This step may take up to 12 months before NSOI makes contact.

2. Invitation to apply (ITA)

Successful applicants submit a complete application package with supporting documents, which includes a Business Establishment Report and Business Establishment Plan (BEP), as well as proof of net worth. Upon being issued an ITA, applicants have up to 90 days to submit their application and BEP, and up to 180 days to submit a verified net worth report.

The NSOI assesses the application package against the program’s eligibility requirements. Volume of applications will determine the timescale, so it will benefit applicants to make early and complete submissions.

3. In-person Interview

Successful applicants will meet with NSOI personnel in Nova Scotia for a personal interview. They must agree to meet within 60 days of the invitation. Following the interview, applicants must review and sign their Business Performance Agreement (BPA). This is the legal agreement with Nova Scotia and must be returned within 15 business days.

The NSOI will then issue an Entrepreneur Approval Letter to apply for a work permit from IRCC. This allows the applicant to settle in Nova Scotia and to operate the approved business. Applicants have 60 days to apply for a work permit.

4. Work permit and business establishment in Nova Scotia

After IRCC issues a work permit, applicants have 12 months to settle in the province, and another six months to begin operating their business. Applicants must meet with NSOI within 60 days of their arrival to seek any further advice or support they may need.

5. Request for nomination

After successfully satisfying the residency and business requirements for 12 months, the applicant (and approved family members) may request a nomination for permanent residency (PR) from NSOI.

6. Application for permanent residency in Canada

Applicants have six months to apply for PR following receipt of their letter of nomination. IRCC will confirm that all business and personal criteria have been met and that all legislative requirements have been met. At that point, a Confirmation of Canadian Permanent Residency is issued.

Final Comment

Nova Scotia offers many personal and business opportunities. Learn more about obtaining a permanent residency in Canada by booking a free initial consultation today!