How it works
About the entrepreneur
An invitation-only business stream. Thresholds are lower outside the Halifax area. A separate sub-category exists for international graduates already running a Nova Scotia business, which does require a post-graduation work permit.
Applying from outside Canada: The main category is open from abroad but works by invitation only. The international graduate sub-category is not, since it needs a post-graduation work permit and an operating Nova Scotia business.
Source: the province's own page for this stream. Last checked September 11, 2026. Provinces change stream criteria without notice, so confirm the detail before you rely on it.
Requirements
What this stream asks for
- Net worth of at least $600,000, or $400,000 outside the Halifax Regional Municipality
- An investment of at least $150,000, or $100,000 outside Halifax
- Three years owning and managing a business, or five years in senior management
- Aged 21 or over
- Language at CLB 5
Programme
The Nova Scotia programme right now
Open. Nova Scotia consolidated ten streams into four on 18 February 2026. Two changes since then affect applicants directly: expressions of interest now expire after twelve months, from 1 May 2026, and the province began charging application fees on 1 September 2026.
Ten streams were consolidated into these four on 18 February 2026. Expressions of interest submitted before that date remain active. Nova Scotia also lists Critical Vacancies in its navigation, but the province states plainly that it is not an invitation to apply for a nomination.
Official NSNP page Official draw results
Checked against the province's own pages on September 11, 2026. Streams change through the year, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
Explore
Other Nova Scotia streams
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Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program How the Provincial Nominee Program works
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