Provincial entrepreneur programs

AAIP is currently accepting EOIs under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. The business must be in a rural Alberta community, meaning population under 100,000 (latest census) and outside the Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas, and must keep a physical place of business there at all times. Candidates must complete an exploratory visit (in person or by web-based video conference, as agreed with the community; no visa support letter is provided) and submit an Exploratory Visit Report with the Business Application, and must obtain a Community Support Letter (and endorsed Business Proposal Summary) from a participating community before submitting an EOI.

Minimum net worth CAD $300,000; all assets must be the candidate's own personal holdings or the spouse's/common-law partner's. Minimum business investment CAD $100,000 from the candidate's own (and/or spouse's) equity; higher investment earns more points.

Work experience: at least 3 years as an active business owner/manager OR at least 4 years as a senior manager within the past 10 years. Language: CLB/NCLC 4 in each of reading, writing, listening and speaking (CELPIP General, IELTS General Training, PTE, TEF Canada or TCF Canada), results less than 2 years old when the EOI is submitted. Education: at least high school equivalent to the Canadian standard, with an Educational Credential Assessment.

New business: at least 51% ownership (business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents) and at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR (not a relative) lasting at least 6 months. Business succession: 100% ownership with a complete change of ownership; job creation not required (but scored). The candidate must reside in Alberta and be involved in day-to-day management (not remotely, from another province or another country). Ineligible businesses include passive investment, property rental/leasing, real estate development/brokerage, insurance or business brokerage, payday loan/cheque cashing, used goods trading, coin-operated businesses, project-based or seasonal businesses, home-based businesses and B&Bs, adult services, and succession purchases of businesses owned by a relative, previously owned by an AAIP entrepreneur candidate/nominee within 4 years, or that changed ownership within the past 3 years. AAIP also assesses 'economic establishment' (business presence, viability, economic contribution, workforce plans, applicant capacity, regulatory readiness). The business must also comply with applicable Alberta trade certification requirements (for example, a business in a certification-required trade needs a valid Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training recognized trade certificate).

Points: Rural community (mandatory): Tier 1 under 10,000 = 25; Tier 2 10,001–50,000 = 17; Tier 3 50,001–99,999 = 10. Business experience (mandatory): owner-manager 3 to <4 years 12, 4 to <5 years 16, 5+ years 20; or senior manager 4 to <5 years 12, 5 to <6 years 16, 6+ years 20 (within past 10 years). Total business investment (mandatory): $100,000–$399,999 = 5; $400,000–$599,999 = 10; $600,000–$799,999 = 15; $800,000+ = 20. Net worth (mandatory): $300,000–$399,999 = 6; $400,000–$499,999 = 8; $500,000+ = 10. Job creation (mandatory for new business): 1 job 4, 2 jobs 8, 3 jobs 12, 4 jobs 16, 5+ jobs 20. Business succession 10. Language (mandatory): CLB 4 = 15, CLB 5 = 20, CLB 6+ = 25. Education (mandatory): high school 4, one-year+ associate degree/diploma 7, bachelor's+ 10. Canada/Alberta work or study experience in past 10 years: rural Alberta 12–24 months 10, 24+ months 15; and/or Calgary/Edmonton CMA 18–30 months 6, 30+ months 10; and/or Canada 24–36 months 3, 36+ months 5 (maximum 15). Relatives: in Alberta 5 or in the intended community 10. Spouse language (CLB 4 = 3, 5 = 4, 6+ = 5) and/or education (certificate/diploma 3, bachelor's+ 5), maximum 5. Age 21 to 49 = 5. Maximum 175.

EOI fee $200 (EOI stays in pool 12 months). If requested, submit a complete Business Application within 90 days with the $3,500 non-refundable fee and Qualified Service Provider reports. Both reports (a Business Plan Evaluation Report and a Qualified Service Provider Report on net worth and investment) come from AAIP-approved Qualified Service Providers. If approved, sign and return the Business Performance Agreement within 14 days; AAIP then issues a Business Application Approval Letter (not a nomination) and a free 205(a) Letter of Support to apply to IRCC for a two-year work permit within 3 months, so as to arrive in Alberta within 12 months of the approval letter. Submit an Arrival Report within 30 days, Business Progress Reports every 6 months, and actively own and operate the eligible rural business for at least 12 months (51% new/100% succession) while meeting the Business Performance Agreement, then submit the Final Report for Nomination. Other fees: BPA change $150, subsequent 205(a) letter $150, nomination extension $150, reconsideration $250. Entrepreneurs approved under the established-businesses-in-Alberta criteria do not sign a Business Performance Agreement and are issued a nomination certificate to apply for PR (the eligibility page requires such a business to have operated in Alberta for at least one year before the EOI). Once an EOI is started in the AAIP portal it must be completed within 120 days or the draft is purged. The $200 EOI fee and the $3,500 Business Application fee must each be paid online, with a single credit or debit card, within 24 hours of submission; otherwise the EOI or Business Application is cancelled and cannot be reinstated.

AAIP is currently accepting EOIs. Candidates must have completed at least two years of full-time education resulting in a degree or diploma from an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution; hold a PGWP valid when the EOI is submitted; have CLB/NCLC 7 in each ability (results under 2 years old at EOI); and establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with at least 34% ownership (partners must be citizens/PRs; business not ineligible). Six months of full-time business/incubator experience, economic benefit, age 21–49, spouse factors and Alberta relatives increase chances. A business already operating in Alberta for at least one year before the EOI can lead to nomination after the Business Application without another year of operation. The business must have a physical place of business in Alberta, comply with applicable Alberta trade certification requirements, and the candidate must live in Alberta and take part in its day-to-day management.

AAIP is currently accepting EOIs. Requirements: a degree from a post-secondary institution outside Canada completed within the last 10 years at EOI and equivalent to a Canadian degree (ECA required); at least 6 months of full-time work experience actively managing/owning a business or equivalent (incubator/accelerator); business plan with projected financials and a pitch deck; a business connected to one of the priority sectors (technology, aerospace, financial services, energy, agriculture, tourism, life sciences or pharmaceuticals), shown in the business plan or pitch deck (a mandatory pass/fail minimum); CLB/NCLC 5 in each ability; ownership at least 34% in an urban centre (Calgary/Edmonton CMAs) or 51% in a regional area; minimum investment before coming to Alberta of $100,000 (urban) or $50,000 (regional) from own/spouse equity or a recognized Canadian financial institution, venture capital or angel investment firm, with the initial investment made within the first 12 months of launching the start-up; a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency; and settlement funds based on LICO for at least 6 months (e.g. 1 person: $8,922–$12,961 depending on community size). The business must also comply with applicable Alberta trade certification requirements.

BC PNP issues invitations to Entrepreneur Immigration registrants. 2026 Base stream draws: 13 Jan (min. score 115, 7 invitations), 10 Feb (121, 13), 10 Mar (117, 7), 14 Apr (115, 14), 5 May (115, 8), 2 Jun (117, 15), 30 Jun (118, 14), 28 Jul (117, 10), 25 Aug (116, 11), 22 Sep (119, 10). Regional stream draws in 2026 had minimum scores between 105 and 129 with fewer than 5 to 5 invitations per draw.

Register online (scored on human capital and business concept; qualifying registrations stay in the pool up to six months); if invited, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm reviews net worth before applying, and the complete application must be submitted within four months. Interview possible. If approved, sign a Performance Agreement and receive a Letter of Support (letter of confirmation, valid 90 days); apply for a work permit within 90 days and arrive in B.C. with the work permit within 365 days (12 months) of the date of the letter of confirmation (the program guides, which prevail over the website, set this deadline; the welcomeBC page says within 12 months of receiving the work permit). Base: up to 20 months after arrival to implement the plan; submit the final report 18–20 months after arrival; if satisfied, sign a Conditions of Nomination Declaration and receive a Confirmation of Nomination. The Regional stream follows the same steps after first obtaining a community referral (see BUS-BC-005 for its different final-report timing). Fees: registration $300, application $3,500, request for review $500.

Personal net worth of at least $600,000 (including spouse and dependent children), legally obtained and verifiable by a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm after invitation. Eligible personal investment of at least $200,000 from personal net worth in one business location within 610 days (about 20 months) of arriving on the BC PNP-supported work permit. For a purchase, up to $150,000 of the purchase price may count, plus at least $50,000 must be committed to improve/upgrade/expand the business. Ineligible: cash/working capital, wages to self/family, refundable deposits, real estate, R&D, immigration fees; investment before the invitation is not counted. External financing may be used only above the minimum.

Base (within the past 120 months): more than 36 months as an active business owner-manager with 10% or more ownership; OR more than 48 months as an active senior manager (no ownership or under 10%) supervising at least three full-time employees in a NOC TEER 0 or 1 role; OR at least 12 months as owner-manager plus at least 24 months as senior manager. Education: a post-secondary credential, OR at least 36 of the past 60 months as an active owner-manager with 100% ownership (shareable with spouse/dependent children).

Registrations must score at least 40 on the business concept section and at least 115 in total to enter the qualified pool. Ownership generally at least one-third (33 1/3%); below that, an equity investment of at least $1 million is required. At least one new permanent full-time-equivalent job (30 hours/week average, 1,560 hours/year) for a citizen/PR within 420 days of arrival. CLB 4 in all four abilities (proof may be deferred to the final report unless language points were claimed). Active, on-site day-to-day management; reside within 50 km (by road, no ferry over 30 minutes) of the business and be physically present in B.C. at least 75% of the time on the work permit. Purchases: the target must have been operated by the current owner for at least 60 months. Ineligible types include passive investment, B&Bs, hobby farms, home-based businesses, payday loan/pawn, tanning, car washes, laundromats, used goods, real estate/insurance/business brokerage, real estate development and import/export without value added.

Regional stream (program guide effective May 27, 2024): establish a new business (not a purchase) in a participating community that aligns with one of the community's economic development priorities; personal net worth at least $300,000; eligible personal investment at least $100,000 from personal net worth within 610 days of arrival; at least 51% ownership; at least one full-time-equivalent job for a citizen/PR; more than 36 months as owner-manager, more than 48 months as senior manager, or a 12 + 24 month combination, within the past 60 months; education: a post-secondary credential recognized in Canada, or at least 36 of the past 60 months as an active owner-manager with 100% ownership (which may be shared with a spouse or common-law partner and/or dependent children); CLB 4 with the test submitted at registration; mandatory exploratory visit and a community referral form uploaded with the registration (referral valid 90 days); minimum registration score 105; final report no earlier than 12 months after work permit issuance. The welcomeBC overview describes the stream as for new businesses outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

The Strategic Projects stream offers a pathway to permanent residence for current employees of foreign corporations establishing operations in British Columbia. The corporation must make a minimum equity investment of $500,000 directed towards its B.C. operations, show investment readiness and capacity for international expansion, and be well established and in good financial standing. Each key staff member must be employed permanently and full time with the experience needed to actively manage the business in B.C., and the corporation must create at least three new full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each key staff member proposed, up to a maximum of five key staff. Process: information meeting, registration by invitation, application within 90 days of invitation, a possible interview, corporate Performance Agreement and Letter of Support, work permit application within 90 days, arrival within 6 months of the Letter, Arrival Report within 2 months, final report 12 to 24 months after arrival, then nomination. Fees: registration $300, application $3,500, plus $1,000 for each additional key staff member.

The Entrepreneur Pathway uses a paper-based interim process (EOI emailed to MPNP-BusinessStream@gov.mb.ca with Business Concept Form, Self-Assessment Form and Code of Conduct). The page states that EOI draws for the Business Investor Stream are not currently being conducted. If an EOI meets requirements the MPNP issues a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA); the MPNP aims to review EOIs within four weeks; a processing fee of $2,500 is paid by wire transfer when applying. After approval a Business Performance Agreement must be signed before a work permit support letter is issued; report in person within 30 days of arrival; First Progress Report within 6 months of arrival and Final Progress Report no later than 20 months after arrival (business operating at least 6 months before the final report); then Confirmation of Nomination.

Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience in the past 5 years as an active business owner or in a senior management role of a successful business (owners need at least 33 1/3% ownership to qualify for points; owners score higher than managers); CLB/NCLC 5; Canadian high school equivalency; net worth at least CAD $500,000, verified by an MPNP-approved third-party supplier whose verification report must be submitted with the application within 120 days of receiving the Letter of Advice to Apply. An in-person business research visit is recommended (within one year before the EOI). No age limit (ranking points for ages 25–49). Not eligible: refugee claimants/those in removal or appeal processes, live-in caregivers in Canada, temporary foreign workers working and residing in another province, spouses of Canadian citizens or PRs, persons refused by the MPNP in the last six months who cannot address the reasons, and persons with an active application with another provincial or federal immigration program (an Express Entry profile does not count). Owner experience counts toward the minimum only with at least one-third (33%) ownership. If the applicant or their spouse already has an active MPNP application, they cannot submit another application to any MPNP stream or pathway. The investment ($250,000 or $150,000) and job minimums are checked in BUS-MB-003.

Minimum investment CAD $250,000 for a business in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, or CAD $150,000 outside it, in an eligible business, presented in a business plan. The business must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or PR in Manitoba (excluding owners and their close relatives).

Must: be 19 to 59; have CLB 4 in all four skills; have at least a Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent; have personal net worth of at least $500,000 (or $300,000 if investing in agriculture); have two years of qualifying experience within the last five years: own a private company (51% or more) or be a senior manager in a for-profit business, manage daily operations and supervise at least two employees; have a business plan with at least $150,000 in eligible investments that creates at least one full-time job; and score 65 out of 100 on the selection grid. The Entrepreneurial stream has been replaced by this stream.

Make an eligible investment of at least CAN$150,000 before tax (excluding personal-use purchases) from personal net worth and control at least 33.3% equity. Caps: building/land and leasehold improvements each up to 25%; initial inventory up to 50%; professional services up to 4% or $10,000; vehicle up to 5% or $15,000; first 6 months of operating costs eligible. Create at least one full-time (30+ hours/week) job for a PR/citizen living in New Brunswick (not the applicant or family). Purchase: continuous operation by the same Canadian/PR owner for 3 years, fair market value, net profit in at least 2 of the previous 3 years (audited statements and CRA assessments), continued employment of staff, not in receivership/bankruptcy for 3 years, goodwill not over 10% of net book value. Provide active day-to-day management from within NB; during the Business Establishment Period reside in NB 75% of the time and within 100 km of the business (farms: on or within 10 km). Ineligible types include consultancy, e-commerce/online businesses, home-based, B&Bs, brokerage, property investment, seasonal businesses (tourism/agriculture exceptions) and others.

Age: 19–49 = 10; 50–59 = 5. First official language: per ability CLB 7+ = 5, CLB 5–6 = 4, CLB 4 = 3 (max 20); second official language CLB 4+ in all four = 5. Education: master's/PhD 20; 3-year degree 16; 2-year post-secondary diploma 13; high school 10. Business ownership (min. 51%, day-to-day primary decision maker, supervising at least two full-time employees): 10 years in last 10 = 15; 6–9 in last 10 = 12; 2 in last 5 = 8; or senior management: 10 in last 10 = 9; 6–9 = 7; 2 in last 5 = 5. Business plan/economic benefit (max 25): exploratory visit of at least 5 full business days within 12 months before applying with trip report = 5; transferring at least 5 years of ownership experience to the same industry = 4; located outside greater Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton (more than 20 km from city centre) = 5; eligible investment over $500,000 = 3 or $150,000–$499,999 = 2; relevant statutes/regulations included = 3; detailed market research = 5. Adaptability (max 5): spouse studied 1+ year full-time in NB, worked 6+ months full-time in NB, or has CLB/NCLC 4.

Submit an EOI (free; valid 12 months) with a business plan (NBBIS-BP); if invited, submit a complete application within 90 calendar days and pay the non-refundable $2,000 fee; engage a designated net worth verifier after the ITA (report within 90 days). If approved, sign and return a Business Performance Agreement within 60 days, receive a work permit support letter and apply to IRCC. Report arrival within 1 month (NBBIS-004); request any business plan change within 3 months; open the business within 9 months (NBBIS-005); operate for 1 year within the 24-month Business Establishment Period; after at least 6 consecutive months of operation meeting the BPA and investment, request nomination (NBBIS-006); ImmigrationNB conducts a site visit and interview before issuing the nomination certificate.

Do not apply if you own property and/or a business in another province or territory; have net worth that cannot be verified by a third party; are a passive investor; are enrolled in full-time post-secondary education in Canada; have an immigration application in process in any province or territory (including NB); were refused for misrepresentation in the past 5 years; live illegally or without status in your country of residence; were refused admission to or ordered to leave Canada or any other country; work in Canada without authorization; or have an active or failed refugee or H&C claim in Canada.

The International Entrepreneur category is for experienced business owners or senior managers who will start or buy a business, actively manage it every day and run it for at least one full year before possible nomination. The Expression of Interest system is currently open. There is no provincial fee; applicants pay for language tests, credential assessments, translations, travel for the exploratory visit and in-person interview, the Net Worth Verification Report (designated verifier, sent directly to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism) and federal fees.

Must: be 21 to 59; have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent verified by an ECA done within the last 5 years; want to live permanently in NL and actively manage the business; own or manage a for-profit business; have 2+ years of business ownership and management (25%+ ownership) in the last 5 years OR 5+ years in a senior management role in the last 10 years; score CLB 5 or higher in English or French (CELPIP, IELTS or TEF accepted); submit an EOI and receive an ITA. Applicants applying from outside Newfoundland and Labrador must visit the province before submitting the application. Priority for regional development or high-demand sectors (agriculture, aquaculture, technology, natural resources). Ineligible: illegal residence, removal order, inadmissible, passive investors, persons without legal status.

Have at least CAD $600,000 in personal and business assets that can be transferred to Canada; be ready to invest at least CAD $200,000 in a business with at least 33.3% ownership, or invest CAD $1 million in equity; create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR (not a family member, directly related to the business, fair competitive wage). Purchase: same owner for the past 5 years, meet the current owner during the exploratory visit, fair market value, active and not in receivership, keep current staff on the same wages and conditions. Ineligible: remote businesses, property rental/leasing, real estate/insurance/business brokerage (unless proven to benefit NL), regulated professional services or self-employment, payday loans/cheque cashing/money exchange/ATMs, pawn shops, taxi companies, home-based businesses (unless proven to benefit NL), adult content, non-profits, passive investment, commission-only.

Candidates must achieve a score of 72 (maximum 120). Language: first official language CLB 7+ = 24, CLB 6+ = 22, CLB 5+ = 20; second official language CLB 5+ = 8. Education: PhD 24; master's 20; post-secondary 2+ years 15; high school 12; plus Canadian post-secondary 2+ years 6. Business ownership: 3+ years 15; 2–3 years 5; senior management over 5 years 9. NL economic priorities: technology, agriculture, aquaculture or natural resources 8 (other sectors 4); rural area outside St. John's CMA 4. Age: 21–30 = 10; 31–40 = 12; 41–50 = 8; 51–59 = 4; 60+ = 0. Adaptability: relatives in NL 6; NL work experience 2+ years 4, 1–2 years 2.

After a successful in-person interview the applicant signs a Business Performance Agreement and receives an International Entrepreneur Approval Letter/support to apply to IRCC for a work permit (apply within two months). Arrive in NL within six months of the approval letter (otherwise the file is closed, with case-by-case exceptions for IRCC delays); meet OIM within 30 calendar days of arrival; it is recommended to start operating within six months of arrival. To be nominated, the applicant and dependants must live in NL, have fulfilled the BPA (including transferring the required funds), maintained legal status, and operated and actively managed the business for at least one year.

For graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic: be 21 or older; submit a business continuity plan with verified financial documents; have completed a degree or diploma (minimum 2 years, full-time, in person) within the last 2 years; hold a valid post-graduate work permit; own (at least 33.3%) and actively manage a local business for 1 full year; create at least one full-time job for a citizen/PR; run a for-profit business; CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities; EOI and ITA. Purchases: same owner for past 5 years, active and not in receivership, fair market value, keep current staff.

As of February 18, 2026 the NSNP consolidated ten streams into four (Nova Scotia Graduate, Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, Nova Scotia: Express Entry). The former International Entrepreneur stream continues as the Entrepreneur stream (category A: experienced business owners and senior business managers) and the former International Graduate Entrepreneur stream continues as the Entrepreneur stream's International Graduate sub-criteria (category B) with 'the same eligibility requirements'. The changes apply only to EOIs submitted after February 18, 2026; EOIs already in the pool remain active. Application to the stream is by invitation only (online EOI, then Invitation to Apply).

Do not submit an EOI if any of these apply: misrepresentation finding on an immigration application in the last five years; living in a country where not legally allowed to live; NSNP or Atlantic Immigration Program nomination/endorsement within the last 12 months; in Canada under the Live-In Caregiver Program; applied on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or for refugee status; refused refugee claim; removal order from IRCC or CBSA; currently studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution; holding an unfulfilled scholarship/award requiring return home. Applicants residing outside their country of citizenship must hold valid legal status there at EOI; applicants in Canada must hold valid, unexpired temporary resident status at EOI; maintained (implied) status is not eligible.

Effective September 1, 2026 the NSNP charges a non-refundable $2,000 application fee for the Entrepreneur stream. It applies to EOIs selected for assessment on or after September 1, 2026 (candidates selected before that date do not pay). Deadlines: new business: within 90 calendar days of the ITA; purchasing an existing business: within 180 calendar days; International Graduates: within 90 calendar days. Failure to provide proof of payment closes the EOI. Submitting an EOI is free; IRCC fees are separate. Fees are non-refundable except where required by law or when an administrative error has occurred. The fee is per principal applicant (dependants do not change it), must be paid online in a single payment by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, cannot be prepaid or paid in instalments, and no waivers or exemptions are available. A candidate selected again after a new EOI pays again.

Application is by invitation only; EOIs are ranked on the Entrepreneur points grid and the highest scores are invited first (Nova Scotia may also rank within 'priority sectors'). The published Entrepreneur invitation history shows 2026 draws on 9 Apr 2026 (18 invitations, lowest-ranked score 88), 19 May 2026 (9, 100), 24 Jun 2026 (8, 99) and 23 Jul 2026 (9, 101); 2025 draws ranged from a lowest-ranked score of 78 (27 Feb 2025) to 117 (6 Mar 2025). EOIs are kept for one year.

The applicant must be at least 21 years old, plan to live permanently in Nova Scotia, own at least 1/3 of the equity of the business, take part in the day-to-day operation of the business and operate it from within Nova Scotia.

Net worth of at least CAD $600,000 if the business is within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), or at least CAD $400,000 if outside HRM; the amounts can include the spouse's assets, must be movable to Canada quickly and must have been earned legally. Net worth is confirmed by a Net Worth Verification Report from a Nova Scotia-listed verifier, which must be submitted within 180 calendar days of the Invitation to Apply; a report that differs from the EOI leads to file closure.

The applicant must invest at least CAD $150,000 of their own money to start the business if it is within HRM, or at least CAD $100,000 if outside HRM. All proposed investments must be directly related to the business, and investments made before signing the Business Performance Agreement are not counted. When assessing the Business Establishment Plan, Nova Scotia considers risk factors including external financing and proposals to invest more than 50% of personal net worth.

Within the last 10 years the applicant alone must have at least 3 years of experience as a business owner (the stream web page specifies actively managing and owning with a 1/3 ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years of experience as a senior business manager. Senior business managers manage an organization or vital part of it, supervise other managers/supervisors/professionals, recommend hiring, firing and promotion, and authorize time off. Applicants claiming senior management must show, through employer reference letters, that their duties match a NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1 or 2 occupation (all actions in the lead statement and many of the main duties, including the essential duties).

Experienced owners/managers must meet CLB or NCLC level 5 or higher in speaking, listening, reading and writing, using IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada, even if their first language is English or French. Minimum scores (reading/writing/listening/speaking): IELTS 4/5/5/5; CELPIP 5/5/5/5; PTE 39/42/51/51; TEF 151/226/181/226; TCF 375/6/369/6. Results must be no more than 2 years old on the date the EOI is submitted.

The applicant must have the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.

The business must meet legal requirements, be a for-profit business selling goods or services, have the potential to benefit the Nova Scotia economy (e.g. innovative approaches, new technology or specialized knowledge, products/services for an under-served market), have a fixed address (Income Tax Regulations s. 400(2)) and pay income tax. Not eligible: property rental, investment or leasing; real estate, insurance or business brokerage; payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines; pawn broker; credit union; home-based business (may be accepted if of great benefit to Nova Scotia); co-operative; passive investment; pornography or sexually explicit images; joint venture with another nominee program applicant; businesses paying employees by commission only; professional services or self-employed operators requiring licensing or accreditation; businesses that would bring the Province into disrepute; and businesses operating outside Nova Scotia or requiring a licence the applicant lacks. Real estate construction and development are considered case by case on a compelling-benefit basis.

When starting a new business the applicant must employ at least one person in a permanent full-time position (or part-time employees whose hours add up to full time). Employees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, not related to the applicant, doing work directly related to the business and different from the applicant's work, at wages similar to others in the same field and area. Permanent means year-round (not seasonal); full time means at least 1,560 hours. Hiring must be confirmed by a Financial Statement Review Service Provider.

For a purchase: (1) the same owner must have operated the business continuously for the 5 years just before the purchase; (2) it must be operating and not in receivership; (3) the applicant and business partners must have visited the business in person and met the current owner; (4) the applicant and owner must agree on fair market value; (5) new employees must be offered similar wages and conditions as the previous owner's staff. Applicants planning a purchase must submit an Exploratory Visit Report (business details, visits and meetings with owners, length of stay, service providers and settlement organizations visited, trip documents). A preliminary purchase price and evaluation and the Net Worth Verification Report are due within 180 days of the ITA.

EOIs are scored and the highest scores invited. Points: Business idea: export business 5; business location outside HRM 10; buying an existing business 10; personal investment CAD $100,000–$300,000 = 10, more than $300,000 = 15. Net worth (per Net Worth Verification Report) $400,000–$999,999 = 5; $1 million–$1.5 million = 7; more than $1.5 million = 10. Senior management experience: more than 5 years in the last 10 = 20. Business ownership experience: 3 to 5 years within the last 10 = 20; more than 5 years = 35. Past work in Nova Scotia: applicant 10, spouse 5 (applicant: at least 3 years of work in Nova Scotia in the last 10 years in NOC TEER 0, 1 or 2; spouse: valid work permit and full-time work for at least one year; spouse must immigrate with applicant). Education: high school 8; completion of a 2-year program at a Nova Scotia high school, college or university 10; 1-year diploma/degree 12; 2-year 19; 3+ years 21; two or more credentials incl. one 3-year 22; master's 23; professional degree with a Nova Scotia licensing body 23; doctorate 25; spouse completed a 2-year program at a Nova Scotia high school, college or university 10. Language: first official language CLB 5 = 20, CLB 6 = 24, CLB 7+ = 28; second official language CLB 4+ = 7; spouse CLB 4+ = 5. Age at EOI: 21 to 24 = 5; 24 to 32 = 7; 33 to 39 = 10; 40 to 44 = 7; 45 to 55 = 5; 56+ = 0. Family living in Nova Scotia = 5 (relative aged 19+, citizen/PR, living in Nova Scotia continuously for one year, and a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle or niece/nephew of the applicant or accompanying spouse).

Seven steps: EOI; application after ITA (choose a Net Worth Verifier within 20 calendar days; for a new business submit the eNSNP 100 form and documents, the $2,000 fee and a Business Establishment Plan within 90 calendar days; for a purchase submit those plus the Net Worth Verification Report and preliminary purchase price and evaluation within 180 calendar days; the Net Worth Verification Report is due within 180 days of the ITA in all cases); interview (usually virtual, usually within 30 days of contact); Business Performance Agreement (sign and return within 15 business days), business registration and IRCC employer portal sign-up; Entrepreneur Approval Letter and IRCC work permit application within 60 calendar days; arrival in Nova Scotia within 6 months of the IRCC port-of-entry introduction letter and arrival meeting within 60 calendar days; start operating (should be within 6 months of arrival) and operate for at least one full year; nomination request (family living in Nova Scotia, legal status maintained, Business Performance Agreement fulfilled, required funds transferred, one full year of operation, Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report); PR application to IRCC within 12 months of the nomination letter while holding a valid work permit (request a work-permit support letter at least 90 days before expiry).

Applicant must: be at least 21; plan to live permanently in Nova Scotia; have graduated from a recognized Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College after at least 2 years of full-time study (full-time means at least 15 hours a week) and have lived in Nova Scotia during studies (website: in-person study); hold a valid post-graduation work permit when applying; have started the business as a career objective, not as a way to immigrate; have owned and operated the business for at least one full year before applying (website: one year's continuous active management and ownership) with at least 1/3 of the equity; take part in day-to-day operations; receive a salary from the business at least equal to Statistics Canada's low income cut-off; operate from within Nova Scotia; meet CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities (IELTS 6/6/6/6; CELPIP 7; PTE reading 60, writing 60, listening 69, speaking 68; TEF 207/310/249/310; TCF 453/10/458/10; test no more than 2 years before the EOI). The business must earn enough profit to support the applicant and meet the same legal, for-profit, economic-benefit and fixed-address requirements. For a purchase: same owner for the 5 years before purchase, fair market value, and similar wages/conditions for staff.

Points: Business: export 5; outside HRM 5; buying an existing business 5. Past work in Nova Scotia: 3 to 5 years at NOC 0, 1, 2 or 3 = 10; 5 or more years = 15; spouse's past work 5. Education (Nova Scotia institution): 2-year diploma 12; 3+ year degree/diploma 15; two or more credentials incl. a 3-year program 17; master's 22; professional degree (Nova Scotia licensing body, at least NOC TEER 1) 22; PhD 25; spouse completed a 2-year Nova Scotia program 5. Language: CLB 7 = 20, CLB 8 = 24, CLB 9+ = 28; second official language CLB 5+ = 7; spouse CLB 4+ = 5. Age at EOI: 21 to 39 = 10; 40 to 44 = 7; 45 to 55 = 5; 56+ = 0. Family living in Nova Scotia 5. Process: EOI; after ITA choose a Net Worth Verification vendor within 20 calendar days; submit eNSNP 100, NSNP 500, documents and $2,000 fee within 90 calendar days; interview and business visit (usually within 15 business days of contact); if passed, recommended for nomination; apply to IRCC for PR within 12 months of the nomination certificate while keeping a valid work permit.

The OINP states that the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream has launched and all other streams are now closed; Ontario therefore has no open entrepreneur stream.

Amendments to O. Reg. 422/17 in force June 25, 2026 removed the existing 8 streams and introduced the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, with pathways for individuals with job offers in all NOC TEER categories and for self-employed physicians; the EOI system closed to new EOIs under former streams and no further invitations will be issued under them. Applications already submitted after an invitation under a former stream continue to be assessed against the requirements in effect when submitted.

Before submitting an EOI the applicant must: have a minimum verifiable personal net worth of $600,000 accumulated through legal and legitimate sources in their own right; have at least secondary school education; be 21–59 at application; have transferable management skills and past employment or business ownership experience; meet CLB/NCLC 4; and intend to live and work in PEI while providing day-to-day active and ongoing management of the PEI-based company. Net worth rules: business equity counts only if the applicant/spouse own at least 70%, and only 30% of equity, to a maximum of $180,000, may be used; private loans, gifts and vehicles cannot be counted; inherited assets are considered with a death certificate and will.

Categories: Age (table values up to 30), Language 50, Education 20, Business ownership or senior management 50, Community endorsement 15, Adaptability 35; maximum 200, plus 10 bonus for proof of both official languages. Age: 21–24 = 10; 25–29 = 30; 30–44 = 30; 45–49 = 20; 50–54 = 10; over 54 = 0. Language (lowest of four abilities): CLB 9–10 = 50; 8 = 45; 7 = 40; 6 = 30; 5 = 20; 4 or proof of English/French post-secondary = 0. Education: master's/PhD 20; 3-year bachelor 17; 2-year trade diploma 12; secondary 0. Ownership >50% and manager: 5 of last 7 years 50, 3 of last 5 years 40; ownership 20–50%: 35 / 25; senior manager supervising 3+ staff with under 20% ownership: 30 / 20. Community endorsement: rural 15, capital region 10 (business must then be established in that community). Adaptability: children in PEI school 6+ months 10; spouse PEI post-secondary graduate 5; spouse/children CLB 6+ 10; spouse 3 years' work in last 5 years 5; close family in PEI 12+ months 10; farming experience and plan 10.

PEI's only entrepreneur pathway is the Work Permit Stream: come to PEI on a work permit and operate a business for at least one year before nomination. EOI profile active six months; after an ITA, engage a designated net worth verifier within 15 days (report within 90 days) and submit the application within 60 days with a $10,000 fee (full refund if not accepted; $7,500 refunded if declined/withdrawn before interview; non-refundable after interview). Interview (Performance Agreement signed at interview), letter of support, IRCC work permit (employer portal and compliance fee), report in person within 30 days of arrival. Nomination requires, among other terms: maintaining a PEI residence with accompanying family and physical presence of at least 274 days a year; investing at least $150,000 in the business within 12 months of landing; operating the business for at least twelve consecutive months; active and ongoing management from within PEI; and financial statements showing at least $75,000 of eligible operating expenses.

Effective March 27, 2025 the SINP permanently closed all Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways: no new applications are accepted, no new expressions of interest are considered and no further invitations are issued; existing applications continue to be processed to completion.