What you need
- Intention. To live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.
- The business. At least one year of continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business, with a 33.33% ownership minimum.
- Your credential. A degree or diploma completed after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College.
- Status. A valid post-graduation work permit.
- Language. CLB 7 or higher in speaking, listening, reading and writing, in English or French.
- Process. An online Expression of Interest, and an Invitation to Apply from Labour, Skills and Immigration. Application is by invitation only.
Two points that catch people. The study must have been in person, so a degree completed online or in a hybrid format will not satisfy the requirement however good the business is. And although no net worth threshold applies, you must still name a net worth verification vendor within 20 calendar days of an invitation. The province verifies the financial picture behind the business either way.
The application guide's document requirements also address the salary you draw and the business's ability to support you. Figures cited elsewhere online are not stated on the province's published eligibility list, so we confirm the current position on each file rather than quoting a number here.
How the score is built
Four sections, 120 points. Education points are for Nova Scotia credentials only, and language carries a third of the total.
| Section | Factor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Export business | 5 |
| Business located outside HRM | 5 | |
| Bought an existing business | 5 | |
| Past work in Nova Scotia | 3 to 5 years at NOC TEER 0 to 3 | 10 |
| 5 or more years at NOC TEER 0 to 3 | 15 | |
| Your spouse's past work in Nova Scotia | 5 | |
| Education, Nova Scotia credentials only | 2-year diploma programme | 12 |
| 3-year or longer degree or diploma | 15 | |
| Two or more credentials, at least one a 3-year programme | 17 | |
| Master's degree from a Nova Scotia university | 22 | |
| Degree needed to enter a licensed profession in Nova Scotia, at least NOC TEER 1 | 22 | |
| Doctorate from a Nova Scotia university | 25 | |
| Spouse's education | 2-year programme at a Nova Scotia high school, college or university | 5 |
| Language | First official language CLB 7 / 8 / 9 or higher | 20 / 24 / 28 |
| Second official language CLB 5 or higher | 7 | |
| Spouse's language CLB 4 or higher | 5 | |
| Personal | Age 21 to 39 · 40 to 44 · 45 to 55 · 56 or older | 10 / 7 / 5 / 0 |
| Family living in Nova Scotia | 5 |
From the NSNP Entrepreneur Guide points grid, reviewed 15 August 2026.
The process, and the deadlines
Shorter than the experienced owner route, because you are already here and the business already exists. Four stages rather than eight.
- Expression of InterestScored on the graduate grid, free, completed in one sitting because the form cannot be saved, and held for 12 months.
- Invitation, then file within 90 calendar daysName a net worth verification vendor within 20 calendar days, then complete the eNSNP 100 form and submit the NSNP 500 form with all supporting documents within 90. The $2,000 fee is due in the same 90 day window.
- Interview and site visit, usually within 15 business daysSomeone comes to look at the business. If you do not pass, the file closes and the decision is final with no appeal.
- Nomination, then permanent residenceThe province issues a nomination certificate directly, with no separate work permit or arrival stage. Apply to IRCC within 12 months, and tell NSNP within 30 business days once permanent residence is confirmed.
If your post-graduation work permit will expire while IRCC processes your permanent residence application, ask NSNP for a letter of support at least 90 calendar days before it expires. On this route permit timing is often the whole case.
Graduate Entrepreneur points estimate
Estimate your score on the 120 point grid and test the mandatory requirements. There is no pass mark. An indication only, not an official score, not legal advice.
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