International Graduate Entrepreneur

Nova Scotia’s International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) Stream turns your campus hustle into a permanent Canadian future. If you’ve studied in Halifax, Sydney, or at any Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) campus, this pathway rewards your one-year business success with a nomination for permanent residency.

Ready to turn your cap-and-gown moment into a CEO title? Let’s dive in.

What Is the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream?

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is a category of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) created in 2016 to retain talented graduates who actively build the province’s economy. Unlike work-permit extensions, IGE fast-tracks you to permanent resident (PR) status once you prove your venture’s viability.

Quick Snapshot of the Program

• Focus: Recent grads who own ≥ 33.33 % of a Nova Scotia business.
• Experience: 1 year of continuous, hands-on management.
• Language: CLB 7 in English or French.
• Selection Method: Online Expression of Interest (EOI) → Invitation to Apply (ITA) → In-person interview → Nomination → PR.

Eligibility Checklist - Are You Ready?

Meeting every checkbox is non-negotiable; Nova Scotia enforces strict program integrity.

Academic Credentials & PGWP

• Degree/Diploma: At least two academic years, full-time, in-person at a Nova Scotia university or NSCC.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Must be valid during the full 12-month business operation window.

Business Ownership & Management

• Equity Share: Minimum 33.33 % ownership.
• Active Management: Day-to-day decision-making authority for 12 consecutive months.
• Commercial Legitimacy: Proper licensing, CRA registration, and provincial permits.

Language Proficiency (CLB 7) Explained

Accepted tests and minimum scores:

Tip: Book tests early - seats in Halifax sell out fast.

Age, Intent & Residency Factors

• Age: 21+.
• Intent: Signed declaration to reside permanently in Nova Scotia.
• Legal Status: No removal orders or refugee claims in process.

Expression of Interest (EOI) -Crafting a High-Scoring Profile

Your EOI is a self-marketing pitch. Top scores receive ITAs roughly every quarter.

EOI Point System Demystified

Cut-off trends: Since 2023, invitation rounds hovered around 110–120 points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Inflated revenue figures – auditors verify every line.
• Missing CLB-aligned test result – attach the official PDF.
• Expired PGWP – renew in advance if near expiry.

From Invitation to Apply (ITA) to Nomination

Once invited, you have 90 days to submit a full application online.

Application Docs & NSNP 500 Form Walk-Through

• NSNP 500 – Main application.
• Business-Plan Addendum – 12-page template.
• Financials – Signed by an approved reviewer.
• Language Results – Official score sheet.
• Proof of Education – Degree + transcripts.
• Proof of Ownership – Share register, purchase agreement.

Financial Statement Review Service Providers

Tip: Book reviewers 2–3 months ahead - slots fill around fiscal year-end.

Interview Preparation Tips

• Conducted virtually or in Halifax.
• Expect questions on cash flow, market strategy, and HR plans.
• Bring live demo or product samples if applicable.

Post-Nomination Steps to Permanent Residence

A nomination certificate triggers a 600-point boost in the federal Express Entry system or a direct PR paper application.

IRCC Application Basics

• PR Fee: CAD 1 365 (principal applicant).
• Biometrics: CAD 85.
• Processing Time: 6-9 months (paper) or 4–6 months (Express Entry).

Costs, Processing Times & Funding Sources

Government Fees & Business Expenses

Factor in CRA payroll remittances, HST, and local permits (≈ CAD 250–500).

Maintaining Compliance & Program Integrity

The province audits nominated businesses annually for two years.

Reporting Obligations & Audits

• Annual Financials to NSNP.
• Site Visits - provide employee records and tax filings.
• Change-of-Ownership → Notify within 30 days.

Conclusion - Your Nova Scotia Future Starts Now

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream stands out as a fast, clear, and rewarding bridge from classroom to Canadian citizenship. By investing a year of grit in your Nova Scotia venture, you unlock a lifetime of Atlantic-Canadian opportunity. Gather your documents, polish that EOI, and let the coastal capital of Halifax - or any of Nova Scotia’s vibrant communities - become the launchpad for your global ambitions.